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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  First car! - 1997 Toyota Celica
  By swissferdi - October 7 - 11:43 pm

  Bought this car as a reliable and safe daily driver; before seeing it, I had known nothing about 6GCs, and now Im pretty much obsessed. Handling is crisp, and the cars lightness is really apparent in braking, lane-change, and general handling capabilities. As long as you dont test the 7A-FE too much, its a really fun car to drive thatll return some pretty good MPG (unfortunately, I have the worst combo for power & MPG, an automatic coupled to the least powerful engine). Other than installing a new head unit and speakers, this car is stock, but completely livable. Interior is also great, I love how the center console is angled towards the driver, and the layout is very well thought-out.

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  3 years and no regrets - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By D-Dub - October 7 - 9:03 pm

  Going on three years and 35000 miles with my 4Runner and still love it. Im 62 and fit easily even with the sunroof. Ride is very smooth and quiet. (Smoother and quieter than our 06 TL.) Easy to see all around, mirrors are big, brakes work well, feels very safe. I feel like I can drive over or through anything even though I rarely go off road anymore. The only problems Ive had were a couple interior rattles but the dealer took care of them. Sure the gas mileage is bad (average 16.3 with my lead foot in mostly city driving) but I knew that going in so cant complain. Highly recommend this vehicle.

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  4Runner Rocks - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By avs-man - October 7 - 1:36 pm

  I purchased this vehicle new in 2001 and it has never given me any reason to get rid of it. It is tough, rugged, reliable, dependable and good looking. It does not go off road very much but I have full confidence in it when I do. The horsepower on this engine started lagging at 45K at which time I decided to have the TRD Supercharger installed and that made all the difference in the world. Even though the gas mileage stayed the same, I get more bang for my buck and I fly across the Colorado passes! All the features from the driving lights to running boards to rear wiper are convenient. Interior is well designed and ergo-friendly. Handles well too.

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  A high quality beauty - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By monterrey al - October 7 - 10:00 am

  We (8 people)took this vehicle to Mexico, all the way close to Guatemala: All kinds of terrain. An awesome performer. I have yet to have a problem: plentiful acceleration, great comfort! Great looks; In Monterrey, the salesman told us how much people wanted the sequoia in Mexico, but is not sold there yet. Excellent attention to detail, premium quality on the interior, seats, and exterior; feels like a smaller car; I enjoy driving my sequoia everyday, and it is nice drive a truck with an elegant personality, but with excelent dna and character for off road duties. Very reliable with best residual value in its class.

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  Fine - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By larita1 - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Ther is nothing that I dislike about this wagon. I would rather have this that a Brand New Car of any type. By the way "IT IS NOT FOR SALE PERIOD"

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  04 RAV4 L Best Choice - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By August11 - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I wasnt sure when I bought my 2004 RAV4L if is it was the truck for me, but now Im convinced! My RAV has a nimble feel, excellent braking and handling, unexpected fuel economy at 30mpg and is fun to drive. With a 5- speed, 4WD & traction control it handles fantastic during the NJ winters. Its has a smooth ride, but also a slight SUV/truck feel, which is why I bought it. (I owned a 1993 Toyota P/U 4x4 and loved it!)It took 8 weeks (the sunroof was put in at port in the U.S,) to get after I placed my order, but well worth the wait !

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  I feel like a princess! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By imalady - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! I waited a long time for a convertible with room in the trunk to carry items. This car handles so easily and is so quiet!

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  Excellent, Fast, Sporty - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By denver_blonde - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Had a 2002 Solara Convertible SLE V6 and this one blows it away in style and performance. I love the new interior - its sporty and classy at the same time. I get compliments on this car EVERY DAY. Opted to not get the navigation system but love the looks of the stereo anyway.

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  Good experience with 1st SUV - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Gore - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I do have no complains over this 2003 Highlander. It has a smooth ride live a sedan with a feeling of security.

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  Highlander high - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By naj - October 7 - 10:00 am

  We just drove our week-old Highlander on a 300 mile trip. Normally I eat Advil to keep my back from hurting on a long drive. This time NO PILLS! The seats are fanastic, the ride comfortable, and the car has a powerful feel on the road. The gas mileage is about 19.1 miles average -- thats highway and city on this trip. I feel a little yuppie-ish in an SUV but, hey. Its really a car, right?