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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  Beyond my expectations - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Steve - August 23 - 12:36 pm

  I agree with all the other reviews. The 2007 4Runner 4x4 totally rocks! everything is great! The black finish is gorgeous! By far WAY more than I expected it to be! Looked at all of the competition. This was the obvious choice!

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  2nd Avalon - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Stargazerm31 - August 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Avalon (1997 XL) version and I loved it. I decided on this car because I love the luxury ride in my 190 minute round trip commute. I didnt want or need the sports car performance, but wanted a good powerful car with a soft ride. The leather seats are large and comfortable. The seat heaters are a must for Indiana weather and work great. The stereo is great with the in-dash 6-cd changer. Backseat will hold two large adults without challenge and 3 adults can ride well in the backseat. The trunk is very large, but some might miss the lack of a fold down back seat. There is a ski opening to the trunk from the backseats but that is all.

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  Great CAR! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Jierong - August 23 - 10:00 am

  The car is very nice... I like the noise of the engine cept there was a rattle noyse over the dashboard... but I took it back to the dealer and they fix it in a few hours.

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  Excellent Sedan - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By John O - August 23 - 10:00 am

  This is a terrific car. Quiet interior, smooth ride, and nice engine.

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  Great Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Chris S - August 23 - 6:36 am

  This is my first mid size sedan and all I can say is wow. This car has some serious power, the manual shift mode is great when you need instant power. On the interstate I was cruising at 90mph and barely knew it. The ride is very comfortable, although Im 66" and I didnt think head room was an issue but I do think leg room could be better, I think this is mainly because the back seats have tons of leg room. (Most people are not 66" so for most this shouldnt be an issue.) I like the wood grain accents with the tan colored interior (white exterior) but I dont think is looks as good with the gray interior. Most of my friends cant tell this is a toyota, the exterior styling is second to

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  00 SR5 4Runner - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Paula - August 23 - 5:26 am

  Although lacking in the horsepower department the 4runner is great on milage, roomy and can accomodate my two German Shepherds easily. Toyota reliability makes this SUV stand out from others in the market. The old adage you get what you pay for is on the money! A slightly higher sticker than other used vehicles you will find you spend more time driving and less time in the repair shop. Im sold on Toyota and the 4Runner will be my vehicle of choice from now on.

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  The Best Minivan on the Road - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Mary Ellen Greencorn - August 22 - 10:23 pm

  Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. This car belongs driven on our road. Its quiet, soft interior and plenty of room in the back. I am very glad we bought this minivan. My family loves the the overhead console also we had a 2003 Toyota Sienna CE which did not have any good features but now we have everything!!

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  My Used 04 Taco D-Cab - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rattles - August 22 - 9:53 am

  I bought this truck used and it only had 10k on it. Its my 3rd Toyota truck; an 89 XtraCab with 163k and a 91 4Runner with 269k (both had 22REs and 5 speeds). This truck was near-perfect for me for what I was looking for. The only problem I have had is a squeaky rear leaf spring. Otherwise it lives up to its Toyota reputation. I love the DoubleCab after having a sedan.

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  Great but annoying too - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By BobM - August 22 - 2:36 am

  Overal this is a very comfortable PU. I replaced a Toyota PU with 210,000 miles only because of rust. Problem already with the Tacoma. Purchased vehicle 6 months ago and I have replaced the rear bumper twice already due to rust in the corners under the license plate. The third bumper shows the rust popping through already. V6 automatic gets 16 MPG combined local and over the road. I saw no difference. Loud! Dont plan on listening to the radio while driving the interstate (you get 6 speakers but need 12). I hate the expression "Its a truck, what do you expect!". My last "truck" was quiet! The sound of rushing air almost puts you to sleep on a long trip. Constantly over steering.

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  Great for family - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By cveto - August 22 - 1:10 am

  Bought it for my wife and she loves it. Things we love about it are 4wd, peppiness and styling. This vehicle got it all. It is not a male appealing vehicle but I enjoy driving it too. It is a all weather suv Rather than a offroad. If you got a kid or two that is the vehicle you need.