Overview & Reviews

Toyota is a Japanese brand whose refined, well-designed vehicles have earned it a great deal of popularity. Toyotas also have a superb record for reliability and durability, which goes a long way toward justifying their typically high purchase prices. For buyers who plan on owning their new vehicles for a long time, the Toyota marque is a very compelling choice.

The automaker's name is a variation of the surname of its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. After years of research, Toyoda unveiled his first prototype, the A1, in 1935, marking the birth of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The '40s witnessed the launch of additional passenger cars and even a pickup. By the end of the decade, the automaker had produced more than 100,000 vehicles.

Toyota grew bigger in the '50s and expanded its roster with a slew of new small cars. The company also unveiled the utilitarian BJ truck; this vehicle was the precursor to the Land Cruiser. By the end of the decade, Toyota had commenced exports to the U.S. with the establishment of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. The first Toyota to be sold on American shores was the Crown; it held the distinction of being the first Japanese car to be sold Stateside.

The '60s witnessed even more growth for the emerging juggernaut. Toyota introduced the Corolla, an immensely popular model that is still in production today. Vehicles like the home-market Publica, the 2000GT, Hiace and Miniace were also launched. The decade closed with Toyota reporting annual domestic sales of 1 million units; cumulative exports also reached 1 million.

Japanese-market cars like the Carina, Light Ace and Publica Starlet were launched during the 1970s. In the States, the Corolla grew in popularity and the Corona and Mk II models debuted as well. The successful Celica sports coupe was also rolled out and would remain in production for more than 30 years. Toyota's shadow had spread far beyond Japan by this point. The decade's oil crisis had made the manufacturer's compact, fuel-efficient models more popular than ever in the United States. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker had exported more than 10 million vehicles.

Toyota expanded its presence in the U.S. market during the '80s, with the introduction of popular models like the 4Runner SUV and the MR2 sports car. The true high point of these years, though, was the birth of the Toyota Camry sedan. Originally known as the Celica Camry in Japan, the car went on to be a hit of phenomenal proportions, earning kudos as America's best-selling car of the year time and time again.

During the '90s, Toyota rolled out the Avalon full-size sedan and expanded its selection of SUVs with the compact RAV4. By the end of the decade, more than 100 million Toyota vehicles had been produced in Japan. The company also proved itself on the cutting edge of new technology with the rollout of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The car debuted in Japan in 1997; by 2001, the fuel-sipping sedan had made its way to American highways. Despite the presence of a growing number of competitors in its segment, the Prius continues to boast class-leading sales.

Toyota's current lineup is relatively extensive, including minivans, cars, trucks and SUVs. The brand remains extremely popular among savvy consumers who place a high value on quality and dependability.

User Reviews:

• 

  Venza 2,7 L - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By ABEMAN - March 27 - 10:10 am

  We have the Venza about 6 months and now has about 6,000 miles. We got a great price at the dealership. Rare Tropical Blue color makes the car look beautiful and luxurious. Very pleased with the roominess of the interior and the back seat. The drive and handling. The car is very dependable with no problems up to the first oil change. Toyota put a lot of thought into the design. Even at a base model there a lot of features which are standard. More than enough for the casual driver. The longer, I sit in the vehicle the more uncomfortable the seat. I think in time I will put Leather Seats in this car. I plan on keeping for a long time.

• 

  Great Car - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By Toyota Lover - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Drove this car for 8 years and enjoyed driving it daily. Had an accident two weeks ago (rear ended) that should have injured everyone in the car, but it held up and we all walked away. GREAT CAR!

• 

  I thought Toyotas were some of the best - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By ecbuzz - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I loved the vehicle. It fit me to a "T". After owning it for about 1 1/2 years I started having problems with skipping. After several mechanics looking at it, I took it to a transmission man and he found a ball bearing had broken and ground up in the transmission so I had to replace it. He said hes has several Toyotas with the same thing. In 2010 it started loosing oil but couldnt find where. The third mechanic found it had a broken oil ring on the #1 cylinder and needs a new motor. So much for Toyota.

• 

  Well worth it - I highly recommend - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By medina607 - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought my base 4 cylinder 4WD new, have averaged only 10,00 miles a year, and have absolutely no complaints. Very reliable. Great looking little SUV with surprising cargo capability - I once fit a twin size mattress in it with the back hatch closed. Have to believe that buying one of these used is a good choice.

• 

  Dangerous Accelerator - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Econpasha - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Traded in our 18-month old Tacoma truck for the Highlander. Same pushy salesman/dealer for both. In less than 2,000 miles, the accelerator "lost power" three times. Second time, I went to talk to the sales people; they told us to bring it in to the service dept. the next time it happened. Two weeks later, it happened again. Luckily the third event happened near the dealer. They kept it overnight and replaced the accelerator pedal! Almost got hit on a main road because the car would not move no matter how much I pressed on the accelerator. I could not get of the way of oncoming traffic. Scary! Lost all confidence in Toyota, even though I still own a 2008 Lexus LS460.

• 

  Disappointed with the Camry - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Ron B - March 27 - 10:00 am

  This car jerks before it accelerates. It lurks when the brakes are applied. The interior materials looks like its made of cheap plastic. The color is ugly. Parts of the engine, drive shafts, bolts, nuts, show very early rusting, and got worse after a year. It is so underpowered that it makes a lot of vibration and noise during acceleration. I would not recommend this car.

• 

  Great Toyota Product - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By DLB - March 27 - 5:20 am

  Bought the 4 cyl. awd Highlander new in June 01. We put 24,000 miles a year on it. It has been great. The only problem weve had is a recurring check engine light that our dealer finally determined to be caused by the catalytic converter---installed a new one in March 05 under warranty. My wife loves the high seating position. Wish wed sprung for the leather package.

• 

  Tis Better To Wait - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By If you Can Wait !!! - March 26 - 4:33 pm

  I bought one of these beautys when they first came out. Its a good ride and very fun to drive.

• 

  LOVE my Tacoma! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Buffy - March 26 - 11:16 am

  My 05 Tacoma already has 7000 miles on her and has been from the Gulf Coast, to the top of the Rockies and back without a single hiccup. I get admiring looks everywhere I go and people always ask to look inside. The 4WD system is superior (did great in the deep snow) and the new composite bed is fantastic. Lots of clever interior storage space along with very comfortable seating for 5 adults. One time I got 24 mpg on the highway (had a tailwind), but I usually only average 18 mpg in the city. The performance of the V6 engine is very close to V8 in the Tundra, and it even has a cool, powerful sound when you accelerate. Get yourself one soon, only not in white... mines white.

• 

  Just a great truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Richard - March 26 - 2:03 am

  I was happy with my 2002 Tundra, but it was an access cab and I needed the D-cap easier access. The 2004 I have is a TRD and the handling difference between that and my 2002 SR5 is remarkably better. Cabin ride is very quiet and comfort is quite nice on long trips. The only problem I had was a bad battery which the dealer quickly replaced free. Had the same problem twice with my 2002. Im nearing 50K and have had perfect service and dependibility. Until 1988, I never drove a Toyota. Since then, its nothing but Toyotas for our family. Cant wait for the 2007! Hope its not too big!