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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  Great Crossover SUV. - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By So Cal Driver - December 13 - 11:56 am

  The latest (3rd generation) RAV4 has it all: Plenty of room for driver, passengers, and cargo; V6 power to weight ratio worthy of a sports car; surprisingly fuel efficient for a 3.5l V6; Toyota quality and reliability. Ive driven my new RAV4 daily since the end of April and it continues to impress me. Dont bother with the optional 3rd row seat because the 2nd row seats needs to be pushed all the way forward to accomodate 2 adults in the 3rd row for short trips.

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  I LOVE my 4Runner! - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By tuandala - December 13 - 10:00 am

  My 4Runner is the best car Ive owned. Fun, too! It kicks butt in 4WD. It has plenty of power & tows an open trailer very well. Sorry to see that they changed the body style in 03.

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  A smart purchase! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By grubbs1 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  My date of purchase was October, 2004, not 2003. I purchased a 2004 4Runner Sport with the V8. The only options were the sunroof and the spoiler. I invested a lot of time researching this purchase. I considered the competition, depreciation, quality, looks, price, functionality, amenities, ride, power, fun, etc. This was an easy choice! This a top quality vehicle! It pretty much comes with all the amenities you need. I paid just a little over $29,000. Toyota indeed lives up to its fame.

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  Excellence! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By nnclyn - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful SUV! Rides like a luxury car,and the comfort level is fantastic. I never expected to enjoy a SUV as much as Ive been enjoying this Highlander. After shopping for months for an SUV, I found the Highlander to give a lot of value for the money. Comparing it to the Lexus sister...its almost identical, without having spent $15,000 more!

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  A Best Buy - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By pakkadk - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Never get tired of the cars looks botrh inside and out. A peppy 4cyl good economy. Quality of construction is the highest I have seen through many autos. A nice ride for a SUV with a well designed interior.

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  2003 Corolla S - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By gmoney - December 13 - 10:00 am

  After 6 months of ownership, I have to say that I am not completely pleased with my 2003 Corolla S. First of all, the gas mileage rating of 31 city/39 highway is greatly over stated. To date, I have averaged only 29mpg. I drive about 60% highway. Also, the drivers seat is very uncomfortable as many others have stated. In addition, the dash buzzes very loudly in 3 different areas. And to buyers of the S version, be prepared to replace the front end ground effects often.

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  superb vehicle in all respects - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By kjf - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Toyota family. Have owned multiple toyotas over 20 years. Extended family with 4 odysseys and 3 siennas. Have ridden both for 5 years. New sienna simply superb in handling, style, build quality, room, acceleration, smoothness. Love the all wheel drive. This car is the new standardbearer in the "mini" van market. I say "mini" because interior functional space bigger than any SUV Ive driven including highend mercedes and lexus. Sienna is pricey but worth it. See government safety ratings and crash tests. Cost as much as an old camry to insure because of them.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By jeffweir1 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Best minivan on the market. Looks great and drive great. Good on gas mileage. Very Stylish.

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  Love our Prius - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By paul5637 - December 13 - 7:50 am

  We have a 2010 Prius III. Loved it from the start. It has as much head room as our mini van or more. We haul it loaded full Illinois to Florida and back Fall and Spring and get on average 48 mpg overall. That surprised me with driving the interstates most of the way at 70 mph a lot. Definitely will get another one for our next car. When I see the price of gas going up it doesnt bother me nearly as much as it used to. With getting over twice the mpg as my previous vehicles, I figure $4/gal gas is like paying $2/gal.

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  Good SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Gygax - December 13 - 1:53 am

  Solid vehicle that has been a driven daily since purchase (along with yearly road trips from Midwest to Coastal states). Several minor issues have arisen since purchase that have been handled under warranty.