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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  Crew Max - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By J. Koz - December 30 - 12:43 pm

  Great truck, owned two GMC trucks prior. This one takes it all. The interior is huge. There is room for everyone. For a 381 HP truck, the gas mileage is good. Compared to the GMC, which is 305 HP you lose about 1 mpg. Well worth it. It can tow a a lot more and has better features all the way around. This truck will take over the market.

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  2005 Prius- we love it - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By fstruck - December 30 - 12:00 pm

  I was somewhat concerned that my wife would not like going from a van, Dodge Grand Caravan, to this small vehicle but she loves it. It is very responsive and quick enough to enter freeway traffic with no problem. We use it at 70 mph and still get over 52 MPG on trips with a good load. Its typically 45-57 mpg in city.

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  One of the Best - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By yddadgib - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I have purchased a new car every 2-3 years for the last 20 years. I have owned Honda/Accord EX, Nissan Altima GLE, GMC, Ford, Mercury, and Pontiac. The Toyota Avalon has been, by far, the best buy for the buck. The room and comfort alone would make it an outstanding car. The gas mileage, 22 city- 29 highway, is exceptional for a full size car. And the exceptional mileage does not jeopardize power, when needed.

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  2002 Toyota Celica GT-S - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By drago - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love with the car before I even sat in one to test drive it. I did online research about every aspect of this car. I still went in to the dealership with an open mind. This car... WOW!

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  fun truck - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By pat - December 30 - 10:00 am

  peppy 2.4L engine, especially after downey air intake.

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  fun truck - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pat - December 30 - 10:00 am

  peppy 2.4L engine, especially after downey air intake.

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  Sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By jane - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I love it. The only problem I see is the multiple holders in the headliner area in the model that doesnt have a moon roof. Ther should be a tv compartment.

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  Good Quality for the money - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Sieverss - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Just bought a 2002 Highlander V6 FWD. It has all the features we were looking for at an affordable price for an SUV. Love the reclining back seats and the armrest. It has plenty of pick-up on the freeway and rides smooth. Put 700 miles on it the first weekend we had it. I still like the tilt steering in american cars, but you cant have everything. I hope to get several years of good service out of this vehicle and so far it looks like I will.

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  great for a family - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By geannina - December 30 - 10:00 am

  i owned this car now for almost a year and i would recommend it very highly . it is great for a family. wide open space..reliable..feels solid...easy to get in and out. it looks good as well.. it just feels and drives like a more expensive car than what it sells for.

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  Love my 4runner! - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Yota AK - December 30 - 12:26 am

  I bought my 4runnner because I had a severe shoulder injury where I could not drive my manual 2006 Tacoma. Of course nothing could replace my truck, the 4Runner came in next. I bought it because there is the potential for my family to grow. Living in Alaska, there is A LOT to do, and even more to see and I need a vehicle that would take me where I needed to go and all the gear I need to take with me. I tow a fleetwood evolution trailer with my V6 and it is noticed, but not a hindrance. I love driving my sport edition and love the XREAS suspension. The fuel economy display is inaccurate at best, but I have no real complaints. It does what I want it to do, and in style and comfort.