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:

• 

  Typical Toyota Except for - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Lorr - July 16 - 9:43 am

  Solid feel. Door close with a solid thump. Brake feel is the best--dont have to drive Benz, Bimmer, Porsche to know that. Steering effort is light but still retains enough road feel at all speeds--perfect. Smooth running and very quiet on most road surfaces. All these traits spell quality and translate to great value for the money. One gripe--suspension a bit stiff and a little short on wheel travel. Absorbs small road imperfections well but bigger bumps hammer cabin LOUD and HARD.

• 

  Toyota XLE AWD - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By whsu - July 16 - 6:23 am

  Excellent van, very quiet on the road, features are excellent. Safety features are the best in its class. Engine/transmissions are the same ones found in a Lexus. AWD should be great in the snow. Had 4 other Toyota before, after a total of 300,000 no major problems with any of the can/truck/vans. Well worth the money

• 

  So far so good - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Eric - July 15 - 11:56 pm

  I have owned the Rav4 for about 6 weeks and have almost 1800 miles. I have a 4WD limited, 4cyl. It runs smooth and quiet. When it switches gears, mine doesnt "clink" as a previous reviewer said. The 4cyl has more than enough oomph for basic driving. Im not one for towing/hauling, so I didnt need the 6cyl. I like how the CD player reads MP3s. My previous car did not. I can get about 180 songs on a CD. However, the random function seems to play about the same 25 songs... not sure why. All in all happy with my purchase. If I could go back, I would still buy it again.

• 

  NO ONE BUILDS A BETTER VEHICLE - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By MICHAEL - July 15 - 1:30 pm

  The quality of this SUV is amazing. Doors that shut right, fit and finish that is unmistakably Toyota. For a solid rear axle this thing rides great. It is quiet and comfortable. The features are great. Not one single problem. No regrets buying this vehicle.

• 

  landcruiser - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Vince Fabricatore - July 15 - 2:00 am

  After having 7 other suvs over the past 17 years I have found the ultimate vehicle. Great ride, quiet interior, plenty of power, handles the road and bumps with ease and the fuel economy is better than my last V6 suv, and 5 star build quality. A+++

• 

  AMAZING - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By Leqz - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Amazing Car, very comfortable and relaxing, hard not to fall asleep while driving!!

• 

  Best SUV available - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By John M. Philly,PA - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive had 4X4s for over 20 years. Ford,Chevy,Jeep,Nissan and Lexus.This is by far the most capable 4X4 Ive ever driven. I bought a Sequoia Limited with all the options for just under $50K a little over a month ago. We have already had three pretty good snowstorms and the traction control is flawless. The ride and handling is great. I would recommend this truck to anyone, if you can find one.

• 

  Workhorse ! - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Llewelyn - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Weve really enjoyed this car...it has provided years of trouble-free driving. We test drove the 4 cylinder and it was pretty good for a 4, but the 6 is just perfect.

• 

  Great Value - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By sxm - July 15 - 2:00 am

  The car is highly reliable. I have had no major problems with it at all. Not even minor ones like power doors not workig. I have driven it almost 15K miles a year and it has performed without a hitch. The 2.2L 4-cyl. engine is a bit low powered especially if you have to accelerate quickly or if you have the full complement of 5 occupants. For most normal uses that I have put it to this has not been much of a problem. The mileage provided is excellent ( 30 mi. per gallon on freeways). This car is great for someone who wants their car to retain value. After 5 yrs my car still commands almost half its buying price with options. Overall highly recommended.

• 

  X-Ford truck owner - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Charlie A. - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I used to be a Ford truck owner,(until I tried to trade it in) finally made a good choice in trucks this time. The Tundra is fun to drive and pulls my boat with no problems. The Tundra has great pick up(V8) its comfortable and the best thing is it holds its value,unlike the Ford!