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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  Truly the best vehicle I ever bought - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By jimmy2x - March 19 - 4:40 pm

  Well - this is my 1st SUV. Was purchased pretty much for cross-country traveling. Rides much better than expected given that it is body-on-frame with a solid rear axle. Of course that is what gives the 4Runner true off-road capability which includes true 4-wheel LO with the ability to lock up the axles. Excellent tracking in rain and snow with at least a reasonable chance of getting out if you foul up and get stuck. Leather seats are comfortable and multi-adjustable. Good visibility and the LTD comes with a back-up camera that plays thru the nav system for a decent view behind you. Rear hatch closes electrically once you get close to avoid slamming. Not a rattle or a squeak

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  I LOVE MY CELICA!!!! - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Lilly425 - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I have had my car for 3 years now and I absolutely adore it. It hasnt been in the shop for repairs once. I am a fairly petite person so it suits me perfectly. All the buttons and controls are within arms reach and it feels like being wrapped in an airplane cockpit. I can zip around town and go around corners with ease. The stock stereo doesnt sound half bad, either. My only complaint, like everyone else, is that the interior scratches easily, especially where the seatbelt hits the door. Youd think they would have done something about that. All in all its a great car and I would definitely buy another Toyota.

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  Bryans XR - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Bryan D Potyk - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Mileage has been awesome. With AC about 32 MPG around town. Without I can do about 34-35 MPG. I drive the speed limit period. Great car I can fit 400 + pound of electric bass equipment in the car. Great all around car for comuting and the occasional short trip to the coast.

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  Love My Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Carol Mc - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I really like Toyotas - having previously owned 2 Avalons. But I like the ease of in/out of a vehicle and visability of a van. But NOT a van person. It rides great, gas mileage is very good and has ROOM.

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  2003 2wd Highlander LTD - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By dsb - March 19 - 10:00 am

  This is my 15th toyota, and definitely my favorite..It is so comfortable, handles well, and has plenty of comfort features..Also drove Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder..No comparison!!

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  Toyota is Cool - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By 760Li - March 19 - 10:00 am

  The Toyota Sienna is the best minivan ever. It is very roomy and has new designs. Its olny competition is the 2004 Quest by NIssan, very silmilar.

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  Cream of the Crop - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By groovology - March 18 - 9:30 pm

  After owning what was supposed to be the pinnacle German brand and having nothing but problems during my ownership experience, I decided to give Toyota a try. The Highlander itself is not very interesting to me, but the hybrid really caught my imagination. I drove it and was immediately impressed with the combination of comfort, power, roominess, and economy. A year later, all I can say is that Toyota has actually exceeded all my expectations. The car has been 100% reliable, and both my wife and I truly love it. Its rare that you have a car that is comfortable, fast, easy to drive, and helps you do your part for the environment. Its great, plain and simple.

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  I like my new Highlander 2008 - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Joseph J - March 18 - 9:30 pm

  I got this on 20th Aug 2007 and I like it. I enjoyed the power, interior, steering controls and audio system with subwoofer. I have one problem, my GPS system doesnÂ’t work if I fix it right in the center of the front windshield, but works well if I fix it on the right or left ends of windshield. Dont know why!!

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  V6 - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By 101 Toyota - March 18 - 12:00 pm

  I got V6 LE auto, so far so good, overall is very good car, had easy time in local dealership. V6 is only way to go,4 is only 1500 less. Amazing how smart is Toyota to sell so much for so less, if money is no matter go with MB E class

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  Excellent Mini-van - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Yogen - March 18 - 9:23 am

  First thing I should say, it has an EXCELLENT turning radius. I used to drive my small scion xA but observed no difference in handling Sienna while turning. Next thing I should say,it has an EXCELLENT tight steering control. I love it, really LOVE it. It gives confidence to the drivers while driving a mini-van like this. Quiet engine. Nice roomy interior with sufficient compartments. Good rear view when you look over your shoulder while crossing the lanes. Good value if you want to settle with a single car for a long time. I was (am) worrying about its tire as few people in this forum is complaining. I yet to see for it. I yet to see its fuel efficiency (I believe it may not be worse).