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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  Almost there.... - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Kirk831 - January 9 - 1:06 pm

  Easy to drive, very reliable, quiet and comfortable. Base model was reasonable in price, but those options add up fast ! Rear seat is only for kids, dont believe 2 adults can occupy.

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  RAV 4 - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By gabster2 - January 9 - 11:44 am

  I had this car for 6 years and overall it was a very good car. It was extremely reliable. I never made any large repairs. It was beginning to lose all the little parts (power windows, thing that holds the back door open etc.). I live on a class 4 road and have really rough winters to contend with. It is a little top heavy but it got me through some fairly rough storms and mud. My biggest complaint was comfort while driving but I am a very small person.

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  Not the best choice for everyone - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Mike - January 9 - 4:53 am

  Overall a solid car with a few shortcomings and no personality. Feels designed for the masses not an individual person. The front seat bottoms are too short and flat for taller people. The brakes are weak- dealer told me Im at 50% front and back after 6 months. I never did understand the option packages in order to get disc brakes w/o a $3000+ option package. Car feels and looks big and bulky. Dealership was dirty and sales staff sleazy. I feel like a schmuck for putting up with the dealer and actually buying a car from them. We bought a Toyota because everyone said it was great. It is a good car but not for everyone.

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  Honey, who shrunk my Lexus RX300 - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Nancy Nicolosi - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Tired of always driving sedans; I decided I wanted an SUV this time around. Have owned Hondas for 12 years yet thought that the CRV was boring. I dont know if I will be as happy with my RAV 4 in three years but for the first month -- I could not be happier. Just a fun vehicle to drive!

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  Great van so far. Still afraid the will shoe to drop. - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By bhildebrand - January 7 - 10:35 pm

  Bought second hand in Nov 2012. Owned 2 Chrysler vans before this one. Got this 05 sienna XLE with 97000 all prepped and ready to go. In Dec we went from PA to CA and back in comfort & had a great trip. Van didnt give so much as a hick-up. Got 21mpg average over all. But with 5 adults & lots of luggage I guess thats not bad even though I was hopping for better. just over a year now (mar 2014)with no major problems. Power doors acting up over winter but have learnt to deal with it. will cut cable and run manual if need be. now have 121000miles. Went in for 100000mile services and found cracked radiator. Ouch! If this is the worst that happens Ill still be happy with it.

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  Toyota First Timer - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By JoeRyan - January 7 - 3:43 pm

  After the usual dealership hassels I was off in something different than my usual Ford. I own a business and for tax purposes buy a new truck every year or two. The last 10 years have been Fords and after reluctantly test driving the Tundra, I bought one. Man this truck is tight and quick. The exterior styling wasnt my favorite but I figured I dont ride on the outside. The interior seats fit you like a glove, there is slim to none body roll, and when it needs to scoot it will. The 05 Ford Supercrew [$37,000] had not nearly the off the line punch of the Toyota and the interior is a movie theatre. Whereas the Tundra feels more like an extension of the driver

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  2007 Toyota RAV4 Limited - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By clevelandrav4 - January 6 - 11:10 pm

  Generally, Im very happy with it. A road trip to Boothbay, Maine with my brother and pregnant sister-in-law was extremely comfortable for all involved. I drove the entire way there and was quite comfortable. Gas mileage is a little disappointing; not as good as advertised. Engine power is awesome. Rides and handles very well. Downright sporty (I used to drive a lowered GTI). Inside, the stereo is above average, though not great. Great in the snow-belt.

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  All around - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By jake sand - January 6 - 10:33 pm

  Very good all around truck. I use as only vehicle, nice on road, hauls boxes at work, pulls trailer, and best of all, it is very capable off road.

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  Not as fun as I thought - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By Ben Vo - January 5 - 10:00 am

  This car is not too bad. It bottoms out in the rear all the time. The shocks should be better than the ones it came with. Had a problem with the seatbelt sensor and my front lightbulbs wear out quickly.

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  Very Different! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By mtngirl2 - January 5 - 10:00 am

  We traded a Honda Odyssey for the SR5 and are very pleased. Two cautions for those coming from a minivan. 1. you lose the pass through between the captains chairs to the 3rd row. 2. the Odyssey sipped gas, the Sequoia guzzles it. BUT it rides like a cloud on wheels and feels as safe as a bank vault. Overall, bigger than the van but you lose cargo space in the back - par for the course for 4x4s. Bottomline, if 4 wheel drive is not important to you then stick with a minivan. Otherwise, this is a great car.