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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  Pleasure - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By koy mack - January 12 - 7:13 pm

  As a previous chevy tahoe owner I dearly love our highlander hybrid, smaller, more fun to drive, play a game with gas mileage, its very quick, no problems merging into interstate. A great vehicle for a 78 year old .

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  Just purchased - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By siennadaddy - January 12 - 3:53 pm

  Just purchased 2011 Sienna XLE FWD with Nav pkg. Silver Sky Metallic. Since the car has only 100 miles on it, cant tell hows the mileage. Drives and feels like Lexus. Very quiet cabin and minimal wind noise. Turning radius is great. When compared to 2009 Odyssey EX-L with nav and RES (my brother has one), feels much luxurious, quieter, better leather material.

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  Just really ugly - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By jth - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Had my 2001 for a year now. No problems except for the unease about oil sludging reported here and absolutely arrogant letter from Toyota. In the context in which I bought this car [park ave substitute], it performs well. Of course the "styling" is really bad. As with many others, a test drive sold me.

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  My experience. - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By wavrunr - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Most comfortable and well performing car I have ever owned.

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  Great mini SUV - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By montclan - January 12 - 10:00 am

  This mini-SUV Toyota has the build quality, fit and finish that Toyota products are known for. It performs well within the constraints of which it was manufactured. The power and fuel efficiency are as advertised, and in around town driving it performms well. The ride is great and the maintenance has been nill. Ideally it could have 10-15 more hp, but then the gas mileage would decrease. Ive had no problems and it seems to be a great fit for my needs. The resale value seems to be holding up well and I plan on years of trouble free driving.

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  vibration and squeeking within the body - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By lorna lane - January 12 - 10:00 am

  there has been consistent vibration and squeeking which has become much worse during the year in the body of the auto ... nothing to do with usual noises of a convertible roof... at pr esent having no cooperation with Toyota which is surprising as we have had their vehicles previously with no problem.. naturally we are very disappointed with this vehicle.

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  Comfort and Security, but.... - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By cageym - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Despite careful break-in period, good maintenance and conservative driving, the gas mileage is worse than anticipated. Otherwise the comforts are there, fit an finish great, and winter handling impressive.

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  2011 RAV4 Sport - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By Tom - January 12 - 4:32 am

  The vehicle is very steady even in sharp turns, as it has electronic stabilization control. This is also a very powerful, fast vehicle for an SUV! Only drawback is gas mileage averaged 21 mpg over 39,000 miles.

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  good - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By janak patel - January 12 - 2:00 am

  satisfied

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  Great Truck that keeps on going! - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By jwpcpa - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Having had 4 Toyota 4x4s this is the first in the Tacoma Series and the first X-tended Cab. This truck has cost only oil changes, nothing else over 5 years. Rotate the tires every 5,000 miles. To this day there is not a rattle anywhere to be found and living in New England, going off road, driving in Boston, that says something about build quality. I will keep this for a long time. The appearance may be that you pay more for a Toyota, in fact you get more and when it comes time to sell. the value will surprise you, compare to others,Total cost of ownership is less than $1K per year, and I have something that will run for the next five years. Try that with another brand.