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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  Highlander Review - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By E Miller - June 20 - 2:00 am

  This Highlander has been all we had hoped it would be. We have an SR5 but it is more equiped than the typical Limited. It provides a refined ride with ample interior space, it feels solid and handles responsively. We dont mind making long trips in it, and performs well under harsh wintery conditions. Gas mileage has been very good for an SUV. We are very satisfied.

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  Absolutely love it - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4runner - June 20 - 2:00 am

  This is my first S.U.V. I have always had sport cars, and now w/ having a family i had to upgrade. After driving in this 4runner i dont know what i was doing driving cars. This has got to be the most appealing vehicle S.U.V. out there. Its appealing to the eye outside as well as inside. Not to mention..options..options..options. The limited comes w/ everything. Great power for a six, comfort, and everything else. Toyota did this vehicle right.

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  Awesome - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Chicky - June 20 - 2:00 am

  After having owned trucks for many years I decided to try a car. Im glad I bought the Camry. It is fun to drive, comfortable and reliable. The only downside is....I wish it had a little more style and flash.

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  Glad its Ours! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By sjcohen - June 20 - 2:00 am

  We are expanding to three kids and loved the ability to get three kids in the second row, fold in the third row, and have TONS of cargo space! I find it drives very much like a car, not a truck. It is quite easy to get kids into/out of the van; even my 2 year old can get himself up into the van unassissted. We also opted for the safety package which gave us traction control, stability control, EBD, etc. Drives great in the snow w/o AWD.

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  My Toyota Camry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By JASTA - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I love my Camry. Inside very comfortable; by far wins over any comperable competiter. Thats what I expect from Toyota.

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  Steves Matrix - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Steven Blough - June 20 - 12:43 am

  Excellent, no compaints. Matrix runs great and also gets great gas mileage. I am averageing close to 40 mpg on trips. Lots of room in the back with seat down. I have used it for sleeping on several trips and found it very comfortable. The AC outlet has been very helpful for things like, charging phone, recharging camera batteries and playing cd player or video games. I have had it for over 3 years now and am very satisfied!!!!

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  Great choice - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By Joe - June 19 - 9:43 pm

  After looking at all the top choices out there, we chose a Sienna. We got an XLE with the Value package 3 and several other options. My kids love the comfort and ease of use of this van. It is very smooth and quiet on the highway and easy to maneuver around town. It really is the Lexus of minivans.

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  Cant beat a Toyota - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jazbone - June 19 - 6:26 pm

  This is a follow up to my original posting after I purchased my Tacoma 4WD. I havent had any major problems with this truck. The only problem was my aux trans shifter popped out of position when taking out of 4WD at 45 mph. It was an easy fix as the retainer clip had loosened out of its clip holder. It was put back in and I havent had any problems with it since. Gas mileage has been as high as 24.7 and I average 19.5-21 mpg traveling the I-5 corridor through the Cascade mt range of Northern California. The comfort is still a problem over aggressive expansion joints or the rutty freeways of the entire Bay Area region! This truck has been great to me and I will trade up for a new one soon!!

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  2004 Toyota Tacoma V6 Ext. Cab PreRunner - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By D Sistrunk - June 19 - 1:40 pm

  I purchased this truck about a month ago, and am so impressed by it. It does everything I need to do, and more. If you are looking for a small truck, that sits like a 4x4, gets good gas mileage, and looks great, this is the one for you.

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  Love it! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By mikeslittlesis - June 19 - 1:36 pm

  I love my RAV4. I went looking for a CR-V and found this car. It drives great, gets better gas milage than quoted, and runs great. I got 31 mpg on a long trip with the A/C off. I love the stereo controls on the steering wheel, which keep my eyes on the road. It is easy to park even in tight spaces and easy to turn around.