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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  Driving perfection - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By thedeadpoet - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive ALWAYS wanted a 4runner. I recently found one with EVERY OPTION I wanted, and in my fav. available color. The truck looks fantastic, has impeccable road manners, and a stellar 4wd system. Space is adequate, and the interior is simple and comfortable. My only gripes; poor fuel economy coupled with a spirited but underpowered engine. What gives?

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  Buy the ECHO - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By rajmoran - February 24 - 2:00 am

  The car is excellent.

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  Rav 4 AWD - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Adel - February 24 - 2:00 am

  NOT BAD , POOR ON GAS BUT FUN TO DRIVE

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  Absolutely the best car Ive ever owned! - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By jdlanctot - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car 10 months ago and I havent been disappointed. On the practical side is 30+mpg, reliability, and resale value. Maintenance is a breeze, except for an underside engine cover (not that bad). Acceleration, braking, and handling/suspension are truly outstanding. The 6-speed manual took little time to get used to and is well- tuned for speed shifting. If you want to feel "one with your machine", this is the car for you. Sure-footed and responsive. Finally, the car is a head-turner; people stop in parking lots to look it over. Friends love to go for rides. My wife loves to drive it too.

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  Bought American Made - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By flyfisher - February 24 - 2:00 am

  They dont get any better than this. Worry free transportation. Im done with the so called big three.

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  One Dependable Car - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By REITdude - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Though Ive only owned my Highlander for 5 weeks, it feels longer because I spent so much time researching it (and other SUVs) and have learned so much about it. So far it has completely lived up to the expectations that were set by other HL owners.

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  Greatest SUV - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Mr. SUV - February 24 - 2:00 am

  This is the best SUV made for the size. Car like ride with great acceleration off the line. I have owned a lot of cars and SUV and this one is the TOPS. I drive a lot of miles, over 33,000 a year, and this vehicle is very comfortable even for a person who is 63" and 250 lbs.

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  A great vehicle! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By FrozenYooper - February 24 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I recently purchased this car and we have had nothing but good things happen. We previously owned a Plymouth Breeze, and by far the Corolla has better handling, a roomier interior, and is very reliable. It is not the flashiest car around, but it will get you from point A to point B without any hassles. We have no regrets in buying this car!!!

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  Still loving it! - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Sandra - February 23 - 11:36 pm

  This has been the most enjoyable auto Ive owned. I love everything about it. I bought this RAV4 2010 in Oct. 09 after much anguish, having just bought a brand new Honda CR-V-EX. As soon as I drove the Honda off the lot, I knew I made the wrong decision. 6 weeks later and taking (an obvious) loss, I traded it for the RAV and have never regretted this costly mistake. Its a fun, comfortable vehicle to drive, has a lot of power (4 cyl.), handles beautifully and most of all, being single, feel extremely safe with any Toyota but especially the RAV 4. Ive had it now for 7 months and I still have that new-owner-cant-wait-to- drive-it excitement about it.

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  The real deal. - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By jbtang1023 - February 23 - 11:23 pm

  I was lucky to find a fairly new 2007 Highlander with only 7500 miles on it. Purchased it because I got a great deal and I am very pleased with my decision. First off, this is a very comfortable SUV to drive. It is not too big and it does almost feel like you are driving a car except you sit much higher. Now it does get a little flighty but what do you expect from an SUV. Pros: good family transportation. Got the third row seats so I can take a lot of people if I have to. Engine is smooth and is just about enough power for everyday driving. Very good cruiser! Build quality is excellent. Cons: if you have the third row seat up, no room left for luggage. Looks can be updated.