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 - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By Pam - March 14 - 11:56 pm

  I first tried this car brand-new. Hated the headlights back then, so I bought a Honda Civic. Big mistake. Bought this car used a few years ago. I love it. Drives well, perfect for me. Looks awesome. No problems whatsoever with it. I even bought extra warranty, now I know that was a waste of money. Just take care of it, change the oil, change the tires, and it will take care of you. I am soooo sad I will have to sell it, but I just had a baby and getting a car seat in/out is a bear.

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  Faithful little car - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By catherine r - March 14 - 7:50 pm

  Mechanic says at 125,000 miles (mostly highway miles) itll go another 125,000. Its that well-made. Rust appeared only in 10th year of ownership and I had it removed. Now its like new.

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  Awesome SUV - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Sean - March 14 - 12:23 pm

  Picked up my 4runner last week and absolutely love it. I owned a 99 4runner and always regretted getting rid of it. Ive owned many SUVs but nothing has compared to the 4runner. If you are tired of all the new "crossovers" (reworked minivans) and want a true SUV then the 4runner is for you. The new exterior is classic and the interior is highly functional and looks great in leather.

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  Reliable - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By Lindsay - March 13 - 10:50 pm

  This is the most reliable vehicle I have ever had. Still at 178,000 miles it has yet to break down on me once. Toyotas are AMAZING, and definitely worth every penny. I got in a wreck and it completely totalled the other SUV. I walked away without even a dent or scratch on my 4runner.

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  Can a Mercedes owner really like a Toyota - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By camry 300TD - March 13 - 12:40 pm

  Daily commute 100 miles times 23 years. It has take four used 79-83 Mercedes diesels to get me this far. (However saving one seems only prudent.) Bought the 01 used 36600 miles. Although the Camry doesnt give you the feel of the heavy Mercedes, its ride is acceptable. The Camry takes less maintenance so far than the over engineered Mercedes. The 4 cylinder does fine, very smooth.

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  Luxury and Fun - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By josmama - March 13 - 9:16 am

  The Solara has been a fun and reliable car. It handles well in snowy conditions and is so much fun to drive in the summer. I have had so many compliments on what a nice looking car I have! Visibility is a problem when the top is on, as with all convertibles, however, you get accustomed to it. It does have a couple second delay when accelerating, once it gets past that...youre gone! Its a good combination of luxury and fun! Love this car!

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  Love my Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By mommie - March 13 - 3:03 am

  We purchased our Sequoia used and love it. We have always wanted one and have no regrets. It isnt that bad on fuel as we had anticipated, not too bad at all. If your considering it, do it! I dont see how anyone wouldnt enjoy this vehicle. They look great, ride smooth and are very comfortable. Although, I would try to get a certified one. Not that you may have to use it because the quality seems outstanding, but its better to be safe. you can never go wrong purchasing a Toyota!

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  Happy Shopper - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By CandA - March 12 - 10:50 pm

  Nice van...drives like a car. Its smooth and acceleration is adequate. Plenty of leg room even in the 3rd row passenger seat. Accessories are conveniently located. Lots of cup holders and smalll auxillary storages. Havent had the chance to feel the AWD drive...hoping it matches our expectation during inclement weather. So far, we havent reached the average 20-22mpg that the dealership advertises. The message center rates our trip at an average of 14mpg. But overall, were very pleased!

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  Hail to the Highlander - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Jim Patterson - March 12 - 7:33 pm

  Rides great, looks great, gets great mileage for a 6 cyl SUV. We tried several SUVs before deciding to buy the Highlander and were happy with what we have. Weve had a lot of Toyotas (Camrys, Corollas) and we feel they are one of the top products on the road. We look forward to good trade-in value, also.

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  IT DOESNT COME ANY BETTER - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By CxeLady - March 12 - 4:30 pm

  This is a dream van. Its got it all, including the Toyota quality. Its extremely comfortable, even for short overweight drivers. It rides and handles like a high-end sedan. The rear seat is easy to fold, the automatic rear door opener and closer is a real boon to vertically challenged people. We purchased our vehicle from Tuscaloosa Toyota. From sales to service they have been awesome! Weve purchased many vehicles in our lifetime, but we have never dealt with a better dealership. If youre looking to purchase a van...this is the one to get. ITS GREAT!