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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  Best auto ever owned - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By arthur meehan - October 13 - 3:06 pm

  Im 76 years old and have never had a vechicle that pleased me more.It has everything from sensors to detect items to the rear or sides to a laser to warn and automatically slow me down when approaching the vechicle in front of us. A DVD system, moon roof and GPS system add to the pleasure of driving this vechicle. Simply--I love it.

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  Really good choice - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By JP - October 13 - 1:33 pm

  Owned a 1993, 4 cyl, 5-speed manual trans, Toyota Corolla wagon. Felt ready for something different, but didnt want to loose what I liked about the wagon. Spent about 6 months researching and driving cars. Top choices that I test drove were: Honda CR-V, Honda Element, Subaru Outback, Toyota Highlander and Toyota RAV4. RAV4 won out.

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  2001 avalon xls, fantastic reliability - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By bill - October 13 - 12:06 pm

  Bought with 21,000 miles. Now at 113,000, same brakes. Only one problem with faulty sensor, 27 mph on highway, 23 combined city/hwy. I sold my 97 mercedes after many problems. I would consider a 2005 avalon, except it uses premium fuel. This is the best car for the money I have owned. I am 64 and have more room than the Mercedes. No loss of oil after 5,000 mi between changes, oil is still honey colored. All I do is rotate tires and change oil. How can you not love this car?

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  Best SUV ever - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Toyota #1 - October 13 - 10:00 am

  This SUV has the handling and feel of a small vehicle, then you turn around and there is a ton of room. Plenty of power to get you going, solid on the road, and sporty looking.

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  satisfied - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By aod - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I changed to a smaller suv. I have owned a Suburban, and an Escalade. I am enjoying the luxury, yet it is not as large.

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  prolly the best car ive ever driven - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By kjanjua - October 13 - 10:00 am

  i jkust changed it from the 2000 model and WOW i am amazed and i luv this car i git the full package with all options and i just luv it

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  the best luxury for the money - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By emc - October 13 - 10:00 am

  have bought four for the family over the years. safe, roomy, quiet, great ride, great gas mileage, low insurance rates, low maintence

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  I love my Camry Wagon! - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By HazeK - October 13 - 10:00 am

  nice size: holds 4 adults/3 kids in comfort, cargo area holds plenty nice looks: not like some that look like a sedan that the designers stuck an extra section onto. great comfort: when my back is hurting, and I cant find a comfortable chair in the house, I get into my car & go for a drive! the front seats fit like a glove! great handling: The "get up and go" of this car is essential for safety here. I have a terrible lead foot problem! 0 to 60 in seconds is a requirement for MY cars. reliability? Of course! Shes a Camry!

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  I love this car! - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Suzystu - October 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car - lots of fun and 100% reliable!

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  MY GTS - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By Pete Q - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle used, it had 11500 miles on it. Its a GREAT CAR to drive and to own. Fuel economy is around 33 MPG combined city and highway.