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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  The SUV that drives like a car - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Dunedude - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I was looking to buy an SUV, but didnt want to give up the comfort and smooth ride of a normal car. The Toyota Highlander was a perfect match for me and I do not regret my choice. If you decide to buy the Highlander, I would vividly recommend the Limited AWD version (you reallt get the most bang for the buck).

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  Great ride - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By jonll2 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  My 94 Corolla just died with 250,000 miles. This new model needs a bit more power. And the driver side sunvisor is to long and it hits my rear view mirror. Other than that the car is great and fun to drive. Oh yeah the tires it came with needs to be upgreaded. It came with Firestone.

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  jt thunders review - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By jtthunder - October 17 - 9:53 am

  Love this vehicle, everything is tight and works the way it should. Very Comfortable, and good manuverability. The "built-in" bed lining is an especially nice feature. Handles great in the snow and off road (and on the job site).

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  2003 4runner is one comfortable truck! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By ASK - October 17 - 2:00 am

  1 month anniversary of our 2003 4 Runner Ltd. No new car bugs. After owning Ford Explorer & Chevy Suburban - If you can get by with less cargo space, everything else about this vehicle feels like an upgrade. This is one nice comfortable truck!

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  2003 4runner is one comfortable truck! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By ask - October 17 - 2:00 am

  1 month anniversary of our 2003 4 Runner Ltd. No new car bugs. After owning Ford Explorer & Chevy Suburban - If you can get by with less cargo space, everything else about this vehicle feels like an upgrade. This is one nice comfortable truck!

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  The Perfect Car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Shireesh Thanneru - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Corolla ten days back and I already have more than one thousand miles on it! It is very fun to drive. Got all the options on the S model, including the leather seats.

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  Love my Siena - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Marcus I Valdes - October 17 - 2:00 am

  This car beat the Honda Odyssey for me. The styling is nice and the cabin is functional. Couple that with an awesome engine, and youve got an unbeatable combination.

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  Sensible Fun - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Az73 - October 16 - 11:30 pm

  We have owned A6 and E Class in past. Looked at the Accord and Camry because they are just sensible, reliable, low operating cost cars. Ended up purchasing the Camry SE because it is a nice but low key car for taking clients out without the flash or expense of CPO E Class or 5 series that were in the running. In my final judgment the Camry just makes a lot of sense, particularly, in a down economy. I have been surprised by the new 2.5 6 speed 4 cylinder that has provided solid acceleration, good handling, comfortable seats, loads of backseat room, and great fuel economy. I was concerned by some comments about un-comfortable seats/headrests but have not had any problem.

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  Excellent Car for the Environment - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By nukenight - October 16 - 8:56 pm

  Bought in Jan and traded Maxima SL for Hybrid. Great mileage, excellent ride, comfortable. Only complaint, want more luxury features. Mileage is dependent on season (AC cuts it down). Got 41 mpg on long trip to CA in August. Plenty of pep for passing and rides exceptionally well. Smooth transition from electric to gas and back. Almost luxury level interior. Wish for auto seat/mirror/steering adjust from Maxima, but other than that, my wife loves it, and she hates most cars!!!

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  love the Rav 4 - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By tmoore - October 16 - 6:13 pm

  I think that this is a wonderful vehicle for the money. It is roomy and doesnt feel cramped at all inside. It isnt a huge SUV, but fits a family of 3 or 4 perfectly. Fun to drive and looks good. What more could you want!