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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  60K Miles and still like it! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By BigPops - June 12 - 10:53 am

  I still like it after 60k miles. I got one built in Japan. I wonder if the people who have problems with rattles and transmission were built in the US. I have a trailer hitch and trailer and the car does everything I ask of it. I have run from Jersey to Michigan a number of times pulling a load. With no load, punch it while at highway speed and jump to 90mph and leave the traffic behind you. With the 2.4 engine you will not crack 3k rpm until 90mph. Great! I have driven over 500 miles on a tank (all highway driving).

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  As good as it gets - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By jniska - June 12 - 7:53 am

  This vehicle is just about perfect. Ride is great, driving dynamics are good for a bigger SUV, and the mileage for a vehicle this size is outstanding. We test drove the Escape Hybrid and it falls way short of the Highlander in comfort, and overall driving feel. This car is the perfect compliment to our Prius. Not only do you we get over 26 MPG, the car can seat 7 and tow 3500 pounds. I dont know of any other vehicle that can do that. We typically trade in our cars every few years, but this one is going to stay for quite a while, or at least until Toyota comes out with a plug in model.

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  Great Car....Buy One Today - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Gregs MR2 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I must say that this is one of the finest little sports cars I have ever driven. I currently own a Lotus Esprit Turbo and a Triumph TR6. My MR2 is my daily driver and just as much fun to drive. To think, Lotus chose the engine and powertrain in this baby to be used in the Elise to be sold in the USA.

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  Awesome car! - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By SweetGirlChicago - June 12 - 2:00 am

  This car has great handling, good suspension, great style both in and out, it is my favorite car owned by far compared to my others (Jetta, Diamante, Neon). I like the fact that both guys and girls want to check out my car..the rear wing and the awesome color makes my car stand out from the rest!

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  RAV Rave - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By cadbetts - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Hondas and Toyotas are the best car for the money. If anybody tells you otherwise ask for the unbias proof. Toyota, Im taking a guess, would be better at making trucks simply because theyve been doing it longer - trial, error, improvement. I have no complaints. PS only get the 4wd if you really need it - you pay for it in gas.

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  Dream car! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By shep - June 12 - 2:00 am

  There is not a car on the road that I would rather have than the Sequoia Lmtd. Why am I not seeing more reviews of this awesome car? Theyre extremely popular where I live in Central Oregon.

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  2004 Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By sllbunn - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I love my Solara. It drives like a dream, is comfortable, reliable, and sporty. I cannot find one single thing that I dont like about it. It makes me feel as exciting as it is to drive.

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  Off road fun - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By madmary - June 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. I took it off road at an Army base. It did everything that the HUMVEEs did. Of course I was a little bit leary, but the truck wasnt! I cant wait until it gets a little older so I can really have some fun with it. My husband has a Lincoln LS, and the ride of the 4 Runner is just as smooth on road.

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  THIS IS MY SECOND ONE - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Ladyinblack0404 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I have found this vehicle to be very reliable and a pleasure to drive. This is my second one, and have had no mechanical or other problems.

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  I Love My Toyota - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By jimleona - June 12 - 2:00 am

  At 62" and 220 lbs, I needed a car I could easily get into after back surgery. I was even able to sit in the rear seat with comfort. The Sporty, European look (without the Americanized sports trim) is cleaner. What will a rear air foil, etc., really accomplish ??? The engine is very quick and merges with ease during highway driving. And... this little beauty handles like its on rails, in part, due to the front and rear anti- sway bars. Economy... It gets 34 mpg, city. I Love It!