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:

• 

  Tundra Double Cab 4WD - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Garry Moore - July 9 - 7:26 pm

  Great running truck. First time I bought a "foreign" truck as I have been a FORD man since the 70s. Ford decided they didnt want to deal on their vehicles so I purchased a Tundra. Was looking at the Titan as well but since it was the first year i decided to pass. Thus far I am glad i did. Performance is excellent. Some ergonomic locations are not perfect such as window controls and windshield wiper location. Seems I always turn on the wipers when i turn right due to the location Excellent sound system as well. THANKS TOYOTA!

• 

  a 9 year love affair - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Susan - July 9 - 7:16 pm

  I have dealer-maintained this vehicle for 9 years and have never had to fix anything outside of the regular maintance every 3000 miles. I have bought tires twice since purchasing the vehicle but other than that it runs like a charm. I love the inside of the 4Runner. The leather is soft & comfortable and cleans well. The sunroof is huge and slides back inside the roof. The back window rolling down is a feature Ive not found in any other vehicle. Thanks to Toyota not changing the body style very often my 9 year old truck still looks like a newer vehicle. I have never owned a car for 9 years before but Ive found no reason to give it up other than wanting another one.

• 

  Glad I Bought This One - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Jeff - July 9 - 3:13 pm

  After owning for for 4.5 years, I am extremely happy with my purchase. Rock solid Toyota reliability; solid performance for a half ton. This truck has fulfilled all of my needs including pulling boat, 4x4s pop-up camper, and hauling building and yard supplies. Id highly recommend as a light duty truck

• 

  Landcruiser - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Duane C. - July 9 - 10:00 am

  Its expensive to buy new, but worth every penny. Rock solid even after 65K miles on it. No bad habits and rides like a luxury car. Amazingly reliable, all mine has gone through is one set of rear brake pads. Not the best on fuel mileage at 14 mpg average, but its a big box thats heavy so no surprise there.

• 

  Best car I have ever owned - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By noahjokc - July 9 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy driving it every day. The best vehicle I ever owned. Toyota builds it right. SUV shouldnt ride like a car. This vehicle can go off road or not. People that gripe about the ride should buy a car, it is setup to do it all

• 

  BEST CAR EVER OWNED - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By CWILEY - July 9 - 10:00 am

  THE BEST HANDLING CAR IVE EVER OWNED

• 

  I like this SUV - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Pat Gron - July 9 - 10:00 am

  Comes loaded with lots of standard equipment, does not need many options. 2002 model has full console standard between front buckets which was not on 2001 model. Came equipped with optional Privacy Glass, roof rack, running lights, aluminum wheels, cargo and floor mats and keylees entry. Has wonderful ride and handling. Options are on pricey side. Paid $27,200 complete with NJ sales tax and fees.

• 

  Excellent Car - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Shark - July 9 - 10:00 am

  Very Very good Car!

• 

  Terrific car! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By FC - July 9 - 10:00 am

  This is a nice one among the leading sub-compacts on the market. Only the Civic comes close in the total package. The redesign looks great and MUCH better than the 02 model. The 03 looks just like the Lexus IS and the tailights are a nice touch! A few more improvements and there is not much to not like about the Corolla.

• 

  Great Car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By JoseGarcia - July 9 - 10:00 am

  Classy for its price. Feels solid and great functions.