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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  Quality, value, comfort - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By ABL - February 21 - 2:00 am

  No problems of any kind. 60,000 miles on REGULAR gas. 30 mpg on 67mph cruise control. Cruise control is exact, it never varies, uphill or down. Big people love the back seat. We bought it for my wifes back: it was the cheapest quality (Japanese branded) car with power passenger seat. What a bargain!

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  I Just love this Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By DBM - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Just love everything about this truck.

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  High expectations...High performance - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Suburbian Motown - February 21 - 2:00 am

  We have owned our 4Runner Limited for two months now and it has delivered a high quality ride in everyway(except for good gas mileage, but we did not expect that). The 4Runner oozes with quality and performance.It is not the most flashy truck on the market or a red hot fad; however, our experience tell us this truck will deliver consistent and superior performace for may years to come. We would highly recommend this truck to those people seeking a high quality, highly versatille truck with strong craftsmanship. The price for the Limited is steep but for a truck that you can expect to put 200K-300K miles on with limited problems, it is still a steal!

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  Beautiful SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jawn - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I find this SUV to be incredible.... the ride awesome and it has fantastic capabilities. Ive had 2 4 Runners before and waited for the AWD to be introduced... it was worth the wait!! The V8 power is great and it rides beautifully. The only problem Ive had so far is the 6 in-dash CD player has jammed and is in for replacement!!

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  Dont Pass this one up! - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Super-Steve - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I gave up a Chevrolet to drive this. I only regret not doing it sooner. This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. Its a 4 cylinder that has similar performance to a V-6 Mustang. Dont believe me, go race one! The ride is very solid and it has no squeaks or rattles. I paid a higher price for it, that other trucks of the same size, but option for option it really cost about the same. Toyota only builds what it needs, so therefore you will not find a "stripped down" Toyota on the lot unless they were special ordered for fleet purposes. The bottom line.... pure quality!

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  Best Cost to Fun Car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Al Williams - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Before buying, I drove a 2003 Civic LX. This car was not only faster(not by much) but was quieter and gets better gas mileage. The fit & finish shows the usual Toyota quality & has a suprising ammount of cabin room & rather large trunk. Also, dealers are willing to sell $500 over invoice without any hassle. You cant find that kind of deal with the Civic!!

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  We love it! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By mike corry - February 21 - 1:06 am

  We have a family of 4 and it works great for us. I love the power it has and the thought that went into the layout of of controls in the cabin. We have taken it on 2 vacations so far and it handles great on the highway as well as off-road. I went off-roading for the first time in my life in the Georgia mountains and had no problems climbing steep revines ind driving through streams. I would recommend the step up bars if you have small children, since it sits so high off the ground. Its the best car purchase that I have ever made.

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  All youd expect and more - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Seaton - February 20 - 9:46 pm

  I test drove an F150 and a Sliverado. Best fit for me was a truck that I could drive to work, and to the compost or Home Depot on the weekends - Im not in the trades. This is my third Toyota (previous was a 4X2 Hilux and an 03 4X4 Tundra - both were great). Pros - mileage, interior design (esp. leg room) and overall appeal. Good sized back seat for the kids. As much or more interior room as a Honda Civic. On the down side, the truck rides a bit like a truck. Ford and Chev both rode more smoothly. Also, box is pretty tiny, so consider getting the long bed. I went Toyota because, well, its a Toyota. Im getting quality and I dont like spending money at the auto shop. VERY happy.

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  So good, you will be bored... - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By deanstayton - February 20 - 7:23 am

  There is no doubt this is an incredible vehicle. It is smooth, reliable and fast (for a daddy sedan). It has many creature comforts and even gets 26 mpg. hwy consistently on 87oct. I drive a Platinum Ed. XLS and mile for mile this car has been the best used vehicle I have purchased (read- least expensive to maintain for the ride quality). Purchased in late 08 for 5900- w/113k miles. Clean as a whistle this is proving to be quite the deal. The mid-life crises sport coup-loving man bemoans the dull exterior looks and cushy drive. This inner teen wants to buy an RSX or TC, but I can not justify selling such a great car. The practical man in me loves every boring bit of this machine.

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  AMAZINGLY LUXURIOUS VEHICLE!! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Susan Marquez - February 20 - 5:50 am

  I love my New Avalon. It has all the bells and whistles I wanted. It is so comfortable inside and so stylish outside. I am so happy that I chose this car over a Lexus without all the bells and whistles.