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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  4mazing - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Lingenfelter - September 11 - 10:20 pm

  Bought a 03 4runner SR5 in 2009. It had 74,000 miles on the V6. When I first got the car I was getting about 18.3 mpg which I wasnt impressed with since my dad was getting almost the same in his sequoia. Then I put a K&N filter on it. Last fill up I got 21 mpg mostly city with a little bit of highway. Awesome vehicle besides the sulfur smell that I get sometimes when stepping on the gas.

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  Best Yet - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Glenn - September 11 - 5:30 pm

  Lives up to Toyota reputation for being rugged, well built, attention to detailed craftsmenship. Reminds me of the legendary Land Cruiser from the 70s, only updated. Everything comes together, Styling, comfort, rugged, price. This is my 5th Toyota vehicle, I understand this truck was aimed at a younger buyer, Im 64 and trust me Ive bonded to my new truck. Nothing on the market to compare with it as far as im concerned.

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  Proud Solara owner - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Libby - September 11 - 9:56 am

  I compared Volkswagon, Honda, Nissan, BMW and Toyota and absolutely couldnt find a better value. This car combines my desire for style, performance, reliability and resale value. It offers the look and features of a much more expensive vehicle.

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  Best Truck Ever - 2007 CrewMax SR5 - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By MilesK - September 11 - 5:03 am

  I have owned many trucks in my life. Fords were my truck of choice up until my 2004 Tundra. I just traded that in for a 2007 Tundra 5.7 Crewmax. Ive put about 6k miles on this thing and it is by far and away the best truck Ive experienced. Toyota thinks of everything down to the nth degree!

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  Loving my 4Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By FL_4Runner_Fan - September 11 - 12:23 am

  Just recently purchased a SR5 V8 4Runner. You get a lot of features for the money with this truck. Ride and handling are excellent, acceleration and braking are very good. Transmission is silky smooth. The sound level in the cabin is very quiet, with virtually no road noise.

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  Roomy and Responsive - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Steve Wamboldt - September 10 - 3:50 am

  I bought my Sequoia Limited 4x4 because I wanted a roomier and more powerful option to the Toyota 4-Runner. This full size SUV provides every comfort that includes heated seats, dual climate controls, and even power collapsible side mirrors for those tight spots. I love the way the back 2 rows of seats tumble, collapse and can be removed which has allowed us great options for camping and hauling. The Sequoia is very quick and allows us the power we need to pull a boat. I am very pleased !!

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  Super Charged - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By boxingjoey - September 10 - 2:00 am

  EverythingÂ’s been great except for the weather stripping on the inside door frame, however the dealer corrected the problem on all four doors. There wasnt enough sealant. Please note that dealer had added the extended warranty, credit life and gap insurance without my consent. They also had me at 7.75% and I have great credit. Took the rebate and went thru my credit union for 4.5%

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  Still Crazy After All These Years - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Trapper-cat - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Ladies - this car remains an ultimate guy magnet. Make sure you know whats under the hood (and that it is in the rear) because no matter where Ive parked my bright yellow MR2 Ive been approached by guys. I even had a guy ask me if he could sit in it for a minute to recall his old days before he had kids.

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  Toyota Great - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Jwhite - September 10 - 2:00 am

  This was my first "foreign" car, it surpasses American car manufacturers in stability and quality. Resale value is expected to hold well.

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  love this truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Shaun L - September 10 - 2:00 am

  I have owned both Ford and Dodge trucks/ cars. This Tundra is by far the best built most refined by far. Not one problem or complaint yet. I have never had to make a trip to the dealership for any work, unlike every other new vehicle I have owned. From here on out I am a Toyota or Lexus owner. Good Job Toyota!!