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:

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  Great vehicle! - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Gene - December 2 - 8:53 am

  Purchased in Nov 2009, use primarily on long trips, although some around town avg gas mileage in low 20s mixed driving, on highway gotten as high as 27 mpg with the V6 AWD, doing 65 to 70. Very satisfied with that. Comfortable, roomy, love the heated seats, have to be a computer science major to work the nav system and other elect stuff. Great car so far. No problems re recall issues.

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  My "Dream" car - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Gram - December 2 - 8:50 am

  My RAV4 is an unbelievable value. I had a 1999 RAV4 before I bought the 06, and it was one of the most reliable cars I have ever driven. Performance/handling is excellent, with ESC (electronic stability control). Fit and Finish is OK, with cloth seating, and some nice interior touches. Major flaws include no cargo net (when I have a heavy load, sometimes things fall out.), and thats about it. My RAV4 is probably one of the most reliable cars out there, today. Truly, my RAV4, is my "Dream" car.

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  State of the Art - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Madison - December 2 - 7:30 am

  We love our Prius. Weve had it for a week now. Favorite features include Voice activated system, such as simply saying "radio on" and "Shopping Malls" with the DVD navigation is very easy to use. Very roomy, great gas mileage (47 MPG avg after 1 week) and fun to drive. The backup camera is great and the smart key makes getting in and out easy. No complaints here. Great purchase and would suggest that you buy one if youre thinking of it.

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  LOVE IT - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Lass - December 2 - 7:30 am

  I love my Sienna. I had an Express and thought I couldnt go smaller, but I did. It has everything I needed. We have 5 grandchildren and three in the family. We needed eight seats. It has plenty of storage and handles very well. Weve only had it a week, but I am very very pleased.

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  Family Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By ack4us - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Just traded an 01 Grand Cherokee Ltd after having baby#2. The Grand Cherokee is all things bad about American built cars. Bought an SR5 with every option available except heated seats. Had those doen after market along with Spoiler and DVD system and still paid thousands less than an equivalent Limited. Quite frankly, the two tone Natural White/Silver is a better looking vehicle than the Limited. And our friends have remarked how much nicer looking it is that our relatives 2002 Landcruiser!! After the Grand Cherokee and a 1998 EB Expedition, this is a keeper. You will have a difficult time finding another SUV as loaded as this for the money!!

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  Reliability plus - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Bill Ivory - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I am a tour operator in Australia - I use my Toyota L/C Diesel wagon to tour Margaret River wineries and outback areas and wanted to share with you that these are the most highly regarded vehicles in tough country. Good comfort over rough roads and long distances and proven reliability. I love it; my customers do too.

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  poor mans porsche boxster - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By j. murigi - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I had always wanted to own the previous generation mr-2 but I was in college and could not afford one. When they were discontinued in 1995, I thought that my dream of owning a new one would never become a reality. I had driven the old one. This new MR-2 handles precisely, and engine is perfect for this lighter car. I also like the ease of operating the convertible. However, the 95 appears to have had a much more superior craftmanship.

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  The Little Car That Could... - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By pipkinra - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Wasnt looking for a new car but my current Toyota SUV was almost paid off and was getting nervous about having all that extra money,so stoped at the Toyota Dealer and as you walked in there was a Dark Blue Celica. Love at first sight.Test drove the Acura RSX but didnt care for the interior materials or the instrument cluster. Considered the Hyundai but worried about the resale value. Thought about the Mazda6 but wanted to get away from the sedan look and wanted something under 20,000. Test drove it and loved everything about it. Got the Update package which has everything you could want in a sports car. Although have to admit I liked that Mazda6.

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  I think the front struts need a recall - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Frank Gonzalez - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Everything has been great with this car except for the front struts that I have had to bring in to be serviced. That cost over $300. It is obviously a common problem and should be recalled and fixed by Toyota at no cost to the car owners.

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  Is it really an SUV? - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Jeffrey R. Broido - December 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car, plain and simple. Its not really an SUV, having been built on a Camry- not a truck chassis. The center of gravity is low, the car is wider and shorter than a sedan, its a cinch to park, has a great turning radius and, best of all, handles more like a sports car than a Jeep. Its a bit under-powered and gets minimally acceptable fuel mileage, but we live with it. A great vehicle all around, especially with the rear seats removed to yield a cavernous cargo area.