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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  Excellent minivan in every respect - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By ayo - June 1 - 6:26 pm

  Weve had this van for nearly 10 years now, essentially problem-free. Yes, the brakes do squeak a bit, especially when the weather is hot but thats a minor annoyance. We drive a LOT, in all kinds of weather, and have been delighted with the incredible reliability. It handles great in heavy snow; it does have a wide turning circle but so do other vans Ive driven. Weve had no issues with oil sludge or any of the other complaints Ive read about here. Our kids have grown so I dont think wed buy another minivan, but if we did, Id definitely go for another Sienna.

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  Great Value and Reliability - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By kenbowls - June 1 - 5:00 pm

  I have had the RAV4 for about 18 months and no problems. A real value and very reliable. MPG, about 23 in town and 28-30 on the highway. Plenty of room and comfort, with plenty of headroom and very little wind and road noise. The 4 cylinder has plenty of power and did not need speeding tickets with the V6 engine. I have a new 2008 Highlander and I call the RAV4 my baby Highlander. Very hard to find fault with.

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  Love my RAV! - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By lauren - June 1 - 3:53 pm

  I love my...I feel high up on the road, yet it is as easy to drive as any car. The car can hold many items that would never fit in a sedan, such as a washing machine, yet it has all the advantages of a sedan.

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  Everlasting Toyota - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Alexander Fabian - June 1 - 2:26 am

  84,000 miles and counting. This has been a great car. So far (knock on wood) weve had no problems at all and no unscheduled repairs. INCREDIBLE!! Some cars can hardly make it that far. Although, wear and tear is definitely apparent. Its much louder (engine, road noise, and wind noise), rougher, and slower than when it was newer. Toyota has sent home a few recalls, including a rear seat belt and the power lift gate. The middle seats dont recline! Thats probably the worst part about the car. We had a 91 dodge caravan and those seats were more comfortable. Heated seats are awesome. Leather has hardly worn. Overall a great family car with more than plenty room for seven and tons of stuff.

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  Phanton Pearl Luxury At Its Best - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Roshaun46 - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle o much, I wanted a new car, but was unsure, I had been driving the ford explorer, now I am in heaven, the handling isg reat, its great on gas and the inside of the Sequoa Limited is all so special to me, the smell of the leather, the sun roof is so nice, the heated seats is devine, all mot like the Range Rover a far as luxury is considered, Toyota has done well with the Sequoa Limited.

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  Sequoia Rules - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By scojo - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Toyota quality, American largesse and bad to the bone looks and performance.

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  Great ride. - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By EDK - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I seriously love the thing. I owned a 1988 Cadillac Sedan deVille before this one, and the Solara feels much nicer than the Caddy. The acceleration is OK (for a 4-banger) and has been praised by a Trans-Am owner as "having balls" (again, for a 4-banger). Mileage is great, ride is as smooth as the old Caddy, and the stock audio system isnt too bad. Its a royal pain in the butt to change the rear speakers, however. The vehicle itself is quite sexy. Very reliable as well. Ive recommended it to many people already :)

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  Tundra - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By ames - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Best Truck Ever - Its like owning a sports car with 4 wheel drive. Strong power, silky smooth shifting, great looks and tough reliability. Over the past few months we have had a lot of rain, and lots of mud. Its new, but its now broken in. Handles the off road quite well. Will be going with the Super Charger soon!

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  The Perfect Truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rl Bickley - June 1 - 2:00 am

  It has been an all around great truck. It is wonderful on the gas mileage, and since my previous truck was a Tahoe, that means a lot. Also, it has near perfect build quality that I have never seen in a truck before. I would give this truck with the TRD pkg a serious look.

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  Corolla S - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Kirt - June 1 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is very solid and very responsive