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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  Simply the Best - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Virginian - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Bought new in 97 and not one problem. Extremely reliable - almost bomb proof (when was the last time you saw a Toyota SUV being towed?). Quiet interior. Great off-road vehicle with good on-road ride. Adequate towing cability with good gas mileage for a SUV. If there is a better 1997 mid- size on/off road combination SUV on the market, I havent been in it. Did I mention this vehicle is reliable?

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  Top Quality Truck - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Toyotatrucker - September 9 - 10:00 am

  I haved owned several Toyota trucks over the years and all of them have been extremely realiable. This truck is no exception. After 70000 miles I havent had one problem with the truck. I keep the oil changed and all the maintence performed and it treats me well. Also, the V6 power in this truck is sufficient for pulling my small fishing boat and equipment without a problem. Loads under a 1000 pounds are all youll want to put in the truck, however.

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  beware the AC - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By wishicouldrecommend - September 9 - 10:00 am

  would love to recommend the sequoia, but cant. with less than 10,000 miles of easy driving, ours is back in the shop a 3rd time for a broken AC. there is a technical service bulletin on the AC problems, so it is an acknowledged problem. first, the compressor seized causing $1,700 worth of warranty repairs. now, the AC mostly doesnt work. service department doesnt know whats wrong. they seem to be guessing. for $40,000, and being a toyota, this experience has been a true disappointment. the only other person i know with a sequoia had the same problems. what are the chances? well, it tells me that this must be a fairly widespread problem.

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  4byToy - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By jcb - September 9 - 10:00 am

  My 6th Toyota. Just traded in a Tundra. Larry, you must have gotten yours from a chop shop. Theres no way you had that many problems. This vehicle is rock solid, though power seats and a 6 disc in-dash changer should be standard at this trim level. Smoothest V8 on the market, better than any luxury car. If you want the best 4W drivetrain on the market, this is your truck...not for the shopping mall like the rest.

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  Wow! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Sac State - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Had a 02 4x4 Sport. The 03 4x4 Sport is a totally different animal, for the better! Build quality would lead you to believe you are in a Benz or BMW. V8 power is awesome and the ride is top notch.

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  Colorado Highlander - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Gorsuch - September 9 - 10:00 am

  A great little 4 cylinder SUV. Nice ride, good visibility, good overall quality. I like the way the Highlander drives, handles in the snow, and looks when I clean it. Ive had some problems with fan noise and dashboard rattles. I plan on getting 150k out of this vehicle - just like my old Ford Explorer. For the money Toyota builds a great vehicle. I wanted a Camry station wagon & I think I got one.

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  Who needs a lexus (or BMW?) - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By sam2004 - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Beats the civic hands down!

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  corolla s - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Jeffferret - September 9 - 10:00 am

  I do many long drives, including through LA. I have found this car to be very confortable throughout the trip and has plenty of passing power on the freeway. The gas mileage is also incredible for these trips. Even traffic is not hard(espeically for a 5 speed).

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  First 4Runner - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By 78vette1 - September 9 - 8:06 am

  As this is my first 4Runner, I have been driving Toyotas since 1981. For dependability and reliability they are hard to beat. I wanted to drive the vehicle before I wrote my review so I could give my honest opinion and make a post for others as consumer reviews always help me in my purchasing decisions. I purchased a used 4runner in late December of 2013 with just under 17k miles.

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  The Car that Could - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Dr. G - September 9 - 12:20 am

  Love the car. Have 9000 miles on it, great gas mileage (22/31 as stated), great ride and lumbar support, etc., comfortable although somewhat noisy. Great get up and go. Looks more expensive than final price. Some harsh noise when on a rougher road. Make sure that you get the aftermarket side door protectors and mud flaps. Has saved my paint. Paint chips very easily, especially when someone attempts to open their door to full-width in a parking lot. Had trouble with air conditioner.. took dealer two weeks to get part and fix it. Had new Camry during that time to drive. No comparison... Avalon much better. Also be aware that the front bumper is low and you can knock airdam off.