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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  We Love our Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Morgann - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This by far the best Toyota we have ever owned. We travel from MA. to VT in the snow. The Sequoia is by far the best I have ever driven in the snow & ice. The ride comfort is great!

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  Good Buy - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Talis - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Bought mine brand new from the dealer, it hasnt been back to the dealer since. (Except for the small fact that nobody in my area sells the air filter yet) I have never gotten worse than 44 miles per gallon and my highest was 50. Only extras I got were cruise control and a CD player. I drive over 35,000 miles a year, so I just wanted a car that would last and got good gas mileage.

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  Excellent - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Anico - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car. What else do you want me to say.

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  Like It - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By wildbill39 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  It does it all well: hauls passengers, commutes, hauls a 1000# trailer.

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  4Runner 2003 - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Max Liners - May 30 - 2:00 am

  the new v8 has out of this world power. it is a definate upgrade from the prior v6. dual climate control for both driver and passenger is extremely well thought up. the 4x4 drive system is complex and requires some intense reading for understanding. the all wheel drive works wonderful and overall handling is a definate plus.

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  gret suv - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By bobswomen - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I got my Highlander about 7 months ago and would not trade it for the world. We had tyr all the different types of suv and was not happy with one thing or another. We tested the Highlander back in December of 2001. we went back in May of 2002 and got one.This suv is one of the best.We got he the v6 2wd and agree that is one of the best v6 we have tested.. Love the Highlander

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  Best vehicle Ive every owned. - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Trippsgp - May 30 - 2:00 am

  In the 30 days Ive owned my Highlander it has given me more pleasure than any vehicle Ive owned in over 40 years of driving. With two wheel drive it preformed great in snow and ice. It has the most comfortable ride of any SUV Ive every ridden in and drives like a dream.

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  Fun driving experience - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Lillian W. Fanjoy - May 29 - 7:33 pm

  I enjoy FJ for its smooth ride and have been told by guest riders that it rides like a Cadillac! V-6 engine has plenty of power when needed and a feeling of safety as surrounded by a good frame. Sitting up higher than the smaller cars gives you a good view of what is ahead of you. I have gotten many compliments on the FJs color Black Cherry Pearl. I love its exterior design with the locked spare tire enclosure on the back.

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  New Tacoma: 21st Century Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By WMaddox - May 29 - 7:03 pm

  Terrific Truck. My Tacoma makes me smile every day. Not a squeak, not a rattle, not a thump. I looked at the Nissan Frontier; it feels too truck- like compared to the Toyota. I also checked out the Honda Ridgeline and was discouraged by the 6K dealer markup & typical (and inexplicable) Honda styling effort. Although I believe all three are excellent buys. The "Taco" can do it all: drives like a car, plays in the dirt, and hauls the family or a pile of bricks with equal efficiency. The 5-speed automatic tranny is a dream, better mileage and 0-60 times than the 6-speed manual, go figure... Therefore, Im no longer a stick shift only guy. Now Im enjoying the lazy ("shiftless") lifestyle.

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  09 FJ - 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Redbmw - May 29 - 5:36 pm

  Good enhancements to the 2009 model, rear camera to enhance visibility and inside reading lights. Off road buttons added.