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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  No other compares - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By anonymouss - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I can bring it anywhere i need to go with anyone i need to bring with me all with the comfort and luxury in mind. The extra gas money is worth it if you really use the car for its intended purpose.

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  Great Car - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By javer - November 18 - 10:00 am

  If you want a great car to drive this is it. I have had many cars over the years, but the 4Runner (new style) is GREAT! The only draw back is the gas mileage, but its not bad for a V8. I have averaged between 13-23MPG. Thanks Toyota!

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  Great ride - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Matt E - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I have owned many cars, this being my seventh new car. This has to be the best vehicle ive owned. It is smooth, quiet, and very powerful. Best car out there.

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  2008 Camry Hybrid - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Jeff - November 18 - 9:36 am

  Great car and looks slick. The biggest beef with the car is the trunk and the lack of a big pass thru due to the batteries blocking the opening. The GPS is ok, many off the shelf Garmins or TomToms perform better, but it has definitely improved over previous versions of Toyotas GPS. It handles fine, its not a sports car for sure, but for basic driving its great, and for long trips it is very comfortable when compared to my old mustang. Rear seating room is good, even with normal size people in the front seats. Plenty of places to throw things with pockets all over

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  Perfect SUV - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Pat C. - November 17 - 1:50 pm

  This is my 4th Toyota and its my favorite. The height of an SUV yet small enough to drive like a car really appealed to me. Has excellent handling, great gas mileage, and is just a pleasure to drive. Owned just for 7 months and already put 12000 miles on it - makes you want to travel! Lots of storage space between fold-down back seats and rear area.

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  If I had a time machine.. - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By Brittney Sabo - November 17 - 12:33 am

  If I had a time machine, I would have gone back to 1993 and bought another 94 Corolla! Up until a few weeks ago I had this car for several years, and traded it in to buy a new Matrix. I was so sad to part with it, because it has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. This thing made it to 210,000 miles with little more than me replacing the shocks and a few other minor things. Solid construction all around, and took a beating traveling across the country over and over again, even through the mountains, without failing once. Toyota really hit the mark on this one, and the reliability of the Corolla is what made me decide to buy another Toyota vehicle. Can you say low-maintenance?!

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  2008 FJ Cruiser Review - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By sxipro - November 16 - 10:36 pm

  I bought it about 3 weeks ago and love this vehicle. It is fun to drive, good on power, great off-road and has a unique look. I like the big control knobs and handles. I took it on a little trail when I went camping and locked the 4wd in just to try it and it handled great! It has that high quality feel that all Toyotas seem to have. It does have blind spots but the big mirrors make up for that.

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  awsome toyo-ata - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By steve higginbotham - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Rides better than most high-line cars. Push the peddle and watch the gauges respond. This truck ROCKS.......

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  2003 4RUNNER , A WINNER - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By GERBSPA - November 16 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 4runner is a great suv inside and out. Great V8 along with an inspiring interior. Its a true SUV with extreme comfort. Towing is adequate along with cargo space. Along with Toyotas reliabity record, it is a great invesment.

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  The Best Out There - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Matt Culpepper - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this vehicle, finally a great suv that doesnt feel like a truck. I could not be more pleased.