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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  I LOVE IT!!! - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Whoo-hoo!! - July 7 - 5:36 pm

  I just bought this car with 125,000 miles on it. I know, by reputation, that this is pretty much just broken in for a Toyota. The car handles beautifully. I have been using it for business, and I have no complaints. I have always wanted one, and now, I FINALLY HAVE IT!! Peppy, and FUN to drive! Ill drive it until the wheels fall off, which I am sure will be a long, long time!

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  i love it - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By megan - July 7 - 2:33 pm

  i love this car. i drove a nissan frontier for a while and this is such a welcome change. the ride is so smooth and quiet. my sister visited recently with her husband and children and we were all able to fit in the car comfortably. i love the pick up and go that its got.

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  Love My 4Runner - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By quiry527 - July 6 - 11:20 am

  Love my new 2010 4Runner, it drives like a champ. We test drove several SUVs but none came close to the 4Runner. Cant wait to take our first Road Trip.

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  Solid SUV - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Henslow - July 6 - 10:53 am

  Excellent build quality and materials. Cargo space is quite large. Rear seats are simple to manipulate. Much better MPG than expected (28.9). The feel of the hybrid takes a while to get used to. My wife thought I was repeatedly taking my foot off the gas when it was the really the gas and electric cutting and out at different times. This was more pronounced when the car was brand new.

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  Simply The Best - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By The Family Guy - July 6 - 8:40 am

  This is my 3rd 4-Runner and the best so far. Smooth ride, power to tow my boat, very roomy and comfortable ( I am 65" tall). I would not drive anything else!!

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  Fun and practical - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Matrix Reloaded - July 6 - 2:00 am

  This car handles well and with the 5 speed manual has plenty of pep - its a pleasure to drive. I really love the exterior styling. We have the XR in white and it looks really sharp. The car is very practical for light hauling jobs. With the hatchback access and rear seats folded flat it can carry a surprisingly large amount of cargo. I am getting about 30 mpg overall, not bad but Im hoping for a bit better once its fully broken in. I expect Toyota reliability (this is our 4th Toyota). Getting one configured the way we wanted it was frustrating, but worth the wait (see improvements).

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  great truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By neoarmstrong - July 6 - 2:00 am

  great truck, just needed bigger back seats. I guess Toyota figured that out and made a full double cab for 2004. Way to go Toyota!!!

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  The Ultimate Chickenmobile - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By chickenwizard - July 6 - 2:00 am

  2002 model year. A fun truck to drive, especially on the highway. Surprisingly quiet for a huge vehicle. Plenty of space (roomier than the Land Cruiser). Comfortable ride. Slight growl on the motor but powerful. Good acceleration. Excellent braking. Decent size storage even with the 3rd row. Strong and quick cooling A/C.

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  Great Car - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Captain Jim - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Really suprised by the comfort and handling of nour Rav 4. It fits the whole family perfectly. 4 different drivers, 4 really different size people, and no matter who drives or sits where, its comfortable. It could use better gas milage. But it has been a dream to own!

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  Toyota does it again! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By spkrmakr - July 6 - 2:00 am

  The DC Limited is the "Lexus" of pickups. The truck drives and rides as a limo with absolute quiet and tightness of feel. The cabin is roomier than any Chevy, Dodge or Ford and offers all of the important ammenities. A JBL sound system, heated leather seats, moonroof, garage door opener, full sliding rear window and rear DVD entertainment center round out the offerings. The 4:10, limited slip offers plenty of power for driving when mated with the 4.7 DOC engine. Fit and finish are "world-class". Highly Recommended!