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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  Its a good truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By the tacoma - August 17 - 5:36 am

  its a good solid reliable truck all the way around.

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  MID-AGE CRISIS? - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Paul - August 16 - 11:23 pm

  Bought the Canadian version of the S, the RS, had it lowered, put 18" wheels on it, a light tint and a few subtle additions. I LOVE DRIVING IT! I never drive my large luxury sedan any more. I may be pushing 57, but in this little pocket rocket, I feel like a twenty year old zipping about in Europe. I feel so smug when I pull away from a fat, super duty truck or the like. My first (not my last) Toyota.

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  Great Car! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Natalya - August 16 - 8:53 am

  This car is perfect. The EPA says 36 but I am averaging closer to 43. I try and keep my tank above the half way mark at all times. It really is a great car!

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  Love it - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Horatio - August 16 - 5:20 am

  No complaints at all. Joy to drive, love the feel and smooth transition from elect to gas. One must listen to realize the gas motor is running.

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  Just purchased - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By mobiledan - August 15 - 3:12 pm

  I just purchased, or leased, my Rav4, so I can only give my initial impressions. I had narrowed my search to Equinox, Outback, and Rav4 - they are similar in size, price, and features. My choice ended up being based on the deal; my Toyota dealership was willing to deal. My Rav4 is base model, with upgrades of moonroof, leather seats, tinted glass, 17" mags, mult-disc cd. My impression is that it performs well, and is the peppiest of the three (I only tested 4 cylinder models). The Chevy and Subaru have enough power, too, but they feel and sound like 4 bangers winding out the rpms. The Toyota felt like a 6, with no straining or revving out. I also think the Rav is by far the quietest o

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  A lot of bang for the buck - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Ted - August 15 - 12:56 am

  After owning this car, it is easy to see why Toyota is doing so well. This American designed and built car is like owning a Lexus but costs much less. The blizzard-white pearl paint job is beautiful. Also owning a fuel stingy Rav4, I am also impressed with Avalons 31 mpg on the highway. I test drove a Lexus and previously owned a Volvo, but the Avalon was such a great car for the money.

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  Once you drive it youll buy it - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Gery B. - August 14 - 4:55 pm

  Dont trade in if you can sell to a private party. Find an enet sales person who wants to make a sale, and not at $450 or 750 below MSR-deal and be ready to walk away if their feet are in concrete. Search the whole state for your car, it could likely be to your interest and let them know if the price is right youd make the trip. Test drive before you start seriously looking. Be ready for the finical officer hes got a ton of service and extended contracts and remember you have an option under Toyotas warranty and road service to buy any other extended contracts before theirs end.

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  Very satisfied - 2009 Toyota Sienna
  By lax315 - August 14 - 11:20 am

  From the moment my wife and I drove the new van we were completely hooked... it drives really smooth and effortlessly. I am really surprised and happy at how well the dealership has been since we purchased the vehicle and could not be more satisfied with the sales staff. We have five children and the vehicle is very durable and spacious for the kids, and the rear compartment is extremely valuable with all of its room for storage. The dvd and sound system is amazing, love the comfortable seats and leg room in the interior. The van controls are really easy and my wife became very comfortable with them quite quickly. Overall this van is a solid 9.5 out of 10. Would recommend van to anybody.

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  excellent ride - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By rwahm - August 14 - 10:00 am

  The car hands well and is fun to drive. It is well built and finished. Hell it is a Toyota in every sense and actually not bad looking either.

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  Amazing - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By momof3boys - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Sequoias right off the delivery truck. it had .02 miles on it when i got behind the wheel. I love it. I must admit, however, that I have had some big trouble with it. At 12,000 miles the brakes needed to be replaced and the compressor for the a/c quit. Again at 19,000 the brakes were bad. The service writer told me that this was a design flaw, and replaced my brakes with Land Cruiser brakes. They tell me that the sequopia was jsut to heavy for the original braking equipment. All issues have been adressed and I couldnt be happier. Heck, I get 14.8 MPG around town!!!