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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  Ill die in this car - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Rodney - January 4 - 7:40 am

  Purchased a new MR2 a few weeks ago when I heard they were going out of production. Have wanted one for several years and finally bit. I drove HW20 across northern WA last week and it was heaven. 6 hours of twisted mountain roads with the top down. Car has adequate power for what I want, and does it turn. Its just perfect: predictable when pushed in corners, rock solid cruising at 100mph, settled over uneven pavement, fun to drive to work, looks great with the adorable blonde beside me. This is a special type of sports car to me: mid-engine, rear drive, lightweight, modestly priced. I love X1-9s, 914s, 1st generation MR2s. Its sad no ones making one now.

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  Watch Out Big 3 - Tundra is AWESOME! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By TundraFan - January 4 - 5:30 am

  This is the first time that I have bought a Toyota product after owning GM and Ford products. I traded in my Chevy for a radiant red Toyota Tundra. The Tundra offers so much power in the engine that it is almost dangerous! My three kids fit in the back of my double cab and have room to spare. My wife and I have to shout to each other because there is so much room in the front! There is so much storage space that has been thoughtfully placed. This is one excellent truck at an affordable price. This is the best purchase ever for me! :)

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  Best Car EVER! - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By Celicon - January 4 - 2:00 am

  This car has everything, Sleek exterior design and smooth interior surfaces. This is the car of the future, today. Its so much fun to drive and turns heads every time. I love driving my new celica NO REGRETS

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  Glad I Bought It - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By Derek M. - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought the Avalon XLS new in 1999 and drove it 3000 miles soon after. It is comfortable, gets 28 miles/gallon on the highway, and has had no mechanical problems. My family and I have plenty of leg room and luggage space. I enjoy driving it in the city (Los Angeles), as well as on long trips. Its a great family sedan with all the comfort and reliability I expected fro

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  Gotta have it! - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By babylove17 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought this van 4 months ago and I love it! Before this I owned a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan that gave me nothing but trouble. I put $3000.00 into it for a new transmission, new raditor, new electric system and brake system to start. This vehicle only had 60,000 miles on it. I decided to get rid of it when I was told the whole front end was going! Anyway I have owned toyotas before and they are the best vehicles on the road. You will not be sorry buying a siena. I researched all the other minivans from reliability to features to price to customer reviews. It by far beats other vans. I will not buy anything else!!

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  Best SUV Ive owned - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By vtm351 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my third SUV and the best. It drives and handles like a car. The anti-skid and anti-lock break breaking systems saved me from flipping on an unexpectedly sharp turn. I was going 55 mph on Rt 1 in Pa and my exit came up faster than expected and hit the turn faster than expected. I didnt realize that it was a sharp turn and I slammed on the breaks. My back end kicked out and I though that I was going to hit the unusually high curb and flip. But the anti-skid straightened my back end and the anti- lock breaks stoped me I hit the curb. My Montero would have hit the curb and ended up on its side.

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  Japanese Buick is a nice thing to say - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By RubaDub - January 4 - 2:00 am

  If only the bumpers were less prone to get nicked and scratched this might be THE perfect car. In some 37,000 miles, NO waranty trips to the dealer, original brakes and tires still pass State inspection. Nicwe acceleration, smoooooth mechanicals. Up to 32mpg on a road trip, decentr mileage around town. So quiet inside you can hold conversation in normal tone of voice at 80 MPH.

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  I love what you do for me...TOYOTA!! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Da Yoder - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I just got my 4Runner tonight. The best SUV in the market! Handles great and very smooth! Quiet drive. Interior with all the creature comforts! Id like to say that everyone should give this a try. Then again, Id like to be the only 03 Toyota 4Runner in my neighborhood so no one else copies...hehe. Good luck looking and have fun driving.

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  Good Switch from a - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Good to Go - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Having worn-out our second Blazer we hit the lots looking for another SUV. Tried the new GM products...Envoy, Trailblazer, Tahoe...but one drive in the Highlander and we were hooked. The Camry base is evident over the other SUV offerings, with a car like drive and handle...smooth, comfy and hugs the road. We do not tow but appreciate the peppy V6, traction system and mpg...a quality buy!

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  From Explorer to Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By SacDriver - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I used to drive an Explorer unitl I recently sold it and got a Highlander. The ride and comfort is like night and day. The Highlander is so smooth and responsive. Its a joy to drive. The interior is classic, comfortable and well designed, while the engine is quiet and reliable. The only complaint is when the rear windows are rolled down with the front windows up, it sounds like a helicopter is landing on you. Ive heard of this condition with the Highlander before and it is loud, but we never drive with only the rear windows down so its not a real problem for us.