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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  MY 2002 CAMRY - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By william goldman - September 17 - 6:00 am

  When my Corolla was starting to get too small for me, I decided to get something larger. I purchased and extended warrantee, and have yet to use it. This vehicle made it through two years if freezing Toledo, Ohio without a single problem. I just turned 54,500 miles, and the car drives like new. This will most certainly be my last vehicle. With this low mileage, the car will outlast me.

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  I love my 03 Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Bob - September 17 - 3:16 am

  We bought our o3 Sequoia new and have put over 105K on it since. My wife loves it and doesnt want anything else. I never thought shed adjust so easily to such a large vehicle--no problem. The thing is rugged--we hit a guard rail at about 60 mph when we first got, and although it did considerable damage, we felt completely safe--it could have been MUCH worse. This was the only 4 wheel drive that could get out of our neighborhood during this winters blizzard in Northern VA. Our neighbors were cheering us as we blazed a trail up the street. Id consider getting a new one--if I could get my wife to give up her old one!!!!

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  Excellent value - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Camille - September 17 - 1:13 am

  Ive had my Rav4 for nearly 8 years and the only issue I ever had was with the engine light coming on within the first 2 or 3 years. Since the car was still under warranty, the O2 sensor that was causing the light to go on was replaced/repaired, and Ive had no problems at all since then. With a standard transmission, it not only gets over 25 MPG even in city traffic, it also has great pick-up. I like having plenty of room. It came in handy when I moved. Removing and replacing the rear seats is challenging (but doable) for me, but for someone who isnt petite it might not be too difficult. I still think its a good looking car, too. Its one of the wisest purchases Ive ever made.

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  I like it - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By DC Calif - September 16 - 11:43 pm

  Great car. I have only had it 3 weeks but I am impressed (good). My other vehicle is F-150 V-8, but this little 4 banger (4 cyl) really has the power, I cant imagine a V-6 in this thing. It only has about 870 miles so far but it really goes fast, I have to watch my speed to keep it under 70 mph. We took the car over to the coast to break in the engine. Up hill and down around sharp curves it was great, power was right there better than my F-150 V-8. Gas mileage is outstanding... on our road trip to the coast and back, freeways at 70-80... my average is 28.1 mpg. I could not believe it. The only bad thing is the brakes. You really have to push the brake pedal hard when coming to a stop sign.

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  Great Truck - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By frankofgeorgia - September 16 - 3:43 pm

  I bought this truck brand new. Ive owned a Ford F150 and a Nissan pickup. This has been the best truck by far. The ride is more like driving a car than a truck. The V8 has more than enough power; I pull a trailer for work and never had any problems pulling up very steep inclines. I use this truck for hunting and have not gotten stuck yet (2wd). I have 117,000 miles and still drives like new. Other than routine maintenace, Ive had to replace 4 O2 sensors three on front and one on rear; there are four total on the V8. The factory toyota front brakes rotors will only last 30,000 miles. I got an aftermarket set which came with a lifetime warranty and are holding up better.

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  Solara 2006 - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By NB - September 16 - 10:50 am

  My Solara 6 cyl performs like a thoroughbred. The leather seats are comfortable and the instrument panel is very good. There is a need for a place to put your loose change. The armrest compartment needs to flip open to the side instead of opening flipping backwards. The navigation system should offered as an option.

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  This truck Rocks!! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Steve-O - September 16 - 8:33 am

  Have only had it for 2 weeks but we are very happy! Having owned a Toyota truck from 91-98 and then a Ford Ranger from 98-2005, there is no comparison on quality and design. Toyota has it all hands down. This truck crushes all competition hands down in every category that we looked at and we pretty much drove them all. Bravo Toyota for building the truck that all others will be chasing for many years to come!

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  A Better Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tom F. - September 16 - 7:10 am

  I had a 1999 Tacoma and the 2005 is a much nicer truck in every respect. I am very happy with it so far. It has more power, more room, and a much nicer interior than the 99. The ride is very car like and the handling is very good. I got 24 mpg on the first tank of gas. The transmission shifts very smoothly and the brakes are strong. The composite box and movable tie down anchors are a very well done.

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  200,000 miles & still going!! - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Dinah Fuller - September 16 - 5:33 am

  I still have my first car, a 1969 VW Beetle. Our son in Dallas drives it now. This is my second car. Im a realtor in Tulsa and have put 200,000 miles on my Camry since May 1998. The ONLY problem Ive had is the transmission, which I replaced at 180,000 miles. I change oil every 3,000 miles and have her regular check- ups. Im giving her away and buying a new one.... the gas tank "flap" wont open!! As good a reason as any, I guess.

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  Camry XLE V6 - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By CBHP - September 15 - 10:00 pm

  I have had the car since November 2001. I upgraded from a 2001 Camry LE to the 2002 XLE V6. This was a great upgrade, the car is much more powerful and comfortable to drive. After about 15,000 miles, I am still loving it.