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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  Sienna- 1 week impression. - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By MrBob - April 17 - 5:43 pm

  After checking tons of posts I realized that today my choice of minivans is narrowed by two brands Toyota and Honda.I started with test driving Sienna and ... did not even want to try another van. I chose Sienna LE FWD 8 seats with package #1.List of selling points for me:0. My daughter loves it!1. Great handling and turning radius 2. Great build and material quality 3. Got exactly what I want without paying extra money for extra toys 4. The same engine and tranny that lexus 330 has 5. Yours - consumers satisfaction (compare to a Hondas) 6. I leased the car and will consider to buy it off lease.

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  Living Up to First Impression - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Gawain - April 17 - 11:53 am

  Now at about 5000 miles, it has broken in nicely. To date best highway mileage is 27 MPG, mixed driving hasnt dropped below 23-24 MPG. I posted a review in 12/06, many of those first impressions are still alive. General observations: it works, but HVAC is slow to heat, the AC works fine. There is an occasional hum from the engine compartment when cruising at 50-55 MPH. The radio works well, but bass is not delivered too clearly (mid-radio option). Switchgear is refined, high quality. Steering is well weighted, but electric-motor-assist removes some steering "feel". Suspension is well tuned. Vehicle doesnt drift in crosswinds. Huge cargo space. Highly recommend.

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  RAV4 - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Maureen - April 17 - 8:40 am

  I love this car..it is fun to drive and I got 30 mpg with the 2.4, 5 speed. It is easy to get in and out and I love the convience of the back door with all my grocery bag holders. The ride is great, not too stiff and responds well.

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  solara conv - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By dave - April 17 - 7:13 am

  Drives and looks sexy like a more exotic sports car. Very smooth and quiet. Specs are very good.

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  My Little Toyota - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By Brobolt44 - April 16 - 7:20 pm

  My 1996 Toyota Corolla is the best car I have ever owned. Front to back, inside and out, I just love everything about it. Toyota sure knew what they were doing when they made this car. They equipped it with the convenience of keyless remote entry, an alarm system, and anti theft system. The highly efficient 4 cylinder is almost self-maintained, and if necessary, very easily repaired. Theres plenty of room inside for the passengers to ride comfortably, large enough trunk space for regular cargo storage. It handles so well, it seems to just float down the highway. This car has no problems holding its own out on the road. And at 40 miles per gallon, who would ever want to drive anything else?

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  High Bang/Buck Ratio - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By cm-sf - April 16 - 5:13 pm

  I love Toyotas. You know exactly what youre getting when you buy one - reliability, safety, comfort, dependability. What you see is what you get - no money pits. My car looks like a luxury sedan on the inside - all leather, wood-paneling, sunroof, automatic seats - and is also fast, thanks to the V6 engine. My cars got over 100k miles on it and still runs perfectly - the only thing I can complain about is that maintenance starts to go up as it ages (like any car). For well under $10,000 the Camry XLE V6 is luxury and reliability on a shoestring budget. What else can you ask for?!

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  Smart move! - 1998 Toyota T100
  By Fishbone - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I made the transition from a Nissan compact truck to this gem. Not only am I amazed by the power of the V6, the good gas mileage and the dependability, I am most impressed by the ride. Honest, my 98 rides like a cadillac! I carry my 670 pound John Deere tractor and pull a trailer full of band gear all over the North Country and have never had a power issue. True love.

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  this is a great car to buy - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By muh grandmom - April 16 - 10:00 am

  well my experience with this vehicle has been wonderful. it has everything you could want in a car. its beautiful on the outside and the inside. it doesnt suck up gas like you would expect it to, and it drives like your floating on clouds.

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  I Love It!! - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Dot Matrix - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Solara new over 5 years ago. I now have 68,000 miles on it and have only replaced the battery and tires. Every rider comments on how quiet and smooth the car rides, and cannot believe it is not a Lexus. Every piece of the car operates smoothly from the engine to the door handles to the moonroof to the seats. Quality permeates the minor and major details.

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  A Fig Bucking Truck - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By sirhcnalod - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I have 2,000 mi on my SR5 4x4 and it feels like Im driving down the street riding in my barcalounger. Awesome ride, I have wife, 2 kids, 2 Goldens & we all enuf space. JBL steaeo is great, blindspot, we know where that is.....are you listening Toyota?.....this is my 3rd Toyota (pickup, camry, sequoia), love em all