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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  05 Taco PreRunner Double Cab - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By mrfoxy56 - April 25 - 5:40 pm

  Just bought this truck with TRD Off Road pkg. So far no problems. Im 56 yo and I love it...and so do the kids. Got bed extender with clear mask and tint all around. This truck is awesome and built to last. Toyota really did its homework on the redesign.

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  Mid-Life Crisis Killer! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By John Treble - April 25 - 6:16 am

  We shopped for weeks looking at BMW 3- series, Infiniti G35, Volvo S40, Audi A4, and Mercedes C-class. Even looked at a fully-loaded Maxima...but then stumbled across this little gem. Got the SLE without Navigation system for under $30K. This is the sweetest ride we have ever had. Acceleration is very good and you hit 70 MPH without realizing it (a speeding ticket just waiting to happen...) Seats are very comfortable. Top goes up and down effortlessly. Sound system is robust and easily controlled from steering wheel. Rear seating is suprisingly generous for a convertible. Our dogs LOVE it!

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  Doesnt get any better - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By mnienkemper - April 25 - 5:33 am

  This is the best vehicle Ive owned. The 4Runner is fun to drive, looks good, and is very comfortable. Beyond these distinguishing features, I have had me 4 Runner for 50000 miles now (total of 114000) and I havent had one major thing go wrong. If this isnt enough, If I wanted to, I could sell my 4Runner for almost as much as I bought it for. This is the best vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  The best of the best - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Kyle Ginder - April 24 - 9:43 pm

  Excellent vehicle all around. I have the sport model and love the looks of it, and it handles great. Toyota has really outdone themselves w/the highlander. The only negative things I have to say about it is that I dont care for the headlights when switched to brights but dims work great and head rests are just a little to far forward.

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  Toyotas=reliability - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Fab Al - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Had to fix a few things because bought car used. Previous owner drove car without paying attention to minor details. I fixed up car and driven to Arches NP, Up and down CA coast. SLC, Utah and back and this vehicle is not missing a beat. Very comfortable for my back and cant say enough about Toyotas. I previously owned P/U Truck (Toyota) 1984, bought new, and put 250,000 on it. No major problems just a few little maintenance things, Im sold........

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  02 sr5 trd v8 - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Lauferdm - April 24 - 10:00 am

  GREAT TRUCK!!! this is my 4th toy truck since 88 and they have all been great. I sell cars so i test drive many and the big3 has NOTHING on the tundra! I replaced the stock 2 1/4 inch pipe with a 3 inch and a magnaflow muffler WOW GREAT SOUND!!!! also k&n drop in filter. 10% more horse i assume (25)

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  OUTSTANDING VEHICLE !!!!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By warren loewe - April 24 - 10:00 am

  AFTER HAVE A MAXIMA (7YRS) & PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GT (2YRS) I FIND THIS CAR TO BE SUPERIOR IN EVERY WAY. MAXIMA WAS A GREAT CAR, BUT I FEEL NISSAN HAS FORGOTTEN ABOUT RIDE, COMFORT AND INTERIOR LOOKS FOR HORSEPOWER. I FEEL THE PONTIAC IS THE BEST OF THE GM LOT AND WAS A VERY GOOD CAR BUT THE ONLY REASON I BOUGHT THE PONTIAC BECAUSE OF THE GM CARD REBATE I HAD TO USE UP.I ALSO HAD A GREAT DEALER IN ARLINGTON TO WORK WITH.

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  Wow! - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Que - April 24 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Avalon XLS is my first Toyota after 13 straight years of driving an Accord and I couldnt be happier with my choice. The ride is quiet and superb. Acceleration is smooth and powerful, with a truly superior stereo. Heads turn everywhere I go, and with good reason...its beautiful!

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  I love my new Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By lbstrgrl1 - April 23 - 1:26 am

  This car has it all... looks, performance, economy. When I showed my friends and coworkers they couldnt believe it was an economy car... sure doesnt look like one. Great purchase all around.

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  I love my FJ Crusier - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By rwd - April 22 - 8:36 pm

  Lot of power for a 6cy., out pulled a CJ7 when a full size ford p/up was stuck in suggar sand @ Pensacola Bch. CJ7 could not budge it she came right out for me