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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  EXCELLENT VEHICLE!!! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By ERRICK AND SULIN - November 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the best family car we have owned. There is alot of room and very comfortable. The fuel efficiency is great. Best of all I love the third row seating. Overall, this vehicle is outstanding and fun to drive.

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  Best Car I have ever owned! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Larry Prostar - November 13 - 10:00 am

  A few pesty rattles in the dash and Sunroof, other then that, it has been a perfect car. 4 cyl eng has plenty of power, ride on the fwy at 80 all day with ease. I can say this car has spoiled me for any other car, even ones much more expensive. By the way this car is the most quiet car overall than any thing I have driven before. My last car was a 97 Jaguar XJ6.

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  The BEST minivan I have ever driven! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By AlienLXIX - November 13 - 10:00 am

  I have had this jem for about a year an a half and we just love to drive it and show it off! Its roomie and I think its cargo space just cant be beat!

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  Great car. - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By E & N Fitzgerald - November 13 - 6:23 am

  Yes, truly a great car. Perfect, no. Has been perfect for my wife, I have had issues with it however. Noise from the rear end that turned out to be bushings on the rear stabilizer bars. Replaced twice. Recently the battery went and when a new 5 year was installed the computer died, literally. YES, Toyota did warranty the computer! Even after 5.5 years. Would we by another Toyota? Yes, in another 2 or 3 years depending on usage & miles..

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  Perfect Van - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By magilla895 - November 13 - 1:50 am

  I swore a few years ago that Id never own a minivan. Fortunately, I reconsidered due to the pricing of SUVs and the amount of room a minivan provides. This van is PERFECT for me and my family. Lots of room on the inside (Plenty for my 20 y/o and 6 & 7 y/o). The ride is not like a truck. Very smooth and very quiet. Driving in Belgium we easily hit 90MPH without feeling a thing. Very comfortable! I was a touch disappointed in only having one automatic sliding door, but I can live with that. We added the DVD player which I feel is a must for a Dads sanity with the kids in the back seat. They come with wireless headsets...its just like driving by myself.

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  2 year review - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By billu88 - November 12 - 6:16 pm

  I have driven this vehicle for 2 years now and Im very happy with its style, performance and quality. I replaced a 2003 Tacoma extended cab with this 2011 double cab. The 6 foot bed is the only way to go. I have to back it into my garage because of the extra length but this is one option you should get if you are going to haul anything. Gas mileage is OK, not great but about 19 combined. Handling is good with great acceleration. Brakes are the worst part of this vehicle. I wish they would have changes to 4 wheel disk. The only other issues I have are: A clunk when I slow down and stop, and play in steering while going over bumps off road.

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  Love this car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Bob - November 12 - 1:30 pm

  This is the most powerful car I have ever owned. I had a bunch of 1966 v8 mustangs but this car would blow them away. The JBL system is awesome, the ride (xls) is very good and the car looks very good as well. Bought a leftover 2006.

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  love it - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By B.Driven - November 12 - 6:20 am

  this was quite a change from our old Sub - while we gave up some room - we have more money in repair savings - the v8 is very peppy even here at 5,280 feet - at sea level it is quite exciting - great for long runs and it take along lots of whatever you want to pack

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  Impressed with quality and amenities - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Joshua - November 11 - 9:53 pm

  I love my new 4Runner! I compared all mid-sized SUVs out there and the only one I liked better was the Lexus RX 400, which was hard to find used and too expensive brand new. I bought one with a V8 and still am not sure if that was a wise decision or not. Handles on the paved road awesome and even better off the road. I havent really tested it in serious offroad conditions yet but definitely plan to. I love the little extra amenities like the 115V plug-in, digital readouts for MPG and fuel distance calculations, and the rear audio remote and readout. I debated between the Limited and the Sport and then realized the only diff was leather seats and some options.

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  Not all Siennas are alike - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Rob - November 11 - 4:06 pm

  Weve read in multiple publications how the Sienna could pass for a Lexus. We drove one that indeed drove and handled like a Lexus. At another dealership, the Sienna (same pkg, trim level) drove like my 93 Geo. Beware... be sure to test drive the one youre buying! As for the car itself, the ride is a pleasure, accelerates without effort, and the flexibility in arranging the 8 seats is great.