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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  2004 Tacoma sr5 with the TRD package - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By ChefNeil - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought the 2004 Tacoma, fully loaded, extended cab, for $24,000. When researching the compact pickups, I had read the ride was horriable in the tacoma. The ride infact is better than any pickup I have ever been in, and similar to a car. We just got 8" of snow, and the 4x4 handling was outstanding. When i want the truck to get up and go, s

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  High Lander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Leader - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Both it with 12,500 miles. Could not be more happy. Quality, interior room, drives like a car, very smooth. It is really a solid vehicle. It inspires reliability bumper to bumper. My is dark blue (navy blue) and brings sun roof & Privacy Glass giving the appearance of semi luxury and cool fresh look to fit everywhere I go.

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  Love this SUV!!! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By malibulady - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I am so impressed with the way the Highlander handles and rides like a car. The AWD is definitely the way to go. I feel very secure in the Highlander.

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  LOVE THIS VAN! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Elliana - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love this van! The trunk is huge and the backseats are so easy to fold down by myself and Im on the small side.I did have to have the gas tank replaced (recall) but that was easy and they filled the tank when they were done (it was about half full when I took it in). My kids love the ease of getting in and out. The ride is excellent and quiet. The surround sound is awesome, but so is turning it off! :) Sonar and laser cruise control are very easy to use and turn off if needed. This is my 5th vehicle (2nd minivan) and Ive never loved one more than this one!

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  05 Matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Jay Yabo - May 28 - 8:46 pm

  Comfortable seating, the seats are high so legs arent streched out. Handles very well, esp in inclement weather. Great visibility all around. Gets on the average 27 mpg. Range 325 miles. Smooth ride.

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  Fast and Roomy - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By SOHAIL - May 28 - 6:16 pm

  Ive had my Tacoma for few weeks now and its faster and more comfortable then any other mid size truck Ive owned. I have lots of off-road features to play with. The interior of the truck is not cheap quality as most new vehicles these days. Toyota is always on TOP of quality and reliability.

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  Great Truck!!! - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By brettj1 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought my truck brand new, almost 7 years ago. I want to buy another Toyota but the one I own now is doing so well that I hate to spend the money on a new truck.

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  fun in the sun - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By dave spyder - May 28 - 10:00 am

  best value on the market a drivers car to be purchase with that intent.

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  ECHO...you know I like it! - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By kneisl1 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This car gets excellent fuel economy, about 38-40 mpg in town, five speed transmission. This car is incredibly roomy inside for its size. It sits high up off the ground making entry and exit easy on my bad back. Other cars in this class require a limbo dance to get into, then feel like youre riding on a skate board in traffic theyre so low to the ground. Engine is surprizingly powerfull for a car of this size, it has all the power one could ask for. Car has been utterly reliable over two years, 11,500 miles.

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  Very good minivan - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By Tom H - May 28 - 10:00 am

  We are very happy with this minivan so far. Reliability has been top notch. It is almost 3 years old with 42K miles and still is tight and quiet like a new car. Could use the disappearing third row seat like the Honda though and few more inches of rear cargo space when all of the seats are in. All in all, it is an excellent car.