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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  GREAT MINIVAN!!! - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Steve - July 13 - 12:20 am

  This is a great minivan. Its my first minivan switching from sedan. Its a very good size vehicle. I had compared this with Honda Odyssey, and went with this because I liked the interior luxury feel and try out Toyota quality (as heard many good things about it). So far the car is very comforting and quiet when driving around town. It has a lot of gadgets.

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  Tops - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By firthcpt - July 12 - 9:06 pm

  Have had mine 6 months now, pleased with everything about it. Off road and on. It will go where ever a Jeep, Rover or Hummer can go and since it is a Toyota it should out last them. MPG is as rated, sure glad there are more around now as I was geting asked questions all the time about it. It was fun to answer them though. Even the model FJ I got from Toyota was top quality like the FJ. It has been a comfortable vehicle for highway travel and amazing off road. Im hooked for sure. Thank you Toyota!!!

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  the rattler - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By Bill Liu - July 12 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Sienna during its first year of introduction and have driven 36,000 miles in 36 months. After 6,000 miles, the mini-van started to rattle at various parts. One of the door screw fell off. After balancing the tires, all the rattles went away except for the sliding door at 30mph. The firestone tires are definitely the cause. Emmision test mechanic told me that other owners also have the same complaint. The second seat arm rest is too weak. When passenger exit the van, they tend to use the arm rest as a rail to avoid falling. this tends to losen the arm rest. I suspect a heavy person can lean on the arm rest and break it.

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  Great Minivan - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By Greg D - July 12 - 10:00 am

  After months of searching for the right minivan I brought home the Siena. Kudos to Toyota! This seemingly flawless, comfortable minivan is a great drive. Not to mention the fact that its ABS probably saved me and my son from a wreck when a driver went through a red. I took the Siena on our first family trip (2 adults and 2 kids in car seats) from NY to North Carolina. Put the cruise control on (after the first 1000 miles)and just enjoyed the ride. At times we had 7 passengers in the car comforably ( and my family aint small). Honda may win all the rewards- but when it comes to overall refinement both in the ride and interior comfort- Toyota is simply the best.

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  Great car but too pricey!!! - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By sltucker - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I traded a 2001 Chrysler 300M on my 2002 Avalon XLS. It was like going from a nightmare to a great dream. This vehicle drives good, is comfortable, and is a much better made vehicle than the Chryslers...

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  Fun car to drive - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By maestrowork - July 12 - 10:00 am

  The handling is superb. The ride solid and comfortable. Visibility is fine for a 2-seater roadster. Cornering is great. The 1.8L 140hp engine delivers (because of the cars lightweight). For $24K, it comes with 4-disc ABS, leather, engine immoblizer, CD player, glass rear window with defroster, and the SMT is great to drive. Most of all, its just so much fun to drive. If having a blast with the top down, living life and enjoying a great drive in the country is your primary goal (and without breaking the bank), this is the car for you.

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  My Toyota - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By AJ47 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  My 1998 Tacoma is a great fun vehicle to drive. The only drawback is that it rides rough. You need to be careful when going over bumps as the rear-end wants to fishtail. I have the 4 cylinder and I strongly urge the 6 as the vehicle drags when floored to get up to highway speeds when on a highway on-ramp. The truck is excellent for off-road adventures. It tackles soft sand and with 33" ATV tires, will move along where others get bogged down. Also, it can hold a tremendous amount of weight. I had all the materials for a 10 foot by 10 foot square wooden pressure treated deck in the truck and I made it home! Great work and play truck.

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  This is The One! - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By H - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle. No negatives. Design and workmanship superior. Dont wait for anything better---this is it!

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  Excellent lil sports coupe - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By Chrissy - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I havent gotten a celica...yet... I have only brought it for a test drive. As soon as I have enough to pay in full so I dont need a loan, dont worrie baby...that coupe will be sitting in my drive way, awaiting to be driven. Amazing Car for under $30,000!!!

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  Top Notch! - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Zonker - July 12 - 10:00 am

  This is my second 4Runner. It is much improved over my 1990 model (although I never had any problems with my old one). I just hit 60,000 miles and I have not had one mechanical problem, not even a minor one. With normal maintenance, it always seems to run like new. .