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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  Love this car! - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By harr1380 - April 9 - 10:12 pm

  I love my Rav 4. I have had my car for just over a year and a half and have put 25,000 miles on it. I have to drive a lot for work and this car is perfect for it. Its very zippy and I have no problems with wind on the highway. My gas millage is usually around 25 MPG so I get about 300 miles per tank before I decide to refuel. It is very comfortable and I have had 4 adults on a long drive with plenty of room. The storage space is amazing! When we went to buy my husbands highlander a few months ago they asked if I wanted to upgrade my Rav 4 to the new one, but I love the style of the 2012 model and did not want to upgrade. Great car!

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  Only 1000 miles - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By P W K - April 9 - 10:06 pm

  Avalon Touring - Rides a little hard. Handles well. Large interior. Lots of room in both front and rear. Rear seated passengers are very comfortable. The V-six engine gives the vehicle power if and when you need it. Fuel: Vehicle only has 1000 miles. Dealer recommended Regular. Getting about 16 MPG in city and about 24 MPG on highway driving. Going to switch to a higher octaine. Toyota factory representative and Owners Manual recommends high test for max fuel performance. Next refueling, switching to high test. Large Capacity Trunk.

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  Libra - 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Alfonso - April 9 - 4:13 pm

  I purchased the long bodied 8-seater and although this car is no beauty to look at, it is the best car Ive ever owned, and most certainly the best of my SUVs. Because it is a diesel powered car, the fuel consumption is much better than the gas models. It has great stability and efficiently corrects any tendency to sway in speedy curves. Design is extremely sturdy and strong but heavy acceleration is remarkably good. Service prices are quite reasonable. Rational design allows for very fast service and time/mileage between required service is highly competitive.

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  The luxury SUV - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By pillai - April 9 - 8:20 am

  Wanted a lux SUV for kids n stuff. Drove all the rest from cad to H2, infiniti, MB and chose this hands down. Supple smooth and quiet ride with lots of power. Although the Toyota doesnt have bling factor, it is true luxo where it counts - ride, handling smoothness and over all great use of interior space. Very comfortable 2nd and 3rd rows and easy to get into 3rd row. Overall our family is very happy with our choice of this comfortable fun and functional SUV.

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  sr5 4wd 8-cyl - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By c hoover - April 8 - 4:33 pm

  Bought it in Mar 05. My first Toyota experience. Have been a Nissan Customer for the last fifteen years but the problems with the 05 Pathfinder sent me in the direction of the 4-runner.Was equiped with a few things I didnt really need, but the price was right and finding a runner with a third row seat was very difficult. Overall am very satisfied with my 4-runner. The head room for the third row seat is definitely for kids only unless you are 5 foot or under as an adult. Seems to be soom wind noise at speeds above 45 mph and it appears to be from the outside mirrors. Would I buy another 4- runner? At this point I would, most definitely.

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  Bordeaux - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Sue - April 8 - 3:23 pm

  I love my new car! It took a while to find the right one but I have it. You sit high, you feel safe and it drives much smoother than expected.

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  Super cool SUV!!! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Jared Jericho - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Awesome to drive and most importantly, gas economical compared to other SUVs in the market today.

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  Sequoia Squashes GM, Ford & Nissan - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Vig Rig - April 8 - 10:00 am

  This is a highly refined vehicle that will do everything you ask of it. Sustained highway cruising @ 85? How about 17.3mpg for a 900 mile trip? Hauling a trailer loaded with landscaping? The ride is so smooth I thought Id left the trailer at the store. Need to tote six kids? Hey, theres still room for your wife! Want a marque that means value and reliability?

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  What a great truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Siebum - April 8 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great truck, and like all Toyotas, a really well built vehicle. I drove chevy, ford, nissan, dodge, and none can compare. The Tundra gives you more room, better ride, better comfort for rear seat passengers, a really large moon roof, and that get rear sliding window. Coming from a Jeep Wrangler, I can tell you it is great to be able to roll all the windows (including the rear) completely down. Makes me feel like my jeep does with the top off. It might cost a little more than the others, but the peace of mind and the feeling of safety and comfort are well worth the extra cash.

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  My First Truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By monchichi - April 8 - 10:00 am

  This is a truck that has SUV plus pick- up truck characteristics combined for a great price. Nice looking truck with handsome exterior features. Especially, silver. This truck has the ability to haul up to 6,000 pounds and is pretty good on fuel. This is my first car, and I love it with a passion because its reliable, sporty, rugged and sturdy. IF you want a car for a great price and if you like a SUV and cant afford it, then this one is for you. I love my 2004 Toyota Tacoma and would recommend for anybody out there looking to buy a truck but not spend and arm and a leg for it.