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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  100000 miles and running - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By Toolofsociety - August 24 - 10:00 am

  The first striking thing about the toyota avalon is the spacious interior. It has a lot of room for both the back seats and the front.The car is somewhat lacking in the design in the interior, however. It is somewhat dull and not extraordinarly exciting. This is compensated for by the engine. The very same engine of the Lexus E 300 and even after 100,000 miles on mine it still runs absolutely perfectly. The car is by far the smoothest car Ive ridden in. And if you want a good, reliable, smooth and classic car, look into the Toyota Avalon. Its really worth it. I mean, honestly, who goes online to write a review about a car unless they really like it?

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  Great SUV - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By toyandvw - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Weve got over 90K miles on our 4Runner- off and on pavement. Love it.. dont even want to trade it in on a new one. Brakes are original and still have plenty of wear left- replaced the tires @80K.

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  RGClark - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By rgClark - August 24 - 10:00 am

  The Highlander is a fun car to drive. The turning radius is much better than the Lexus RX300.

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  Love it so far! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By kernat - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Love the car so far. Great drive, great interior design and good fuel efficiency.

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  WOW!! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By allisonb - August 24 - 10:00 am

  The most family friendly minivan yet.The ability/ease to re-configure the cabin is excellent. The placement of cupholders/bottleholders makes things easy. The many storage areas are well thought out. A great radio. Simple instrument panel.More than adequate power, and the all-wheel drive makes me feel very safe. A joy to drive!

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  Outstanding Reliability - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By The Neutralizer - August 24 - 7:30 am

  We purchased this vehicle after reading many positive reviews. My wife and I are glad we listened to the comments posted here. The HL is an extremely well built vehicle - it has 60K on it and drives like new. We had a Honda Accord before it and was also a great quality vehicle. Made in Japan is the way to go!!!

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  Love my Rav4 Sport - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Offroader - August 23 - 11:50 pm

  I own a 4x4Rav4 V4 sport Silver.I love its cool exterior styling, the side mouldings, sports tuned shocks, thicker tyres gives it an edge over the limited. Ive added mud- guards,side-guard and sun-roof visor to give it a distinct look.The dark windows on a silver body of the Rav4 is worth a second look. The V4 engine is peppy,responsive. In the city i get 21mpg and close to 27mpg highways.

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  06 Tacoma 4x4 Double Cab LB Sport - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Don - August 23 - 4:30 pm

  06 Tacoma 4x4 Double Cab LB, Sport Package #2: Black Sand Pearl. Whats there to say other then "toyota". Quality is expected, and this truck delivers. had the truck for a month, and have traveled over 1000 miles. Towed over a ton and a half, and have no complant with the truck or performance. Appearance is eye catching.

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  Awesome - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By darb1brad - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Had a 2003 4Runner Limited V8 that I totaled in June 10. Wasnt really interested in another 4Runner at first. 4th Gen was too cramped on the interior, always felt too narrow in the drivers seat, but it was admittedly a GREAT truck. Had my mind changed because: 1) NO injuries in the wreck to me or my daughter; and 2) It was 7 years old with 115k miles, and I got 60% of my original purchase price from insurance when it was totaled. New 4Runner, here I come! The Trail is AWESOME. Feels bigger in the interior. Styling is much more masculine than the 4th Gen. Figured out how to turn off economy mode, and throttle response/shift pattern is MUCH better.

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  One year of perfection - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By colorado - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Have had for 10 months now and our 2010 Highlander Limited has been great. Quiet ride. Nice leather interior. Responsive engine. Loads of room.