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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  Owner - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By AKALennie - February 10 - 9:03 am

  Overall fun to driver. Handling is excellent as if you were driving the Toyota Camary

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  Sienna - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By H Nic - February 10 - 8:26 am

  Just love it! Handles beautifully and engine is very quiet. Tons of room with stow away rear seats.

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  toyota man again - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Steve - February 10 - 4:50 am

  This is my second toyota, the first one bought in 1983, before Toyota was established as a serious contender for the truck market. The Tundra is Toyotas crown jewel truck! it offers an excellent ride and performance package that rivals all of the domestic trucks to be sure. My first Toyota lasted 150,000 miles and was still running strong when I sold it ten years later. Im sure Ill get at least that much and more from this one!

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  Satisfied driver - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Satisfied driver - February 10 - 4:00 am

  This car is a Lexus in disguise, actually it is better than the Lexus 350, it looks better, is roomier & rides just as smooth. My wife loves the comfortable & smooth ride as well.

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  The Beast - 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By WB - February 9 - 10:06 am

  I just returned from a trip and drove 75-80mph 90% of the time and got 19.74 MPG! I was over 20 mpg for a while. I didnt believe the electronic readout that showed 19.4 when I stopped for fuel as the low fuel light had come on, I used 19 gals of fuel and still had 6 gals left and put 380 miles on it and I couldve gone nearly 500 miles on a tank - WOW. Around town I get around 14-15 MPG. But it weighs nearly 3 tons. This thing is solid and the vehicle Id want to be in an accident in. Id feel sorry for the other guy.

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  King of the Mid-size SUVs - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By bigdaddydaim - February 9 - 3:50 am

  Great driving SUV. takes bumps like a champ, you hardly feel it. Gas mileage is to be expected for a SUV but its no worse than a V8 sedan or big block V6. Love the radio that tells you the song title and artist while its playing.( for all you download junkies). Big sun roof. love the auto dimming rear view mirrors and auto on/off headlights. I have a ton of cassettes that I still play, now I can play inside SUV because it is one of the few remaining SUVs with tape deck. Steering wheel radio controls are great. can control whole audio system (including tape deck) from it. Highly recommend buying this SUV. its a little pricey, but you get what you pay for.

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  My Solara - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By ken collier - February 9 - 2:00 am

  driving it is like setting on the couch. much better driving long distances over my old bmw 325ic

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  love it - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By darbytee - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I got rid of a Ford F-150 4x4 to get this and I havent regretted it for one minute. i have plenty of space, plenty of power, and Im getting about 20 mpg, which I never even approached in the Ford. The smaller bed took a little getting used to, but with the help of tiedown straps I regularly carry 4x8 sheets of plywood with no problem. I would recommend this truck without hesitation.

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  What a machine - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By jim - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I recently bought a 2003 Highlander Limited edition and I can honestly say it is a Lexus with a Toyota badge. What a satisfying experience it is to drive this machine. Just Awesome. Jim

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  BEST SUV Ive ever owned!! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Marianne - February 9 - 2:00 am

  My last 2 SUVS were Jeep Grand Cherokees. I never thought Id drive anything else. A friend recommended the Toyota Highlander and I went for a test drive. Not only did it drive MUCH better than the Jeep, the interior was more attractive, the seats folded down much easier and the price was WELL below that of Jeep Grand Cherokee. I also cant say enough about Toyota of Westport. They were incredible..helpful, knowledgeable and extremely consumer friendly. I LOVE my Highlander and I am delighted with its performance.