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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  I am impressed! - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By BobtheBrit - October 9 - 7:16 am

  This is a company vehicle and I could not be happier. Toyota has really thought about this vehicle and it shows. The ride is comfortable and quiet. The handling is quick and sure-footed. The sound system is superb. I love the Bluetooth and I am on the phone a lot! I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who needs a small SUV with a big feel. The fold flat seats from the back door is a great feature. This is a GREAT vehicle!

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  Camry SE V6 wins in very tough segment - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By kwap - October 9 - 3:40 am

  Fantastic motor, it feels effortless and with a combined(city and highway) reduction of only 3 mpg it was a no-brainer decision to get the SE V6. Another factor which pushed me to the SE V6 were some of the other features that are standard with the V6 but are costly options on the 4cy SE like the display audio with Nav/entune, smart key system, SofTex powered driver’s seat with lumbar, acoustic windshield and also the great 18” wheels which are only available with the V6. The redesigned interior is very nice, a huge improvement over the previous model and nicer than the competition. After considering the Kia Optima(nicest looking), Hyundai Sonata(ghastly looking), Passat TDI(very intriguing), and Fusion(too bad I was not getting a car next year) I found that the Camry SE V6 provided the best of the bunch.

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  My Yota - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By Monica - October 9 - 2:30 am

  I had a 2004 4runner and I absolutely loved it! I recently decided it was time to upgrade to a third row seat. so I bought my Sequoia. I love the Sequoia but the only problem is that it gets horrible gas mileage. 13.7 mpg. with gas reaching $4 a gallon Im wishing I would have gone with a hybrid. All of our cars are Toyotas b/c you cant beat the quality. Im looking forward to getting rid of a carseat or two and opting for a Prius. If you have the money to keep up with the gas then youll be fine.

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  Great improvement from previous model - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Greg - October 8 - 10:56 pm

  Having owned the 2005 Highlander, I find the redesigned model to be better handling, more powerful, smoother transmission, and vastly larger feeling inside. Being our family vehicle, I found the 2005 model to be basic transportation but nothing special to drive. The 2008 model I actually enjoy driving and find it has some level of excitement, as well as far more practical access to the third row seat. Mileage has been slightly better than advertised 24 vs 23 on a recent highway trip. Found very comfortable on a long distance trip.

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  Not a Bad Car - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By yan - October 8 - 7:26 pm

  Full tank, I get about 360 miles before the gas light comes on and refill is around 11 gallons. Overall Im satisfied with the car. The recall was a system wide measure that Toyota took to make sure that they would gain our confidence and Im not concerned, knock on wood. They even said that not all cars are affected. Steering is a problem, the car veers from side to side like having a gust of wind hitting the car. I could never keep the car straight on the road, it gets worse as I gradually increase speed. I took it to the dealer to check my alignment and it fixes the problem...mostly. I would still feel a slight drift, but not as bad as before.

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  Too many issues - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Lady Jen - October 8 - 6:26 pm

  I leased this car and had to buy 4 new tires at 16K mi., had the seatbelt holder repaired after two months of driving, and the transmission seems to not want to shift down properly. Added to all those joys, the recalls. This car is garbage and I cant wait until next year to move over to Honda.

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  1999 4 runner saved from clueless owner - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By john - October 8 - 5:30 pm

  Bought off ebay 7/2007 with 100k, did all of the deferred issues,+ new springs, shocks, 1 " lift, changed all fluids, cold air intake. Great quality (mini Land Cruiser) same looks, better mileage. Better 4 wh drive system. Power is a little weak, gas gauge reads empty with 5 gal. in tank (common) this is a true 300K truck with the right mechanic working on it, 1999s are the year to buy, they sit an in. higher than all the other years. Had a 1993 land cruiser for 14 years, great but sucked gas. This 4run get 17 21 town/highway. Will cruise 90 mph all day long. No oil usage or leaks 285.75 /16 tires & spring spacers & it looks ready for anything, great for anywhere.

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  A Great Wagon Toyota should make again! - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By autophile - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought my wagon a year ago (3/01) from a local dealer. It was in great shape with 79K miles. The 4-cylinder is peppy, reliable, and smooth. It gets good mileage too and ride comfortably. I put a bike rack up on top of the luggage carrier and it hauls 2 bikes very well. This wagon handles like a car, almost a luxury ride, and Ive experienced no mechanical problems save the power antenna (that locked in the up position). I now have 95,000 miles and it runs just like new. I would highly recommend either version of the 1992-1996 Camry Wagon. My 1995 model runs and looks great. Consider the Toyota Camry if you can find one. They are solid, reliable, and comfortable.

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  The Best!!! - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By Randall Selby - October 8 - 2:00 am

  The Toyota Sienna is the best, and most reliable vehicle we have ever encountered! We have never had any problems with it, exept for a broken seatbelt once. My sister had a Ford Aerostar, and it was a piece of JUNK! IT CAUGHT ON FIRE, AC WENT OUT, AND TRANSMISSION WAS SHOT JUST 10K AFTER SHE BOUGHT IT! Also it wasnt just her AEROSTAR THAT HAD PROBLEMS, FRIENDS DID TOO! If I were you I wouldnt buy an American car, because to be honest, they dont compare to Japanese or European cars! ALSO, I DONT THINK THE ONE WHOS SAYING ALL THE NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT THE SIENNA IS TELLING THE WHOLE TRUTH!!!!!!

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  Tundra review - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By xman1035 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased the Tundra and its a quality made truck. Its not as roomy as the Dodge 1500 Quad Cab or the GM/Chevy Silverado XCab. The engine is smooth, extremely quiet,and has lots of power-245hp. A supercharger should be available by Toyota Racing Development(TRD) that will boost the horsepower to 345 hp.