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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  new4runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By gatorbone - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I love the power in the 4 runner now. Itraded a 2oo2 4 runner on the 2003 and willenjoy the extra power and comfort. I told my wife that the 2003 rides like the Lincoln Town Car of the 70s . that is a real compliment in my opinion .I am proud of my new vehicle and plan to show it to all my friends . Thanks, Toyota !!!!!!

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  dependablity - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By ocoee - June 7 - 10:00 am

  great value for your money and a great transportaion.

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  HIGHLANDER - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By akapb - June 7 - 10:00 am

  A truly outstanding value. Very pleasant to drive and very ergonomic for driver and passengers. This car has drawn many compliments...it really is a car shaped like a SUV.

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  Buy this car! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Sarpen - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car 3 days ago. The steering is tight. Visibility is really good. A lot comes standard with even the ce: ac, power door locks, cd player, cup holders... I was looking at echos and found I could get a corolla for basically the same price once i added everything that doesnt come standard with the echo. Really fun to drive. Handles well in rainy windy weather. Very spacious.

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  Get one if you can!!! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By toysrnez - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle-just some minor changes need to done--rear doors stay locked when car is turned off-back seats dont fold forward unless you have the seat upright to start with--other than that its the best van weve had!!!

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  The offroad machine - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By xtremefjc - June 7 - 8:00 am

  The FJ is by far the funnest vehicle I ever owned. I have driven toyotas my whole life and never had a problem. If youre looking to buy one, test drive it before you make a decision. This SUV is awesome! Its like being in a Hummer without paying an outrageous amount.

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  trans shutter/lag/late downshift - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By enuffznuff - June 7 - 1:23 am

  I spoke with a danica sorenson at toyota executive offices and she said she did not want to get my hopes up but there might not be a fix for my problem. Can you believe such a response. ADVICE! File your arbitration request in your warranty booklet today, You have 3yrs or 36 thousand miles and engage attorneys for the presumed battle that will likely insue.

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  Very solid automobile - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By KM - June 6 - 12:43 pm

  Ive had the car for about 4 months now and Im not disappointed. It looks sharp, is quiet, and smooth. The car has handled any quick turns Ive ever taken and once you get into the middle gears it can, if pushed, take off. At 75-80 mph, it rides at amount 3000-3200 rpm (not significantly higher than an Avalon Ive driven) and Ive gotten about 38 MPG on long freeway drives. My city driving only gets about 25 MPG, but thats probably because I drive very short distances and usually let it warm up for a few minutes before I get going. I bet itd be closer to 30 if my city driving was a more typical commute. The interior feels solid and the doors shut and seal nicely.

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  Great vehicle - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By cferl - June 6 - 5:26 am

  This is great!! Its a car with excellent space, performance, style. I bought it for my wife and she loves it. Have a 3 year old with car seat in the back and it is huge in the rear seat. Also very safe for kids and wife. Nicest riding car Ive ever owned. At night the auto high beams and hid lights make for the best night driving experience Ive ever had. I found myself saying that quite a bit the best. 20inch wheels are awesome, and the ride does not suffer.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By TonkaToy - June 6 - 3:16 am

  My 05 Tacoma has been terrific so far. Its powerful, comfortable, quiet and extremely well built. Its the Lexus of mid-size trucks. The V6 Prerunner is very capable offroad in most cases and on road, its a joy. I have no problem or issue that require a return to the dealer. Its a good thing as the dealer experience was anything but pleasant. Luckily, Toyota engineered the V6 with the oil filter easily accessible on top of the engine so oil changes a breeze to do at home. Most of all, you cant go wrong with Toyota reliability and value.