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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  This Is My Car - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Jenn9919 - April 2 - 10:00 am

  So far my RAV4 has been extremely pleasant to drive, easy to maneuver, and very reliable. I purchased this as my "dream car"-the one I always wanted, and I have not been disappointed, as we often are when we buy something we thought would be better than it is. The easily removable rear seats have made it perfect for taking my dogs camping, and I always have plenty of room for anything I need. I have moved my entire apartment (including all normal furniture, such as bed and sofa) twice in this "little" car. Im exceptionally pleased with it.

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  06 Prius Owner - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Patricia - April 2 - 5:40 am

  I admit I have only owned this vehicle for less than 2 months but I love it. The smaller steering wheel took a little while to get used to but now - no problem. The Prius is very responsive and even though I do alot of highway traveling my average mileage is about 45.

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  Fun little Car - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By rpanjabi - April 2 - 5:00 am

  Ive bought my vehicle when it was not available in the market to see easily. Since then every stop light I stop at I get compliments about my car.

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  Great truck! - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By John O. - April 2 - 2:10 am

  This is my second 4Runner, and again Im not disappointed. Like my first (a 1997) it is a bit underpowered. Outside of that I have no complaints! I still get compliments even though it is 11 years old. The vehicle is fun to drive, handles great in all weather, and even 11 years old there is no squeaks, rattles, or wind noise. Michigan is known to use excessive salt, and yet the only rust on the vehicle is on the trailer hitch. Mine doesnt have many miles (69,000) as of this writing, but the ONLY things replaced so far since new have been one set of tires and a malfunctioning key fob. If you can find a low mileage 4Runner cheap, you wont be disappointed!

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  Ill Miss This Car... - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By Dave - April 1 - 6:50 pm

  I bought this amazing car 15 yrs ago new in 1994. In 37 yrs of driving, its been my best and favorite. MPG still 24-32 - used to get 25/35. Car was hit while parked & ins. co. totaled it. Was drivable, & I wanted to keep it, but repair was cost prohibitive. Now Ill donate it and looking at a used 06 Corolla CE - If I buy it & get the same great run out of it, WOW that would be great.

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  2002 camry xle - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By sonya - April 1 - 4:46 pm

  Great reliable, like any other car, as long as you take care of the maintainece and treat it responsibility it will last.

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  Best SUV on the road ! - 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Carlos Rodriguez - April 1 - 6:16 am

  Ive owned 3 SUVs prior to the Land Cruiser, but this one has to be the most comfortable and refined SUV on the road. The handling and suspension are awesome, the quietness of the engine is amazing. The body style never looks outdated, always looks new. The controls are very easy to operate, offroad capabilites are far superior then any other SUV on the road, hands down. Ive always wanted a Land Cruiser but the cost was out of my range. Now that I own one I will never go back to any domestic SUV. Yes it is a bit more expensive than other SUVs, and premium fuel is required, but believe me its worth every penny.

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  Best SUV for small family - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By TXTWOLF - April 1 - 12:00 am

  We have 3 dogs and one baby. I have had a few suvs (Ford Explorer, Chevy Trailblazer, Jeep Cheerokee, and Toyota Highlander) and this one is the best all around. We got the 4 cyl. for better gas milage and it is great. We live in the burbs and have no need for a 4x4 but want the flexibility of an suv. This is by far the best suv out there, we test drove the pilot and loved it, but kept coming back to the highlander and have never looked back. Great, great fun little suv!

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  A BEST BUY if ever there was one - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By h37338 - March 31 - 12:10 pm

  Ive owned literally hundreds of vehicles. Ive owned this the longest; purchased with 70k, now have 175k. This has proven to be one of the most comfortable and versatile vehicles I have ever owned and one of the most reliable. It has NEVER let me down. NEVER!!! I dont know if Ill ever be able to part with it because it does everything I ask of it whether hauling people or 25 bags of mulch, or towing a boat. Kids are now grown and my wife says I should sell. I cant bring myself to do so. It really is family...

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  Ford and Chevy dont stand a chance - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By gnc1104 - March 31 - 5:13 am

  I bought my Tundra used after my F150 was totaled. What a monster!!! I own a construction business, and the Tundra beats the F150 in every category. MPG, power, torque, ride, room, comfort, etc. I will never buy a Ford or Chevy truck again. I added exhaust, leveling kit, and oversized tires, and I am getting about 21 mpg. WOW!!!! Drive one and you will buy one.