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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  Impressed, as expected. - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By foq - September 8 - 4:22 am

  Well, this is my first truck since I served in military in other country. All my other cars were track runners so I never thought Id enjoy driving a truck.. as those normally lack power or turning capability. Well, I was in for a treat. truck saved me a few times so far, and the offorad capability was a blessing. Build quality is impressive, interior is great. this truck could use more power, definitely, but for the weight / room / options, the power is ok. On the road it feels like a road truck, off road it feels like a decent, off-road built vehicle. Very happy with this investment. Oh, and estimated MPGs are wrong.. I get anywhere between 18.2-22, depending on areas. 17.5 in Chicago.

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  disappointment - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By txag - September 8 - 3:56 am

  While I love the size and comfort compared to other SUVs, I have had a number of non-drive train problems, none of which the dealership would fix under warranty, despite the truck being less than 3 years old. Antenna no longer retracts, several pieces of interior molding have had to be replaced, including the drivers side door handle, motor on liftgate window burnt up after only a couple of years, and the air conditioner is a piece of junk. Not only does the AC control decide whether youre getting hot or cold air depending on the temperature you choose (and it varies with outside temp), but the strength of the air output changes if you change the temperature, or if you accelerate.

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  Excellent Ride! - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By jtr903 - September 8 - 3:20 am

  I have had my Toyota 4Runner since 1999. I have used it in blizzards, sandy beaches and it has never let me down. Althought I have low milage and ti give an example of the quality parts used when building thew truck, I have never replaced the brakes, I have tuned it only one time and only kept it in normal maintance. Its a very smooth ride, one I will never get rid of!

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  Fantastic for the price - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jimbo - September 8 - 2:20 am

  The fuel mileage is wonderful. Its great fun to drive. I love it.

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  Worth every Penny - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Kat - September 7 - 9:43 pm

  I bought this new with 13 miles. It now has 54K. In 2 years, it goes to my daughter for college, and I know shell have it for many years after. Other than the typical maintenance, Ive had no unexpected surprises, and thats exactly what I wanted after my last car.

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  Beauty and Durability... - 2012 Toyota Corolla
  By maggie2012 - September 7 - 9:31 pm

  We have been a Toyota family for over 20 years and recently purchased our 7th Toyota. We were pleasantly surprised when we test drove the 2012 Toyota Corolla "L" base model and found that it had power windows and doors. The price is affordable and with current incentives and low interest financing, it makes it good buy even better. Beauty and durability, thats what Toyota offers...

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  It really is as good as it looks - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By VenzaBuyerIL - September 7 - 4:10 pm

  We spent a long time deciding between the Venza and the Lexus RX 350, Audi Q5, Infiniti EX35 and Volvo XC60. While the Venza is a crossover, these others are small luxury SUVs and are priced similarly-equipped at about a $10K higher sticker price. We have not been disappointed by the initial quality, ride and features in our vehicle. My only serious complaint about the vehicle is the quality of the plastic used in the lower half of the dashboard; it says "Corolla" more than luxury and this is about the only oversight I have found. Otherwise, I suspect we have as much a car as the ones listed above, but at a significantly more economical price. I am very happy with my choice.

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  Sequoia Nice SUV - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Tom - September 7 - 3:33 pm

  This is my third SUV and it is the best. Very comfortable and reliable. I have not had a single problem. Would buy again.

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  My only vehicle - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By John - September 7 - 12:10 pm

  I have owned dozens of vehicles, including five 4x4 trucks. Ive had Chevy, Dodge, Ford, Jeep and Land Rover, some new, some not. My 2007 Tacoma 4x4 double cab beats them all hands down. By far the best stock 4x4 I have ever driven, let alone owned. I highly recommend this truck as a primary vehicle, especially if you like to take it out into the hills frequently like I do. I put a ToyTec 3" lift in front and 1.5" add a leaf in back. This truck rocks!

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  Camry SE - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By mtaddeo - September 7 - 7:21 am

  I am so excited about my "new" Camry SE that I leased at Cityworld Toyota in the Bronx... The new look and feel of the car is amazing and my salesman Abe was wonderful and very helpful during the process...I have been driving a Toyota for many years now and highly recommend this car and model...