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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  Higly recomended car when you have small kids - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By smoramx - April 10 - 10:03 am

  I took the decision to buy an FJ because is very practical when you have kids; every time the kids spill water or any other liquid its really easy to clean up. Kids cant open the back door or roll down the rear windows. The privacy glass prevents the sun in kids face. I buy the 2x4 version which I first regretted, but living in LA and with small kids its a little difficult to go off road anyway. I took it to a Baja trip for a total 3,000 miles (very little off road) and its very comfortable and smooth.

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  Reformed Toyota Buyer - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Run Away - April 10 - 10:00 am

  Mine needed an engine rebuild with less than 60,000 miles on it. The car was gently driven and well-maintained, using only synthetic oil. I was on a road trip, seven months pregnant, and I got stuck 750 miles from home with few options. The dealership charged me $5500 to replace the short block - $4000 in parts alone. There is more to say about the conduct of the dealer, but I dont have the space. When I called Toyota to complain, the company told me I was welcome to take my business elsewhere. Toyota would not stand by its product and did not care about how the dealership treated me. I have owned Toyotas all of my life but will never buy another.

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  WILL BUY AGAIN - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By JDR1999 - April 10 - 10:00 am

  GREAT TRUCK FOR WORK AND TRAVEL. NO PROBLEMS WITH HEAVY PAYLOADS GOING UPHILL.

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  I Love My New Baby - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Darshan - April 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive wanted a Rav4 since 1996, but no dealer could locate a 5-speed with anti- lock brakes. I finally went with an automatic with all the safety features that became available this year: side/head airbags, traction, and stability control. No one can believe me when I tell them I traded my Audi TT roadster for a Rav4. I dont regret it one bit--well, maybe on those few days of great weather when I could throw the top back and let the breezes take me away. At least I can get more than one suitcase in the Rav!

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  Toyota Tacoma Quad Cab - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By tom Barnett - April 10 - 10:00 am

  After driving a Dodge Dakota for fours years I am proud to be back driving a Toyota. The quality is evident when you close the door.

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  Nearly perfect car w/ couple small flaws - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Vincentseye - April 10 - 10:00 am

  Primarily my wifes round-town ride, she loves it is 54" and 115 lbs. I like it very much except on our 300 mile road trips the seats are a little small for me 62" 180 lbs. Reliable, rattle free. Cant drive over 20mph with rear windows down, messes your ears up...get the kids to shut up though! I would have bought one for me if the seat was not so small. Rear seat room is excellent for kids and adults.

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  SR5 V8 4WD Winner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By glider4 - April 10 - 10:00 am

  My first drive in this great SUV was a 1,300 mile trek across Oregon, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming backroads. The V-8 delivers amazing pick-up. Handling a bit soft but acceptable. This is my 28th car in 34 years and is #2 on my list of best ever - the 1969 Camaro Z/28 is still #1.

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  Mostly Pleased - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Westchester Willie - April 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned the Highlander for a month now, and am very pleased. Great car. I dont feel I am missing out on much by opting for the 4 cyl. instead of the more expensive V-6.

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  Practical car for the dollar - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By David Barr - April 10 - 10:00 am

  After researching many small cars (Civics, Aveo) I found the Corolla. First Toyota Ive owned. Great on gas mileage. Car is suppose to last as long as a Honda. The only complaint I have is the steering wheel is too far away. I have to keep the seat up close to reach the wheel. And Im only 59". Otherwise a good, practical car. Be cautious of Toyota dealers. They have a way of getting you a loan with a higher interest rate. Ask first what thier best offer is. A good dependable car is good, but if the financing is not, youll loose a lot of money over the long haul of a 5 year loan.

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  Dont have a problem or else - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Toyotapan - April 10 - 10:00 am

  Our car had a transmission failure at 3,500 miles. Transmission was replaced and then still had serious safety issues. Dealer tried to fix but to no avail. Toyota region declared a lemon and then insisted that at a time when 2005s are out we had to take an identical 2004 after waiting and inconvenience for 3 months. They were never concerned about our inconvenience or that my familys safety was at risk while they tried to fix it. Toyota customer service is no better and perhaps worse than others!!!