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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  Typical Toyota - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Hank Inman - April 27 - 4:16 am

  We had to wait more than 2 months for our car, and we didnt get leather or sun roof that we ordered. The dealer tried to get us to have an aftermarket company do the job. We declined. We just wanted the car... period! When it finally arrived, the dealer botched several things, but ultimately, getting the car was the ultimate goal. We are extremely pleased with our Camry Hybrid. I love the car! After all, its a Toyota.

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  Luv it - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By James Colbert - April 26 - 10:33 pm

  We love this van. My wife especially likes. She is short and finds it easy to enter and electrically adjust the drivers seat. She used to pick up grand kids after school and it was very good for that. It parks easily with its short turning radius. My only complaint is that it seems to wear tires and front brakes more rapid that I think it should. Probably because of the front wheel drive and weight of the van. I would buy another in a heart beat as I would any other Toyota.

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  My Kids Like It - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By ToyTaco - April 26 - 10:06 pm

  (+) Passenger airbag auto off -Head room -Cabin storage -Big side mirrors -Bright headlamps -Radio controls (-) Engine noise...chain drive -TPMS

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  problem fixed - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By krealtors - April 26 - 3:30 pm

  I also had a transmission problem, but because of toyota they have extended the warranty until 10 yrs or 150,000 on 2002s not sure about other years. toyota dealer just replaced my computer and if problem comes back they will replace the transmission for FREE, I also didnt pay anything for the ECU (computer). I also believe service lady said they will also cover TCU as sell. so check with your local dealer.

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  08 HH - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By rtower - April 26 - 2:03 pm

  Highway mileage is great, 28 mpg at 70+ mph. We live at the top of a hill, + 650 over the valley where we shop and work; so my town driving isnt great, around 21 mpg, but 10+ mpg over the Yukon I had before at the same run. My major issue at the moment is the big tires on the Ltd edition, Toyo 245- 55-19, are a problem as I cant find chains to fit. With freezing rain over snow, chains are required on all roadways. The Toyo tires are just OK on the ice & snow, but I cant get any of the excellent Michelin X-type tires to fit the wheels. Comfort is pretty good, but I miss the roomyness and soft leather of my old Yukon Denali, woos, Ill make due. Overall, quite satisfied with the HH.

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  Great Entry Level Truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Brian - April 26 - 5:03 am

  I was looking for an inexpensive work type truck. They DONT exist anymore. I bought a Tacoma after eliminating the Ranger (side facing jump seats) and the Frontier (bigger cab but too much$$). I didnt want, or need, bells and whistles. I got a great truck with am/fm/cd, automatic, bed line, seating for 3 at a great value and with what looks like the best ability to hold value after driving off the lot. The cab is spacious, the color is great (got the Indigo Ink Pearl). My wife and girls love the color, my guy friends love the bed liner, the tie downs, the cool styling. I have never owned a Toyota but will likely own more as the dealer sent someone 135 miles for the color I wanted!!!

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  It has never failed me. - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By P. Fox - April 26 - 2:00 am

  In the almost 8 years Ive owned this Camry it has never failed to start even in the most undesirable weather here in New England. For anyone that wants dependable transportation at a very reasonable cost, Toyota Camry is the answer.

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  GT - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By pdogmurphy - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Nice car - quick but not fast enough. Handles perfect, shifting is good. Ride is comfortable - better than RSX and quieter. Low road and engine noise. Mileage is ~27 mixed - Im not a calm driver tho. View of blind spot and rear view is terrible. Especially with the spoiler in the way. Plastic interior damages very easily. I dont mind the look - but scratches/gouges too much.

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  Excellent Car - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By itgetshotinaz - April 26 - 2:00 am

  The Solara is the only car in our two adult, no children home. We use it for everything from trips to the Home Depot to a night on the town. The Solara is a great two door car; fun for road trips and comfortable for commuting. Trunk space is great, back seats are roomy, pass thru is a savior. For the price, I dont think there is a better coupe on the road.

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  Toyota & Lexus are the only cars... - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Peet - April 26 - 2:00 am

  For those that doesnt know: Toyota Avalon 2000 has THE SAME ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION AS LEXUS ES 300 Its sooo quiet... Its very comfortable ROOOOOOMY !!!and very depandable I have only one electrical problem: Side airbag sensor mulfunction, I guess its because is not made in Japan but in USA and Quality Control in States is not as tight as it is in Tokyo The SRS light start and keep blinking and I let my Toyota Dealer work on that. Other than that car is really great it really is a pleasure drive handles great on the road, well maybe brakes and audio system (XL-ONLY) could be better... Highly recommend to everyone !!!