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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  my baby - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Jeannie - June 18 - 10:13 pm

  instant attitude adjustment

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  Great truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By rande - June 18 - 3:03 pm

  This is my 8th toyota truck. My first was a 1986. I love the double cab and the long bed. Enough room and power to take the family and pull the boat, plus load my HD in the bed. The quality is second to none. Great looks as well.

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  Great first impression - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Mark - June 18 - 1:26 pm

  Seventh Toyota I have owned, This is the fourth Camry along with two Avalons. This is easily the best Camry I have owned. A little stiffer ride than the xl and xle models I have had, but still comfortable and quiet. Heard many complaints about noisy plastic when cold. I have noticed that a little until the car warms up. Acceleration or transmission shifting: if you have owned a Toyota four cylinder before this will not be an issue. You can drive it in 4th and have less shifting on its own. I will take about a week to adjust. Handles well especially flat in the turns. Accelerates well into traffic. If you have owned other camrys or even an avalon I cannot see you being disappointed in this car.

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  Love My New RAV4 - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By HappyWithRAV4!!!! - June 17 - 4:50 pm

  I am absolutely in love with the Rav4. There is no question this is the best SUV I have ever driven. It looks as good as it drives and I love the space inside. The color is beautiful (nautical blue) and I love the interior. I only have a 2 wheel drive and a 4 cylinder, but it has enough get up and go for me. Talk about great gas mileage. I went from a gas guzzler and now to this. I am in heaven. I think that I will have this car for a long time to come. No doubt it will be one of my favorite toys.

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  Doesnt get any better than this! - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By dmsnms - June 16 - 11:26 pm

  All I have to say is, my husband and I bought this at 122,000 miles, and we cant believe the incredible ride quality and comfort of this beautiful car! We replaced tires and brakes so far and this car just rides like a smooth dream. We have an 09 Civic, and I still prefer to drive this car! Roomy and spacious interior, even after 12 years the leather seats are immaculate, not a single rip or tear! Seriously, buy one of these and just fix it up, you wont be sorry.

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  Nice Quality Ride - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Poisondart - June 16 - 10:50 pm

  I had this beauty for about a month, but I can not stop loving it. It is a very well designed compact, yet roomy, SUV. The vehicle handles extremely well with small turning radius, and the ride is quite smooth for its size. Instrument panel was well lay out with all the buttons/switches located right at your finger tips. Cargo rooms are plenty. The Bluetooth feature is really nice since more and more states are restricting driving and holding cell phone to your ears at the same time. Upgraded tires, and the roof rail make the vehicle more muscular and nicer looking. Test drive one, and you will fall in love with it.

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  My 4th And Best RAV4 Yet!!! - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By ravraver1 - June 16 - 5:21 am

  Ive owned the 96, 01, and 06 RAV 4s and loved everyone of them. Got over 100K out of each with no problems whatsoever. This 13 I just bought looks like it will beat all the others. Its more comfortable, has more guts, looks sharper, and rides quieter than the previous generations. The ride is a little stiff but I feel very secure in this vehicle. We also own a 12 Sienna, and this RAV is just as comfortable. Im looking forward to many years of driving pleasure with this baby.

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  Great - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Pagan - June 15 - 6:13 pm

  In practice Car provides about 400 miles per galon (considering combined rural and highway streets). Even though is not a family car, it provide enough space for a family of five. Also the fact that back seats cand bend provides aditional space when you need it. Music sound system is also good quality.

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  6 months and still love it - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Tom H - June 15 - 4:33 pm

  Fun to drive, fully loaded and have had very few problems. Only negative is that I only get roughly 30 mpg mainly all city. Car has excellent pickup and the cvr transmission is smooth, I would highly recommend.

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  the best small car - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By rogeraug - June 15 - 10:00 am

  thebest small car i have ever owned.