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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  2002 camry XLE (4cyl) - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By REV4 - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I like this car alot. Quality. Comfort. Quiet. Performance. Audio System. Climate Control. Fuel. Exterior. Interior. Just one thing I dont like: rear visibility (made worse by a spoiler) is not good. Otherwise: GREAT

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  A Hit for Toyota - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By d2scion - September 17 - 6:26 pm

  Love the vehicle. I bought it for my wife but I am kind of jealous of her now. This vehicle has the Lexus quality without the price.

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  I love my Rav4! - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By kate66 - September 17 - 10:33 am

  I bought my Rav4 used in 2006 with 34,000 miles. I have had absolutely no problems with it beyond normal maintenance. I have made multiple cross-country trips in it and have found it to be very comfortable even on long car rides. People can not believe how old my car is when they look at it. It still has its original paint, and people think its brand new. I love the way it drive. It has a lot of road noise, but I knew that going into it. At 90,600, its still going strong. I think I am one of the only people I know who not only loves my car but actually doesnt want a new one.

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  Toyota Sienna 2004 - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Lexus - September 17 - 9:40 am

  The car drives smoothly without any notice to shifting. The turning radius is outstanding and the van is extremely comfortable, luxurious, and functional for a family of five. We love it.

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  Best car i have had - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By toyota1987 - September 17 - 2:44 am

  I have had this car a long time without issues. the only thing i have replaced since i bought it was a starter. My car just hit 200,200 miles!!!

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  Best Van out there - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Prince Dunn - September 17 - 1:26 am

  Still have a 92 Previa. Sienna is much like it only quieter and more power. Comfortable ride and good inside features. No mechanical problems. Excellent room for tall people. Great cargo space. FWD needs studed snow tires for going up hills in snow/ice conditions. 4 wheel drive works better. Good value for your money. Son used it for a special driving course and it handled just great in quick tight turns.

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  4runner review - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By joew - September 16 - 2:26 pm

  Third version of 4runner I have owned..they keep getting better.

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  A Great SUV - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Pleased With HLNDR - September 16 - 1:43 pm

  I gave up my sports car for this SUV and have few regrets. I sacrificed tight steering and handling and quick start off the light for a quieter, smoother, roomier car for me and my family. In retrospect, I should have done this a long time ago. The cargo space with easy fold seating is great for hauling away moderate cargo. Even though it is higher off the ground, its so much easier to put the baby seat in the second row. The leather bucket seats in my old car were difficult to get in and out of. The AWD is great. My RWD car was slipping all over the place. Looked at Tribeca, Pathfinder, Enclave and Tahoe, but this one felt right for me. Good price and good size.

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  Great ride! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By daveyboy - September 15 - 11:10 pm

  Im a Toyota man. This Camry is another high quality vehicle. Im getting 39 mpg most of the time. Im thinking about trading my wifes Honda Pilot (15 mpg) for a Highlander Hybrid.

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  Took awhile, but now I love mine. - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By WhoMe? - September 14 - 6:40 pm

  I was a died-in-the-wool Honda guy, driving my second Accord (an 89) into the ground, so I really pictured myself in a Fit. But the black- interior only, no-sunroof, constraints knocked them out. I got busted for DUI the third night I had it, and it cast a real pall over that wonderful "new car" feeling. (Im not a bad guy... its a long story). Anyway - LOVE it now. They finally fixed a minor rumble/rattle from the back that I lived with the first year, and it looks like new and suits me to a T. I bought it specifically for hauling things with the seats down, and its great - the cargo nets help a lot.