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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  A Great Value SUV - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Mike - May 19 - 5:26 am

  I traded my 2007 Camry LE because I wanted to get back in an SUV. I looked at 4Runners, Muranos, GMCs, and Volvos and was very close to buying the Infiniti FX35. My girlfriend suggested that I drive a Highlander, best advice Ive gotten in a while. I drove the Highlander and was hooked. I selected the Limited AWD, classic silver, sunroof, and black leather interior. The interior gives you maximum space for 4 or more passengers, a much greater value when compared to the FX35. It actually has an echo when the doors are closed, I kid you not! Easy and fun to drive and looks great at the curb. I added running boards and side moldings to complete the trim and glad I did.

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  1500 mile road tewst. - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By cowboy32 - May 18 - 7:33 pm

  An odd turn of events found me picking up my sons new TCH and delivering it to him in Miami Fl. I left OKC and drove out of Oklahom across Arkansas Clipped the corner of Tennessee and drove the whole North side of Mississippi. Finally after 651.2 miles I stopped in Alabama and filled up. It took 16.005 gallons which yielded a MPG of 40.6+ MPG. aT 1053 MILES i filled it again and still had 40.6+ mpg for the trip. All of this was at approx 72MPH. Once I entered Florida the traffic dictated that I should drive 75 or 75+ so I did. That run got 37.5 or so. Yes we did get 55 and 57 on a couple of controlled runs at low speed but as far as the real world of interstate driving is concerned 40 is OK.

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  Very impressive vehicle! - 2015 Toyota 4Runner
  By Christopher E. McClure - May 18 - 3:00 pm

  I have driven 4wd vehicles (SUV and trucks) for 47 years, and this is as capable as any of them. I got it because I had been driving a 4wd F-150 for ten years and it was time for something other than a pickup. I have driven the 4Runner in all types of conditions, from highway to snow and rugged off-road, and it has done an excellent job in all. When one drives an SUV, especially one designed for off-road use, one has to understand that it will not be a car. I rarely tow a trailer, but when I do, this one has more than enough capacity to do what I need.

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  Fantastic car - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Franklyn - May 18 - 10:00 am

  fantastic car. I have a green MR2 turbo. i am fine with the performance of it - its perfect for me. Sure, storage is almost nonexistent, but its ok for me, since I am the only 1 driving it most of the time. This car is very easy to care for. Less washing time! Its perfect! Funnnn to drive!

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  Sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By gesfire - May 18 - 10:00 am

  Good quality,good ride, very spacious and comfortable

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  Not much to complain about - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By icangelat03 - May 18 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the first convertible available at the dealership after finally seeing it in Chicago. Couldnt be happier with it. My first convertible, and in comparison with others I have seen/driven, a wonderful ride, with minimal shakes. Many wonderful comments recieved on the styling of the car, in addition to all the looks out on the road.

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  My 4 wheel Safety machine - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Pacific Northwest - May 18 - 10:00 am

  Have loved this truck from moment one off the lot. It accelerates wonderfully, great sound system, every air bag thats out there, and has the toyota reliability that we require. This is my 3rd generation 4 Runner, and by far the best. I could only hope for a hybrid version of this best in a tuxedo!

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  The best - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By fstedee - May 18 - 10:00 am

  My 2nd prerunner and both have been great. Move the clock and reduce the wind noise. I have owned Toyotas since 1962 and will buy more if needed.A solid truck that performs as a truck is suppose to.

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  Lots of Value for the Money - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By MusicMan - May 18 - 10:00 am

  I am enjoying my 04 Corolla LE immensely. It rides smoothly, quietly, and has more than sufficient power to merge and keep up with highway traffic. The 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/Cassette audio system sounds marvelous. I also got ACSO door sill plates, carpeted trunk and floor mats,all-weather package, side air bags, cruise control. $15.5K plus taxes/plates The mileage has been improving. We use the A/C a lot here during the Midwest summers, and in mixed driving my best mileage has been about 34 miles to the gallon. With 4200 miles on the vehicle, I expect that figure to improve in the next few months.

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  After ONE year of driving my 2004.... - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By NELSONT - May 18 - 10:00 am

  I must say its been a good year besides the fuel tank recall and a seatbelt issue on the first row of seats as the clasp at the top of it keeps breaking. To back up in this beautiful van is quite challenging because your view is non existent UNLESS you have the sensor things on the XLE model. The rear hatch is too heavy. OVERALL I LOVE THIS VAN! Just some improvements that need to be made or just made standard will improve it 100%!