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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  Nothing but trouble - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Vic - July 29 - 1:10 pm

  Bought this car new in 2002. Has about 103000 miles now. Worst car I have ever owned. Had to have rotors replaced under warranty because of warping and have had them turned several times also. Have already gone through three batteries in less than seven years. The car recently started to run rough at around 40 mph. Dealers initial diagnosis was there is no code so no problem. Second visit for same problem and the diagnosis was a bent right front axle. On the third visit for the same problem the diagnosis is now the transmission O/D. To top it all off the radio is junk, and when you unlock the doors with the keyfob they stay unlocked for about 15 seconds and lock back up.

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  Best Minivan even over 2005 Honda Odysse - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By SteveF - July 29 - 6:10 am

  This minivan rides exceptionally smooth and has horsepower beyond belief. My wife that said she would never be caught dead in a minivan says now that she wouldnt trade it for the world. The van feels like something out of the Lexus line as far as quietness & structure. Everything in this van was carefully thought out from the armrest storage bins to the engine. I personally have not driven a car of this quality ever, and Ive drive a lot of cars. Quick, quiet, and impressive.

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  A Fine Set of Wheels - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Paxman - July 29 - 4:26 am

  I loved my 2002 Highlander and Im liking this one even more. This is a very comfortable car to drive. Quiet and smooth ride with a good amount of power when required. Roomy interior. Nice temperature controls. Good amount of cargo space. The Limited comes with a little extra chrome trim which is a great accent to the black paint color. This is a useful, sweet looking vehicle and a fine ride!

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  Great car? - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By jlahav - July 29 - 3:46 am

  After 14000 miles: 1. Paint is substandard. Worse paint of any car. 2. Standard stereo system. Bad sound quality. I could not turn the radio on. Replaced speakers with Sony speakers, sound quality improved. 3. Car is hesitating on acceleration. Takes 3 seconds for the car to respond. It is annoying and dangerous. 4. Squeaking noises from right side of front panel. Also clicking sound of something loose from the front panel’s right side. 5. Loud popping noises coming from the rear left shock absorber area every now and then. 6. Uncomfortable seats. After long drive, I could not move for few minutes. Wife complaining of lower back pain. 7. Rattling noise from rear dashboard’s right side.

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  Zippy and reliable - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By Rick Burns - July 29 - 12:38 am

  Great around town and short trips. Very easy entry/exit due to low height and large doors. Very low maintenance costs...just normal service required. Very versitle cargo area.

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  Vanilla, Reliable - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Dave - July 28 - 7:20 pm

  Boring car, but drives forever with no maintance. I have driven this car for two years and have had no problems what so ever. All I have done is oil changes. Awesome, but boring.

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  Love my Rav4! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Jackie - July 28 - 7:10 pm

  I spent 6 months researching and looking for a 4wd, fuel efficient vehicle. I previously drove a Subaru Outback, which did well in snow, but was too small. When I finally purchased my RAV4, I loved it. As the days and weeks went by, I love it more! Its comfortable, quiet, sporty and just plain fun to drive. I love how it looks. Ive stuffed it full of antiques with roon to spare. On the down side, I agree with another reviewer that the cup holders dont hold any cup I own (no room for handles). I miss my heated mirrors and seats. And I wish I had fog lights. All that being said, have I mentioned I love my Rav4?

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  foundi out - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By peter rabbit - July 28 - 7:06 pm

  none

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By fcs - July 28 - 3:56 pm

  This has been a great vehicle in the 8 months that I have owned it! The V6 really moves and the fuel economy is great for the power that you get. Its hard to keep your foot out of the gas. :-) The handling in the Sport model is also impressive. Everyone who rides in it likes it. I would buy another one in a second.

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  Saving Gas - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Paul - July 28 - 2:50 pm

  I love everything about it, and only wish I had gotten the fully loaded package with GPS and BlueTooth. I drive about 90% highway (70-80 mph), 10% city. Initially, I was getting only about 43-45 mpg, but the past year has taught me to improve my driving habits in several ways -- most notably, not racing to take advantage of a passing slot. (My driving habits are still a bit overenthusiastic, but less so than before, especially after my insurance company decided that three speeding tickets in three years was a Bad Thing.) The interior is comfortable even for a big guy like me (62", 215 lb, long legs). Plenty of comfort and sufficient oomph even when transporting four ample adults.