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:

• 

  Chrchnrs - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By chrchnrs - August 31 - 8:03 pm

  I have owned my 2005 Prius for about 6 months. I have had no problems. The gas mileage was not quite as advertised, but still very pleased as compared to conventional cars. I plan to keep this car for a LONG time.

• 

  Superb Reliability - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By Buhite - August 31 - 7:46 pm

  This is the most reliable automobile I have ever owned. We have two 1998 Corollas one is an LE and the other a CE. Both were purchased used at 30,000. Both now have over 100,000. This is truly an economy car needing normal maintenance and only one repair ever: the throttle position sensor on both cars one time.

• 

  WOW! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By George Hanover - August 31 - 4:16 pm

  I was happy with my Avalon XLS in 1996, liked my 99 Platinum Edition better, and was even more pleased with my 2002 XLS. But my new 2005 Limited is over the top. Sporty, comfortable, fun to drive, plenty of zip, the best Avalon mileage yet, and every bell and whistle imaginable, including Smart-key entry. I used to call them "the poor mans Lexus." Ill take my 05 Limited over the new GS Lexus.

• 

  First Time Toyota Owner - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By chopn - August 31 - 4:13 pm

  Bought as a replacememt car for my wife as a daily driver. We purchased a 2012 Toyota Camry se and really love the car. We had the car for a month and decided to go on vacation and we loved the car even more. I am not a small person but I love the way the driver seat feels and i have plenty of room, easy to see out of windshield and side mirrors. Plenty of room for drinks in the cup holder and the usb port area have room to hide your cell phone because your connected to the bluetooth EnTune system. Has great fuel millage and the ride is very quiet with no road noise. We looked at other cars but the camry is the one for us.

• 

  The Best Suv - 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Awesome!! by Dimi - August 31 - 12:56 pm

  This is my 2nd LC. Ive got 98,000 miles on my 2001 and with no repairs! I even pull a horse trailer and a 1700 lb. clydesdale. This SUV is aweseome!! I plan on purchasing another one when I get to 150,000 miles. My car looks and drives like a new vehicle. In fact, many people mistake it for new. I just replaced the timing belt and brakes -- just maintenance. One of a kind!!!

• 

  2000 Land Cruiser - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By BBrown - August 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought this off of a lease. The deal was no hassle with the price set at a reasonable 41,000. (Try to buy a LX 470!) With the certified program and Toyota quality I had no fears of "used car" problems. This has been a dream vehicle whith lots of power. Pros: Quality, Feeling of security, ergonomics, comfort, Quiet ride, fun factor. Cons: Mileage, transfer case seal leak (warranty), Mileage, relative cost compared to new High End SUVs, Mileage.

• 

  Did they make this car just for me? - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Smatterbain - August 31 - 10:00 am

  When I started looking into this car, I thought Toyota had gone and designed a car just for me! I mean, I needed a sub $20000 vehicle with at least 4 doors, with a sporty feel and great reliability. Took one look at this car and knew it was the one. Didnt want a stick so, the XRS was out of the picture and the XR had all the options and specs that I wanted. I drove it first in a base model with 16" steel rims and let me tell you how much a huge difference the 17x7.0" aluminums make. The car has great handling, a little heavy, but still really great. Happy I bought it and looking forward to many good years life from this Toyota.

• 

  The Beast Truck Of All Trucks!!! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By CHUCK - August 31 - 8:03 am

  The performance on this vehicle is amazing. Toyota really hit a grand slam with this one! From its design utility and performance is the best truck money can buy!! Trust me I drove them all and this truck by far exceeds all expectation of truck buyer.

• 

  2001 RAV4 AWD Automatic - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Blondebear1 - August 31 - 1:03 am

  I have gotten 25 mpg consistently with my RAV4 using synthetic motor, transfer case and differential oils. Acceleration is adequate for me. Do not listen to the automotive review writers when they tell you this car is underpowered. I can easily go 90 mph. I love the easily removable rear seats and the large cargo area removing them provides. I dont bump my head when entering. Good storage in the dash for stuff. Antilock brakes work great.

• 

  Worth the wait ....so far - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Larry S. - August 30 - 10:56 pm

  Had a very hard time getting a loaded 4x4 Limited V6. Only have it a few weeks but so far it was worth the wait. There is no other vehicle in its class that compares. The fit and finish, ride, look and everything about the car is great. The dealer experience was horrible. The car has electric steering, a great turning radius and most of the bells and whistles one could want. I originally was against having the spare mounted on the tailgate (which opens like a door instead of like a hatchback) but it isnt heavy opening the door and it affords internal storage space. Havent had an opportunity to verify the MPG but it seems good so far. Love the big 6 but settled on color due to availability.