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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  Toyota Sequoia Limited 4WD Review - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By RKB - May 4 - 6:46 am

  After looking at several large SUVs, we decided on the Sequoia for all its amenities and for the overall look. I couldnt be happier with the performance of this vehicle. It rides and drives like a dream. Everything about this vehicle is perfect! It handles like a smaller vehicle, but has a large capacity. We are LOVING the Sequoia more than any vehicle we have ever owned (Jeep, Dodge, or Chevy). I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a large SUV. The only down side is the gas mileage, but if you have an SUV, you are used to that anyway. We are currently getting 16 mpg, which is only 1 mile less than the Chevy Blazer (small SUV) we had before.

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  Just an Awesome Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By J-Peg - May 3 - 4:23 pm

  I went from a 2004 Ford F-150 to the Tundra and what an improvement. This truck has some guts. The 5.7L will put back in your seat. It is fun to drive and I love how high I sit off the road (I have the TRD package). Im in love with my truck!

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  Sir William - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Sir William - May 3 - 9:33 am

  I dont know why any one would buy a Lexus and pay the extra money. The car is beautiful to look at and a dream to drive.

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  Size does count - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By Dave Stiller - May 3 - 5:53 am

  A very long, wide and tall vehicle. Just try washing it. Amazingly quiet and smooth ride. Seating position is excellent and provides a great view ahead. Passenger comfort is very good in all seats. Rear seats remove easily and quickly. Quality and detail of construction is impressive. No squeaks or body noises. No wind noise at speed with windows closed. Opening rear window is a plus. Allows flow thru vent.

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  Love it! - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Love it! - May 2 - 5:13 pm

  Never have been a material person, but I love this car! I was looking at crossovers and wagons for MPG, and handling, but forgot it all when I test drove this Toyota. The MPG is typical though. But the handling is smooth and if you like bigger cars, as fun as any sports car you can get. I took it off road for fun, and as inexperienced as I am, I thought I pushed it too far at one point, but... put in the low gear, and I was out of a muddy, five-feet-deep river bed. Also, for everyday, the cargo shelf in the back is great when you want to hide some things and still be able to load via the window.

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  We love it - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Kevin - May 2 - 1:20 pm

  We wanted to graduate out of our wagon. Our decision came down to Mazda CX-9, Hyunda Veracruz, and the Highlander. The Veracruz seemed a little more luxurious, but we were hesitant about reliability/resale. The best part about the Highlander is that there was nothing in the "con" list except maybe initial price. But take into account resale, and that goes away.

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  Used 2002s Are Awesome!! - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By mechanicsrule923 - May 2 - 8:23 am

  I currently own two 2002 models - one with 110,000 miles, the other with 170,000. And theyre still perfect! Toyota did it right with these models. The interior is still modern by todays standards. And the 3.0L V6 is a beast! It runs so smoothly and quietly; and yet it is extremely powerful and responsive. Weve never had a problem - no leaks, no noises, no dysfunctions. Ive replaced typical parts: tires, air filters, oil, bulbs, etc. and it runs like new! The parts are easy to find and cheap, too! My other cars are at least $60,000 each; but the $14,000 I spent on each of these Highlanders was much better spent! If you find one, buy it!

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  My new Spyder - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Jan K. Ryder - May 2 - 7:20 am

  I just bought this car and love it. I chose the shift over automatic because I wanted the "truer" feel of a sports car, and I have not been disappointed. The Spyder is affordable, great looking and very responsive. As for luggage space... it is very adequate for my needs. This will be my fun, weekend car!

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  99% Love It - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Mike - May 2 - 3:46 am

  Having just driven the car on a road trip, I love the car even more. With part of the trip involving driving through heavy rain, I have some interesting insights (below). HUGE style improvement with Prius V. Wish the antenna was shark fin, not antenna.

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  Glad to be back in a Camry!! - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By jolene - May 1 - 7:00 pm

  I bought this car with 98k miles without any doubts after owning a 95 camry, then going to a Chevy. I have not had a minutes problem with it. I am so glad to be back in a Camry!!