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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  I love my toyota - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By astinson - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Love it! So do my dogs! Great if your into sports, snowboarding, wakebording, surfing-perfect vehicle. The new v8 is awesome!

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  I love my car - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By klammca - July 31 - 2:00 am

  The 2000 Camry is a great car. It looks nice without costing a bundle, rarely gets "sick," has quick handling for a family sedan, is comfortable and stylish, and has an attractive dashboard setup. It looks good on both men and women. The ride is smooth, not choppy like some Japanese cars, and the visibility is good. I also like the spacious trunk.

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  Highly Impressed - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By sbang - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Everything u read about the reviews are correct. This car will leave u highly impressed. Its very roomy and comfortable inside. The reclining back seat will get u alot of ooohs and ahhhs. U dont really get that feeling of driving a heavy SUV. This car feels like its gliding over the road. All the added bells and whistles in the Limited edition will make u so glad that u raked in a couple of more $$ a month.

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  Price - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By NTOIA - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Edmunds is showing over invoice pricing. Bought $1000 under invoice with rebate ($1000). Invoice plus rebate is a good target. Probably will get better in near future. Birmingham dealer advertising double rebate ($2000). Not sure deducted from what. Auburn dealership wont deal. Dick Dyer Toyota in Columbia SC showing $3000 to $4500+ off MSRP on net site without haggling.

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  Glad I did my homework! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By robbert31 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Room that we needed and the luxury we didnt think we could get in an SUV that wasnt an BMW or a Lexus.

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  Wonderful 2004 Sienna LE - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By tolenal - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Picked up the van over the weekend. Love everything about it. Except for one thing. Second row seat backs need to fold fully and have an intermediate stage before tumbling forward. My 4 year old daugher was almost crushed after standing between the second row and first row passenger seat. My wife tried to recline the seat back but it folded forward and tumbled forward, detaching from the rear anchors, pinning my daughter for a second.

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  I Customized Mine - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By MikeS - July 30 - 11:56 pm

  The car is a little boring if its stock. I TRDed mine and i love it, black with black wheels. I always get compliments and people mistake it for a 2004-2005. The only complaint I have is that i didnt get it in stick.. PS I got it with 72k miles on it and not one single problem..yet Buy with confidence. mike

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  Somewhat of an expert... - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Elliott - July 30 - 4:23 pm

  I consider myself somewhat of an expert on the Highlander because I have owned six (6) of them. Thats right... I buy a new one every year and love the vehicle. It fits my needs as an SUV while it rides like a dream. The gas mileage is great for an SUV and is affordable to own. I miss not having the option for an auto dim rearview mirror with compass. It was available in the past but a service note came out against it because installation could interfere with the operation of the air bags. Very happy that fog lights finally became an option. Also glad that a center console became available in 2002. The 2001 didnt have one and you couldnt get an aftermarket for it. Shifting is a little sloppy

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  A great vehicle - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By mkol - July 30 - 3:16 pm

  I bought my XRS 2 days ago and I am already loving it and have no buyers remorse. It is not as fast as I would hope that it would be, but I dont need it for racing anyway.

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  Impressive, fun to drive - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Ed - July 30 - 8:23 am

  We traded a 2003 Honda CRV for the impressive Rav4 because of reliability, styling, peppy 4-cyl, room, rear storage.The Honda disappointed when it was in repair for one week with an engine problem. Never happened on the Toyotas I owned before the CRV.