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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  Best Car I ever bought - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By melgoodman77 - May 23 - 4:06 pm

  I am sorry they dont make these cars anymore. I just totaled mine after 202,000 miles. This car never had any major issues except the sunroof started leaking. Very reliable. I hate my new car and wish I could buy a new celica.

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  Long Live the Highlander! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By doubleo - May 23 - 12:10 pm

  Compared the 08 Highlander Limited with every SUV on the market, and overall it was the hands down winner. Awesome looks, excellent power, cavernous interior (a real third row seat for two 64" adults), best overall MPG for comparable SUVs, and an awesome vehicle to drive. This is my first SUV and I may never drive a car again! I just keep looking for reasons to get in it and drive.

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  You cant be told what the Matrix is - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Teebone - May 23 - 4:00 am

  Ive had this car for a week and I dont want to get out of it! I held out for the 2.4L Matrix and it was well worth the wait. Handles great, corners great, steering is a bit numb but the acceleration more than makes up for it. The 4-wheel independent suspension and 18" rims sold me for the XRS model... a real head-turner. This car is the sportiest thing a 63" driver can fit in and still have some resemblance of a back seat left. Getting in and out is a bit snug but once you find your settings it fells like you are part of the car. Vehicle Stability Control does make a noticeable difference. IÂ’ve been too excited to calculate MPG yet but all other features have lived up to the spec sheet.

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  The Swiss Army Knive of SUVs - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By Dan in Texas - May 23 - 2:53 am

  This is the second Sequoia I have owned, and I could not be more pleased. My first one had 135,000 miles on it, looked and drove like new when traded. I now have 75,000 miles on the 2006, and have NEVER had a service call for any reason. I am meticulous about care and maintenance, but zero issues in 200,000 miles says it all. This one has the captains chairs in the back and DVD, which are the ultimate peacemaker on long trips. Elegant enough for two couples out on the town, yet yank the seats and its a Home Depot special. Have I mentioned I love this thing?

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  Hit the nail on the head - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By A Real Toyota Truck - May 23 - 1:06 am

  For all the previous tries by Toyota, this is a dead center bullseye to what I was looking for in a truck. Ive owned two Fords and three GM trucks. Nothing Ive owned compares to the power and performance of this new Toyota. The 5.7 and a light foot (which is admittedly hard to do) actually make for a not so thirsty beast. The center console is huge. In my opinion, the interior design, however, is not tops in the segment as the GM trucks have the nicest interiors. Toyota has too many different shades and types of plastics on the dash. Fit and finish is as youd expect a Toyota to be, top notch. However I have noticed a dash rattle from the a pillar on some roads. A true fullsize.

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  Reliable - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Brooke - May 22 - 7:03 pm

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. In its 106K miles and counting, Ive never had to do a single mechanical repair on it. Just brakes and tires! Its fully loaded and has all the bells and whistles I need. Drives smoothly, corners well and has plenty of cargo room. Its comfortable too. I miss my arm rest when I drive my husbands car or a rental.

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  Just out of college car - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By VT - May 22 - 3:36 pm

  This was a very generous gift from my parents for college graduation and although I would be happy with any car given to me, I am overall very pleased with this car. Its an SUV but doesnt necessarily drive like one. It accelerates fast and handles well around turns, it is not top-heavy like many SUVs. The storage is great! Ive had that thing packed with 5 adults and enough luggage to where Ive had to rely on my side mirrors to back-up, but everyone was comfortable and I heard no complaints, to my face that is. Fairly fuel-efficient for an SUV. Although if thats your priority, I would suggest a Ford Escape or Mercury Mariner.

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  Totally would do again! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jenn L - May 22 - 7:16 am

  This is my first 4Runner and first SUV. After 6 months of researching many consumer websites about this SUV, I am totally satified with my purchase. Its fun to drive and more comfortable than most SUVs its size. The standard V6 engine is more than adequate for speed and power when you need it. Of course the Toyota 4Runners are quite "pricey", however, it is true what they say: "You get what you pay for!" I would totally do it all over again! :)

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  Love it - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By orlcam - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. The ride is smooth, the seats are comfortable and roomy. Although it is considered a smaller mini-van, I find it has enough space for me. If you have children there shouldnt be any space issues. The back seats are best for children. Adults may find the leg room a little tight if the seats are moved in.

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  PERFECTION - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Alex Us - May 22 - 2:00 am

  For a reliable, plush ride dont look any further...Nothing compares!! The 2003 interior is truly Lexus-like. Low depreciation makes this SUV even more appealing.