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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  4runners are the best suvs ever - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By t - March 28 - 2:00 am

  This was my first car and my parents liked it so much that they wouldnt let me drive because they wanted too. I drove mine really hard when I first got it and it kept working fine. Its the best looking suv and Ive put a lot of time and money into making it something very unique and special

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  4Runners Are Worth Every Penny - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Muss287 - March 28 - 2:00 am

  No problems whatsoever; this is my 2nd 4Runner (1st was a 95); I chose this one based on it reliability (of course), increased interior & engine sizes & increased safety rating. After comparing all other SUVs in this class, the 4Runner exceeded the rest. While the HP is less than American models, the 4Runner more than makes up for it with its reliability, comfort & safety ratings. The highest HP wasnt a priority for me.

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  A Lexus in Toyota Clothing - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By chas - March 28 - 2:00 am

  A limited budget kept me from buying another LS 400, so I swallowed my pride and looked at the Avalon. The moment I started it up, I knew it was something special. After driving it, I pronounced it "a Lexus masquerading as a Toyota". I decided on the fully loaded XLS. It differs very little from the Lexuses in quality and overall driving experience.

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  A Lexus in Toyota Clothing - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Chas - March 28 - 2:00 am

  A limited budget kept me from buying another LS 400, so I swallowed my pride and looked at the Avalon. The moment I started it up, I knew it was something special. After driving it, I pronounced it "a Lexus masquerading as a Toyota". I decided on the fully loaded XLS. It differs very little from the Lexuses in quality and overall driving experience.

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  lap of luxury >40K - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By SalesMac - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I could have done with less truck. I could have bought a smaller truck. Who needs leather, who needs AWD, who needs the smoothest ride, and who needs all the room? I could have done with less, but once I drove my Sequoia I knew... I had to have it.

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  Great Vehicle! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By stevec - March 28 - 2:00 am

  What can I say? They hit the nail on the head. I Bought it and took it on a 3000 mile trip. The seats wear on you after a few hours, but it is so smooth and accomodating you have nothing else to complain about. I have never driven a vehicle this refined. Toyota has taken the SUV to a new level. It will be the benchmark.

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  What I think - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By tj - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Its been one of the few new vehicals I have ever owned that didnt have at least one defect. If I could change anything it would be the Electronic Throttle control. I dont care for it. doesnt give a true feel of the power when under a load.

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  What I think - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By TJ - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Its been one of the few new vehicals I have ever owned that didnt have at least one defect. If I could change anything it would be the Electronic Throttle control. I dont care for it. doesnt give a true feel of the power when under a load.

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  Best Buy - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By speed1079 - March 28 - 2:00 am

  had the highlander for almost a month now and continues to enjoy it. if you want an suv as your primary vehicle then this is an exact fit because it rides like a car for everyday driving and yet roomy enough for long trips during the holidays.

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  Great Commuter Car - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By IR - March 27 - 11:16 pm

  Looked at several cars: Civic, Mazda3, Lancer, and Focus. It was a toss up between the Civic and the Corolla. Decided to go with the Corolla because of the newly redesigned look. The Corolla is very comfortable to drive with minimal wind/road noise.