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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  Great improvements, mostly - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By desiree - January 19 - 5:36 pm

  This my 4th Rav4. Ive owned 98, 01, 06 and this 07. This model has incredible power, which is why I traded back my 06 V6. The roominess is a great improvement to old models, as is quality of interior/exterior. The gas mileage is nowhere near advertised. The cup holders should have been kept the same as 01-05 versions, Im tired of spilt coffee and looking for places to put drinks on long drives. Overall, I just love this vehicle.

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  275,000 and counting - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Alex - January 19 - 2:33 am

  I bought my 04 4Runner in February 2007 with 24k miles. It had 275k now. Basic maintenance its all Ive done it has never giving me any problems. From Virginia to Miami Florida over 30 times with no problems sometimes pulling two motorcycles in a 5x8 trailer. I love my 4Runner.

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  Call backs - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Nancy Hollwedel - January 19 - 12:49 am

  We have had a lot of call backs and never ending problems with the engine lights. Do not think I would buy another Rav4 The hood of the car blows up like it is loose. Not good

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  Love my Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By EricH - January 18 - 7:26 pm

  My minivan died a week ago and I was forced to buy a new car a year before I really wanted to. I had been looking at the Prius and luckily for me, the dealer had one in stock - my color and package 6. I wasnt sure if I wanted all the extras in package 6, but Im sure glad I got them. I live in South Florida and have only had the car 5 days, so the air conditioning has been on non-stop (78 degrees) since I got it. Im on my first full tank of gas, and after about 115 miles Im averaging just over 50 mpg. Cant wait to see what the mpg is when I dont need A/C (if it ever gets that cool here).

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  Corolla is a gem - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By bernadette63 - January 18 - 10:30 am

  Bought this car as local commute vehicle in 1994. It has been an excellent vehicle. Never needed anything other than regular maintenance. Hope Toyota continues to maintain high standards for their vehicles.

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  A Prius for Every Garage - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Gomer - January 18 - 10:00 am

  This car makes sense for any 2 car family, especially city dwellers. The amount of interior room is surprising (within tenths of inches compared to Passat) and is quite comfortable. The trunk holds a double child stroller and has plenty of room for groceries to spare. The stereo is pretty decent and the car is very fun to drive. Sure it doesnt give you whiplash when you punch it, but it has plenty enough power for 99% of driving conditions. The energy conserving technology of the Prius provides a great way of giving a one finger salute to our so- called friends in the middle east.

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  A wonderful car to drive each day. - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By Rich W. White - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Excellent build quality, both inside and out. Very smooth ride. Good acceleration for a large car. Large backsear with lots of legroom. Trunk large enought to accommodate a familys vacation needs or four sets of golf clubs. Comfortable seats. This is what fullsized Buicks, Mercurys, and Oldsmobiles should have been.

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  Solara Boy - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By vyker - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I had a Nissan Xterra before, and at the time needed a 4x4 vehicle. After moving though the ride was stale. I decided to upgrade to the Solara Coupe. Most solid Coupe I have owned so far (previous Camaro and a Monte Carlo). I probably paid too much for the car, but I have no complaints driving everyday.

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  Toyota makes me a happy camper - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Dutch - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Camry XLE V-6 last November. I bought it as a "certified" used car, which included an thorough inspection and some other extras. I negotiated with the dealer for a new set of tires to be included in the deal although the car only had about 35,000 miles on it. In January I drove it from it Michigan to Key West, Florida and back logging some 3,000 miles. I was pleasantly surprised. I love the stereo, the leather seats and the cruise control was extremely precise. The trunk is much more spacious than meets the eye. I had plenty of room for all my camping gear. Gas mileage was good.

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  Another Toyota! - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By May2002 - January 18 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Toyota we bought. We have another old Tercel and it is running great with some maintanence. So we trusted Toyota and bought this Camry. It is running great, smooth and quiet. I am thinking of buying another Toyota once I get a raise! :)