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:

• 

  New Impression for an Old Friend - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By pain-doc - October 7 - 1:20 am

  Having a short attention span, I have been through a number of SUVs including a 02 Pathfinder, 03 Sequoia, 02 BMW X5 V8, 02 4Runner, 04 CR-V to name a few. This 06 seems to be the best mix for the price. My primary gripes are headroom on ingress, climate control knobs/buttons, and lack of dark interior option. If I could have had a scaled-down Sequoia, that would have been perfect. The V8 in this intermediate is a true luxury. I love the throttle response. Many complain that it is too responsive, but being primarily a sports car guy, it is a welcome attribute. I wanted a masculine SUV that had a livable nature and that is what I got.

• 

  Proud RAV4 owner - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By jeanette - October 6 - 10:43 pm

  I am a mom with 3 boys that play sports so the room in the cargo space is great. The third seat is nice when thier friends come along. Gas mileage is great compared to other suv. The RAV4 is everything that there is to love about a compact suv. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!

• 

  2006 Camry LE I love it ! - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Roadturtle - October 6 - 2:23 pm

  I just bought my third Camry. This is the best one so far. Roomy, comfortable, stylish, fun to drive, great gas mileage. Everything I wanted in a new car, and a great price.

• 

  The eye opener - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Jerry Almonte - October 6 - 10:00 am

  This is the most exciting car I ever owned. My whole family are enjoying Sand Dune bashing, Wadi bashing and off course, Traveling in long distance inter-gulf countries in a style. Jerry

• 

  celica - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By flowa8181 - October 6 - 10:00 am

  this is my first vehicle and i love it.Its definetly fun and safe. I wouldnt pick a different car.

• 

  Awesome vehicle!! - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By bigquadsto - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Had this car for about 5 years now and no problems with the car at all. Its at 94K miles and still runs like new.

• 

  A GREAT SUV - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By HIGHLANDER5161 - October 6 - 10:00 am

  A great suv like the lexus rx300 at a cheaper price plus consumer reports rated the the toyota highlander is the best midsuv in its class.

• 

  2003 Corolla - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By paulz - October 6 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Toyota Corolla delivers great mileage and excellent quality. The LE model is fully featured, by far the best value for the money in its class. And it wasnt as expensive as advertised.

• 

  The best 4Runner Ever - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Louis Lerebours - October 6 - 8:20 am

  I have had my 4Runner for 4 years now. I live in Long Island and my wife used to live in Utica. I was thus driving about 1000 miles a week. Ride is outstanding for a 4x4. On the wet highways or in the snow, the traction control is unsurpassed. I invested in synthetic oil and change my filters regularly. The 3rd row seat is mostly used by my 2 toddlers. This is the BEST 4Runner Toyota has built so far. I am just waiting for an excuse to buy the upcoming redesigned 4Runner.

• 

  Toyota Rav 4 Limited Updated Review--B+ - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Randy - October 6 - 3:50 am

  Given my model is now part of the massive recall related to the sticky accelerator problem, up to this point Ive had no issue with a sticky accelerator. But, it certainly is on my mind now everytime I drive, which is unfortunate. Anyway, the only areas that have decreased in my liking are related to the gas mileage and exterior finish since my last review. In Oct., I was getting 24-27 mpg, now with nearly 5,000 miles, I am now getting 20-23 mpg with no major changes in my driving pattern. Very disappointing. Also, I notice the seals on the door/window jams leak cold air allowing me to feel a noticeable chill, and the road noise has become much more noticeable.