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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  TERRIBLE to drive!! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Kelly - October 15 - 6:40 pm

  This car has the absolute WORST driveability of any car that I have recently driven. This purchase is a HUGE MISTAKE and I have nothing but REGRETS!!. It DOES NOT GO IN STRAIGHT LINE ON THE HIGHWAY!!!!!! It needs CONSTANT, and I mean CONSTANT, steering corrections to keep it going straight ahead. So your arms get EXTREMELY tired in a very short time (And yes, Ive checked the alignment SEVERAL times). I had a friends 2000 Geo Metro Hatchback for a couple months last year, and that car tracked waaaayy better (and thats a $1000 car for crying out loud!!!!!!!). It is impossible to take this car on anything more than a half hour drive without feeling your arms are going to fall off!!!

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  Well built - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By will199104 - October 15 - 6:30 pm

  I bought my sienna in 2005 with 75K; 7 years later it now has 160K and is still running strong. In my opinion the sienna is rather homely when compared to other minivans, however it makes up for this with its excellent built quality and reliability. I have never had any problems with this van is the seven years that I owned it. It has excellent build quality both under the hood as well as in the body (very sturdy). It is not very fun to drive but I have yet to find a minivan that is. The sienna does have an excellent ride both on the highway as well as in the city. I am amazed at how well it has held up over the years.

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  In the top percentile for sure - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By deeman - October 15 - 1:43 pm

  One really can not complain about Toyota performance and value. Its a tough market out there today with all the mini-utes and I dont anything will be disappointed with owning a Rav4. The driving experience is excellent. The manual transmission is definitely the way to go for fun driving and acceleration. The AWD system is the best in class.

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  08 Highlander Hybrid Ltd. w/ Nav - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Bill of CA - October 15 - 11:10 am

  Coming out of a 00 Lexus RX300, I tend to compare the Highlander w/ that SUV. The driving position is not as comfortable as I cant rest my elbows on either armrests when Im driving. The rest of the SUV is good for hauling my family of 5 around town. DVD system w/ wireless headsets is great b/c I can listen to my music while the kids watch their Cartoons. The Nav works OK, but sometimes it sends me in circles. The 2nd row configuration is what sold me on this SUV; it gets you close to what a minivan can do. It misses the minivan in cargo space aft the 3rd row-its just enough for a folded Combi single stroller, but not much more. It makes up by getting better MPG than the minivan-at a cost.

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  Fun To Drive! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By FabGirl - October 15 - 3:20 am

  I love my navigation. I will NEVER EVER get another car without it. Im NOT a fan of the two doors. Its too hard to get in and out of the back seat. Its a smooth ride but the seal on the windows needs to be better. I had to take it in twice because of whistleing. The leather seats are already cracking as well. I also hate the tires. I had 2 sets put on already because they wear so quickly and at 150/tire, thats crazy. Other then that this is a nice car!

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  2001 4 Runner 4 X 4 - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By R. McNamara - October 14 - 2:16 pm

  This vehicle has lived up to all my expectations. I live in a very snowy area, it went through waist deep snow with no problems. The 4x4 system is easy to use. It is painted dark green. The front bumper is painted to match and it doesnt hold up well to chips from rocks. The paint shows every ding and scratch. The preset number buttons on the factory radio are almost worn off completly.

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  Better late than never? - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Rick Wunder - October 14 - 12:00 pm

  Its been 4 years since I picked up my Camry. It now has 99,000 miles, and I have had zero problems with it. I replaced the original Michelin tires at 75k miles, along with the rear brakes. Front brakes were done at 98,000 miles. Id like to see improved instrument panel lighting. It is difficult for my 59 year old eyes to see the gauges (including the speedometer) at night. From what Ive seen, this has been improved in later model years. Although this is a lot of car for the money, I would have gladly spent a bit more for traction control, but it was not available with the 4 cyl. engine.

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  Sips gas, limo like back seat, great family car! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By blackpoint - October 14 - 10:08 am

  As a young family of 3 we wanted to get a car where the kids elbows dont touch which sparks arguments and they cant kick the front seats which drives me nutty. Low MPG SUVs were out and putting money into a dreadful minivan felt as good as paying federal taxes. We are in our 30s and this car seemed out of our age group but the Touring edition adds some youthful style and lets face it, still better looking than a minivan. The reclining rear seats are great for the kids. Smooth and quiet ride even at 90,000 miles and about 31 MPG on the highway. Rides equal to a newer vehicle but we only paid about $13,000. Not bad for a large family car with leather, heated seats, and a moonroof.

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  Great little trucklet - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Andynliz - October 14 - 10:03 am

  This thing is great. Drives smooth, quiet inside, huge power. It rolls somewhat on corners, but its tall, what do you expect?. The interior design is fantastic. It has plenty of room in the middle row and sufficient room for short adults in the 3rd row (though I wouldnt want to sit back there for a long road trip) and certainly big enough for kids. Also cool: the third row folds flat easily & the tonneau cover and insert from the middle row both stow in the car - no lost parts. The visibility out the back is limited, so backing up is fun, and the slab-like hood and front fenders make it difficult to see the corners.

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  Solid Vehicle, Some Issues at 78K - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Jerry - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Our 2004 Rav 4 has been a very solid performer and been reliable until today. At 78,000 miles (we just learned) the steering unit is leaking, the front brakes need rotors turned and pads replaced (2nd time). Also the water pump is leaking. All told - it looks like Toyota will charge $1200 to get things fixed. These are the first issues weve had, so I cant complain too loudly. Savannah Toyota has exceptional service and sales staff - so we dont mind supporting their business.