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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  Buy V6 youll be glad, but beware... - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By steve - October 24 - 6:00 am

  Dont hesitate to pay the extra bucks to buy the V6. If you dont youll wish you had. On automatics, make sure you put the automatic shift lever in D not 4th gear. When a driver pulls the lever into drive, the shift gate tends to lead you to 4th gear rather than D and I suspect drivers who get low mileage are doing this because the engine doesnt rev that high in 4. When we first got the RAV4, I drove many highway miles in gear 4 without realizing it and my mileage suffered badly.

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  Frans SUV - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By frances - October 23 - 8:30 pm

  Very happy with purchase, only drawback is the noise in the cabin, plenty of sitting room and storage, easy removal of seats for all storage, decent mileage for an SUV.

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  First Toyota - Went Big - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Big Papa - October 23 - 4:46 pm

  This is my first Toyota truck, after driving two Dodge trucks. I am a bit concerned as a check engine light came on after just 235 miles. It seems a cam sensor is defective. I think that means the engine has to be taken apart to fix this issue. I am also experiencing an annoying creaking sound somewhere around my rear view mirror. One visit to the service department has not fixed this issue. I am also a bit disappointed with the cheap license plate mount. I really do like this truck a lot, but in my mind, I should not have the previously noted problems given the price of this vehicle. I will be very disappointed if the issues are not resolved soon.

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  Plastic inside is awful! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By asher - October 23 - 2:33 pm

  The power of the truck is great and hauls anything. The problems are with the plastic, it is junk. The bevel around the stereo took five trips to the dealer and still creaks bad when cold. The driver side seat belt was noisy until after four trips to the same dealer and speaking with the manager got the problem resolved. The TRD is absolutely the most unforgiving off-road package that I have ever had for commuting. You get bounced all over the place. Watch out for the bumps even a small one causes the whole inside to creak bad and your hips will hurt. My twelve year old daughter cant even sit in the back without her legs hurting. The seats are out dated and shake. Wind noise is very high.

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  Great Little Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Steve - October 22 - 11:23 am

  I purchased this vehicle new in May, 2006. I have received mixed reviews from friends and family regarding the looks and size of the car, but my intention was to purchase a car that was good on gas with the reliability of a Toyota. I average approximately 36 miles per gallon, mostly freeway with some in town. I am 6 feet tall and have plenty of leg and head room. Anyone sitting behind me is cramped. My complaint, is the positioning of the steering wheel. Because I have to have the seat all the way back, the steering wheel is too far away and I find myself constantly shifting steering hands because of the discomfort. Would be nice if the wheel telescoped. Truly annoying!

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  great truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Gary - October 22 - 4:43 am

  I have found not problems with the truck. when needed the 4 wheel drive is indispensible. have never been stuck and vehicle always starts. Installed an engine block heater for cold climates.

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  My Avalon - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By Lezahm - October 20 - 8:20 pm

  For my retiree life, I have enjoyed the economy of my Avalon. Trunk is very roomy. Would like an American seat. Needs more room in front than back. Dials need to be in front of steering for time, mileage, etc. Toyota should not scrimp on good tires on a new model, as their brand had to be replaced in 15,000 miles, when the manufacturer warranted (with fine print) 30,000. I bought a different brand and paid full price for Michelin which I asked for when purchased but they would not give to me; therefore I had to take their tires if I wanted the car. I did not like that. I got no consideration unless I replaced the shabby tires that came on it from that company.

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  Decent, but not what I expected - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Will - October 20 - 2:33 pm

  After several very positive experiences with Toyota, I came up with a downer. Quite evident, the more Toyota grows, the more it has taken some quality control out of there vehicles. I have 6k miles on mine and have an off and on noise that happens at 75-80 (dealer cant diagnose cause they can only drive it up to 70), front dash rattles, passenger door rattles and has had to be towed as it wouldnt start (Thank God I purchased the extended service plan otherwise I would have been really irked paying for towing on a 3 month old truck). I wouldnt mind a littler better mileage but its not bad. Power is good for a V6 and comfort is good as well. I still like it but wish it were better.

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  owner - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By mohsen - October 19 - 6:33 pm

  excellent suv,runs excellent -- very very strong

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  great ride never had better - 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Chirs Carpentieri - October 19 - 10:00 am

  pros: This car is a great ride I have never riden a better suv that is this big. It is right next to the mitsubishi endeavor. The navigation system is easy to use and great on the road. The seat are comfortable. This car is also a great 4wheel drive in the snow it has no trouble. I would get this over a hummer any day. Better on gass then most big size suvs. cons:Not the greatest body, on the outside. Cargo room is very little with 3rd row seating. A very heavy car for being made by toyota