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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  Love My Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By naturalpsych - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Had the car about a year, no problems whatsoever. Feels very luxurious.

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  After testing many others... - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By christineb - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Highlander! I own my own business and could have gotten a big writeoff with a heavier SUV, but my conscious wouldnt allow me to buy a gas guzzler on the taxpayers bill. I took home and drove many SUVs, some over a weekend. The Pilot was so generic and bland inside, and the driving experience was blah, the Envoy was classy but a gas guzzler. No other SUVs in the low 30s are as well rounded as the Highlander. Its such a well made truck. I used to have a $50k GMC Envoy and this is as plush as that, but better in many other areas. This is my first Japanese car, and I think Ill stick with Toyotas from now on...

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  Practical Machine - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Versatile Vehicle - June 18 - 11:20 am

  The Toyota RAV4 Sport V6 is a wonderful, well thought out vehicle. I looked at the other competitors before buying and they dont offer the interior features, room, and comfort that this vehicle does. The drive is comfortable and the V6 engine has great pick up with 269 hp. Also note that the V6 gets only one mile less in gas mileage compared to the four cylinder. The safety features built in along with available options for this vehicle are great. The height of this vehicle is also just right, and unlike the Honda CR-V four cylinder, there is more power and more interior room. You will get many compliments with a Toyota RAV4 Sport V6.

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  Excellent vehicle for women - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Cheryl - June 18 - 12:26 am

  Though less macho-looking than the 4- Runner and others like it, this vehicle has a sleek appearance, gives consistently solid performance, and has excellent safety features. Its the perfect car for a woman seeking the advantages of an SUV in terms of cargo space and safety on busy roads. With both sets of rear seats folded away, I can carry my bicycle, dog kennel with dog, and luggage. On the two road trips Ive taken so far, my Toyota has performed well and offers a quiet, solid ride. It is responsive in heavy traffic on city streets as well as on the open highway . I researched cars for two months before deciding on the Highlander Limited, and Ive not regretted my decision at all.

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  2007 Toyota Rav (3.5L 6cyl 5A) - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By dtown40 - June 17 - 5:33 pm

  I bought this car a few months back, and have been very pleased with the purchase. The fuel economy has been good, ride is comfortable, and interior is fantastic. The V6 has amazing power that will blow you away. You really have to watch yourself when you start off. There is plenty of room in the backseat for guest, and lots of cargo area for your gear. I have a small trailer I pull from time to time, and the Rav does a fine job with that too.

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  Happy Customer - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By AB - June 17 - 10:00 am

  I am extremely happy w/ my truck. I hope to drive it for many more years. At 115,000, I have replaced the battery and just recently replaced the brakes! It is everything I wanted in a vehicle.

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  matrix - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By enrique - June 17 - 10:00 am

  very nice performance for a young person. you can fit two full size adults and a child in back seat.

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  This is the best SUV bar none - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Sequoia Eric in OR - June 17 - 10:00 am

  We looked at all the BIG SUVs and this won hands down. This has the Land Cruiser running gear, is larger but is thousands less. Great Vehicle, Great buy. Great Dealer The Chevy Tahoe looked good, but we had too many issues with our last GM Truck. We decided to go the Toyota route. The Ford Explorer is just too massive and is not updated

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  Best Selling Vehicle AND NOW I KNOW WHY! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Oh what a feeling!!! - June 17 - 10:00 am

  Roomy (bigger than the Altima I was considering) with lots of standard features.

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  Some things that helped - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By eromo - June 17 - 8:10 am

  The annoying ding ding seat belt noise, can & was 90% silenced by legit dealer reprogram. Yeah! Also pop out back door recessed handles and insert about 4 lbs of those soft and quiet ankle weights. Door still opens ok yet closes so much easier. Yeah again. Vehicle travels great. 6 cyl enough power 95% of time. One touch seat reset would be nice. Trailer light hook up unbelievably out of position. Buy 18 in extension at wmt. Pulls my 1500 lb boat silky smooth