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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  Happy Ravin - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By ronstar - January 3 - 5:46 pm

  very fun car to drive.

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  A Great Compact Utility Vehicle - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By JBOS - January 2 - 8:46 pm

  This is a great car with the exception of the stock tires. If you get this vehicle, get new tires (I have Assurance Comfort Treads by Goodyear). We just had 16 inches of snow and not only did the Rav handle it like a champ it exceeded all expectations. The 4WD did exactly what it was supposed to do. The drive is steady and the V6 is very powerful. Just step on the gas and you will feel the 269 horses propel you out of the thick of traffic. It is a reliable car of good quality that doesnt feel heavy or cumbersome to drive.

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  Good SUV - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By frank - January 2 - 7:03 pm

  Owned a Blazer then an Explorer that I traded in for this. Much better on gas then the Explorer, smoother ride not as truck like, more like a car. Went back to Toyota because of our experience with an Avalon which was trouble free for the three years we owned it.

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  Not perfect, but close enough - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Rogier van Bakel - January 2 - 12:00 am

  The four-cylinder engine, which I tested in a RAV4 Sport, is pretty peppy, but the V6 boasts about a hundred extra horses, for an eat-my-dust total of 269. That six-cylinder is a sinful delight, as it turn the RAV4 into a veritable pocket rocket by pushing it from zero to 60 in under seven seconds. Driving the RAV4 is a pleasure. The view is excellent. Steering is precise and responsive, and the brake seems to read your mind. Cabin noise, even at 75-plus mph, is well under control. All the gauges and knobs are pretty much where you’d expect to find them. The cargo space is impressive — bigger than that of a Jeep Grand Cherokee.

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  Great Looking Car - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Patrick - January 1 - 4:22 pm

  Excellent weekend car, fun to drive, low maintenance cost, etc. , but dont take it on a long trip. You will pay with a sore bottom.

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  Good Value - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Matt Desmond - December 31 - 3:00 pm

  Car has great pick up. Electronic control layout is very good. Comfortable ride. Interior is very nice. Steering is not as responsive as my last car, Lincoln LS.Very good gas mileage. Runs well on regular unleaded.

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  Pretty nice Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Maxsgp - December 30 - 9:36 pm

  I have about 2500 miles so far. Seems very well built. Lots of power unloaded, actually pretty fast. Have gotten 18 mpg with ATV in bed. Got 11 mpg pulling 5 ATVs to West Va. from Ohio. Ouch. Really seems to be a good solid vehicle so far. Mine is TRD and rides firm but comfortable. I am happy so far.

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  2009 Corolla XRS Consumer Review - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Pete - December 29 - 11:50 am

  Reliability I will not rate due to only having it a few days. This is my 3rd corolla and they have been flawless in reliability so I pray it remains the case. The car is very fun to drive, sporty and practical on economy. Has good power off the line and plenty of power in reserve when driving. Drives solid, powerful, and quiet like a European car. I hope Toyota recalls the rumored transmission issue they knowingly sell the car with. I have heard about it and pray its not true, but I hope Toyota remains in good standing by honoring a fix to any known issue. Otherwise, this boy wont be buying anymore cars from them. It could be nothing but do your homework and keep abreast of news about this

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  Just Keeps on Runnin - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Larry - December 28 - 2:43 am

  I purchased my 4-Runner new and still have it today. I have not had any major problem with it. I had a water pump replaced at 238,000. I take it to the Toyota dealer for regular service only when needed. As of this writing, the vehicle has 259,312 miles. I will be leaving in it next month for Arizona from the Midwest. My only suggestion is, that if you take care of it, it will take care of you.

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  The Runner - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By cubby - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Good one the road and highway. Feels like a truck but gives you the SUV feel.