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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  I love my Solara! Desert Toyota too! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Vegasbuyer - June 24 - 11:00 pm

  This was, without a doubt, the most stress free vehicle purchase in my 30+ years of driving. While my wife and I are die-hard Toyota owners, 35 years ownership of 10 different Toyotas between us, we had our price range and the dealer we wanted. Get a Solara convertible with the 6-cylinder engine. This car handles like a dream and is great on the freeway and city streets. Its great on a cool evening in the mountains and when the sun heats up the Valley come June, the AC is unbeatable. Great pick-up off the line and terrific sight lines. I suggest your next car be a Solara convertible

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  I love my new car! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By kathleen - June 24 - 4:53 pm

  I just purchased this yesterday! I went to the dealership for a used SUV. Discovered the Venza and fell in love. This is a beautiful CUV. Roomy, luxurious and very eye catching. It has zing...so much Im bound to get a ticket! Its very attention getting and handles much better than a standard SUV. Its so nice. Im so happy with it. Its a soundproof car drive, but has the size of an SUV. Home improvement store, auctions and grocery runs will continue with this CUV. Its a very nice vehicle. Great price for this auto!

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  I love my RAV4 - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Dan - June 23 - 10:36 pm

  Once I decide to trade in my car I wanted something with more cargo than my Nissan Altima. My first choice was the new Mazda 3 5 doors. While doing my research I came across the Toyota Rav4. It rates the same MPG but has more cargo space, about the same price and looks way better. Reading reviews and comparing all the competitors I chose the 2009 Toyota RAV4. It has the power (4 cyl), it has the looks (no cheap black plastic going around the bumper) and the Toyota Reputation. It rides nice, quiet and firm. Driving in the city so far I got 26.2 mpg and still going up. I cant wait to see how much I get at our road trip to the north.

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  Great Car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By kwc1987 - June 23 - 3:46 pm

  The 99 Toyota Camry is a great car for me so far. I have had no problems with it. The car rides very nice and I think it will last me through college. The only problem I have is the suspension is noisy when it goes over rough bumps. I am 64 and I really feel comfortable because the seat adjusts back/forth and up/down. Its a great car and I have read great reviews on this car!

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  Buy one and you wont be disappointed!! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Chris G - June 23 - 2:33 pm

  You dont need to be someone who thinks buying a hybrid is going to save the world to enjoy this car. I love it. People say it is the car of the future. Cars should all be like the Prius. I have driven mine for 3 months. It was still in the below 0 temperatures when I first got it in Feruary. I got about 40 mpg. Now that the temperature is 60-70 degrees, I get about 50 mpg. It is plenty big for my 8 month old, my wife, myself and all the attachments that go along for a long weekend. The trunk is big. My wife loves that it makes me a more conscious driver. Speeding kills mpg, so I slow down.

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  One Amazing Rig - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rav4Runner - June 23 - 3:06 am

  Have had my runner for about 4 months now, and I must say amazing in every category. The mileage has been great so far (17.5 average) and the V8 is smooth and purrs like a happy cat. Not to mention it tows great! I would not get any other vehicle.

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  Very happy with it! - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By Pogradeci - June 22 - 9:16 pm

  After having been driven an Aurora and spending thousands of dollars on gas and repair, I decided to buy a Toyota car. Since my 1st choice the Prius was a little over my budget, decided to go with the Matrix. Bottom line I am very happy with my choice. The car is easy to drive, has a lot of cargo space and I spend much less time at the gas pump.

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  Great value for the money! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By terrib - June 22 - 1:10 pm

  Bought my 03 Corolla used with 87,000 miles on it. I am a Home Health nurse and needed an inexpensive, reliable car with good gas mileage and a roomy trunk. This Corolla has met all my needs and then some. I have fallen in love with this car. I spend hours a day in it, minimum 500-600 miles a week in all kinds of conditions and weather and this car has not let me down yet. I now have 123,000 miles on it and plan to drive it another 120,000 +. No mechanical issues. I have only performed maintenance: replaced filters, tires, brakes, spark plugs, as well as oil changes every 3000 miles and transmission service. One small problem,have blown a fuse twice from using plug in to charge laptop computer.

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  Consumer Reports is dead right - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By TRDTundra - June 22 - 12:03 pm

  What a great truck. Dont believe the BS about how this truck doesnt tow like the domestic counterparts. I have the factory towing package and this truck tows my 21 foot Bass Boat like it wasnt even hooked up back there. Drives and rides very smooth, almost like a quality sedan. Of course, it also has Toyota reliability and warranty.

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  A great value for such a luxurious ride - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By Khoa - June 22 - 11:23 am

  Ive had my 08 LE 8-passenger for 1.5 months now. Im almost done with the first 1K mile break-in (currently ~ 900 miles) and so far the experience is great. The van drives like a luxurious car, so roomy and comfortable that my toddler keeps asking to get on the van. We got our LE with option 1. We have driven over the mountain (from SJ to Santa Cruz, CA) a few times and the van has enough power to climb up with ease. On the highway, we were surprised that its so smooth and quiet. Combining hwy and city driving, we have averaged ~ 22 mpg over 900-mile.