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 off-road vehicle - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By pjatty - February 22 - 10:43 pm

  The 1999 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4 (with automatic transmission) is simply the best stock SUV I have seen for off-road use. It is so light that it tends to skim across the surface of mud with the 4x4 engaged, rather than sinking like a Tahoe. It is narrow, so it can make it through skinny trails. It has high ground clearance and skid plates on key components, so it less likely to get damaged. It has a relatively short wheel base (which combined with the high ground clearance and removing the running boards) means it is unlikely to get high centered anywhere, unlike a Suburban. Any it is still very reliable after 115,000 miles.

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  HIghlander Happiness - 2013 Toyota Highlander
  By DavlynEvans - February 22 - 1:25 pm

  Ive had my Highlander for over 3 years. Ive had no issues. Its a great vehicle and I can use the third row to haul extra kids or put those seats down and carry lots of stuff. My only issue is when the third row is being used, there is almost no storage space behind the third row.

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  My 2nd RAV4 - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Patsie - February 22 - 10:00 am

  This is the most comfortable ride. the seat molds your body which makes driving so easy. Five people are not crowded and you can carry on conversations easily because the motor is so quiet. My next car down the road (about 2-3 years) will be a RAV4!!!!

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  HAPPY TRAILS - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By JERI - February 22 - 10:00 am

  BASIC 4WD BUT IT WORKS GREAT ( SNOW, MUD,SAND,RAIN)COMFORT OUTSTANDING,FUN TO DRIVE ON LONG TRIPS PARKS REAL EASY ALSO ROOM FOR EIGHT ADULTS NOT JUST KIDS

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  the best - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By jjjzzz - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I love this car, after a lot of shopping between this car and the buick rendezvus and the acura mdx i am sure this was my best choice

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  Owner - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Sam Ferris - February 22 - 10:00 am

  This automobile is undoubtely one of the most satisfying vehicles I have ever owned;--- and I have owned several makes over the past 60 years. I am not easily pleased either.

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  super van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By peterpanshrek - February 22 - 10:00 am

  i was choosing between the toyota Sequoia and the Sienna for a family of five, finally i was convinced by my wife to get our Sienna as the 3rd family car,the ease of loading and unloading the family helped make my decision.

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  Just a GREAT automobile - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Joe Rizzo - February 22 - 7:03 am

  I got the car because of the NYS Clean Pass that allows travel in LIE HOV lane w/o any passengers. Mission accomplished. Bought new 4/21/06, now has 12,000 miles. The surprise was the silver lining - anywhere between 48 and 54 mpg saves me thousands in gasoline. I drive a daily round trip of 140 miles - the car replaced by the Prius was a 2004 Mercedes Benz CLK Convertible - Benz @ 20 mpg with high test, Prius @ 50 mpg with regular. Any questions? And the fact that every fill-up costs pennies vs. the Benz says it all. My driveway contains three Mercedes, one BMW, one SAAB and one Prius. Reverse snobbery rules here in my house - the Prius wins HANDS DOWN. No wonder it retains value!

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  Love the car (or wife that is) - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Earl - February 22 - 3:33 am

  No problems with this car what so ever. They need to fix the door trim problem asap, this car has more dings in the door then my 14 year old Camry.

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  Luxury for Less - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Ivor branch - February 21 - 11:23 pm

  One young co-worker said, "I was wondering who owned this beautiful car, i would like to own a car like this when i can afford it." Everywhere i drive people stop and stae. My wifes coworkers are all jealous. This car is such a joy to drive. My four-year-old granddaughter refuses to ride in any other car.