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:

• 

  Step up to the Big Leagues - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By Don - October 12 - 1:33 am

  This is our 3rd Toyota, but our 1st SUV. We finally outgrew our Camry and Prius to own the Platinum Sequoia. Wow, what a jump up in room and class! Our 7 seater has it all. I thought parking and maneuvering would be a problem, but not so with the sensors all around the vehicle. They keep the vehicle right on track to avoid any type of false move. The versatility of our Platinum is incredible. The 3rd row is spacious with the option to recline for more room. Get the 2nd row heated seats on the Platinum for cold weather...you wont be sorry. IPOD and Blackberry information fully transferable to your main screen. Cool. We got a remote starter added after market through the dealer.

• 

  Trip out of state - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Dave B - October 11 - 5:33 pm

  We took a family trip over christmas and the van was excellent in all areas. Very roomy and easy to move around. Very quiet engine. Like folding seats options and used back for sleeping with middle folded as a foot rest. No regrets at all compared to competition.

• 

  LOVE this car - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By tdtmd03 - October 11 - 8:53 am

  My wife bought this car new. We drove it for three years and put about 60000 on it without ANY problems other than the navigation system which always seemed to have us wandering in the ocean whenever we drove down I-95 in Florida. It was reliable, fun to drive, great looking, comfortable. We traded it in because we needed 4WD as we were about to move to AK in 2009. We loved it so much we bought a 2004 4WD 4-runner and splurged on a 2008 land cruiser ( both have been fantastic). And the 2006 that we traded in was bought by my father in-law. He was a little miff that we just didnt sell him the car in the first place so that he didnt have to pay the extra dealer mark-up.

• 

  Hot Hot Hot Matrix - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Jamie K. - October 10 - 1:26 pm

  What an absolutely superb vehicle! As far as the looks go, it looks much better in person than the photos. This is a real head-turner that has great lines and a sporty look. The interior is super cool. everything looks sporty and is in a convenient location. It has a lot of very cool features. The ride is excellent and smooth. I feel that it does have a very nice burst of power. This car is surprisingly roomy. Overall it is a real "Home Run" for Toyota. I highly recommend it to anyone

• 

  Land Cruiser - Second to None - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Winfield - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my seven Toyota Ive owned in 17 years and second Land Cruiser. My first was a 1987 and still regret selling it. Cost is high, but in terms of what you get in return - well worth the investment. Great to be driving a LC again.

• 

  pearly white - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By SRM - October 10 - 2:00 am

  With one more year left driving my diamond pearl white Avalon Im begining to consider my options for a replacement car. The only option...will be GPS navigation and this is available in current Avalon models. FYI...I must be the only owner with factory mud guards (color matched). I think they are worth the money. So far I consider my car a very good everyday vehicle for a salesman.

• 

  I love my car - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By ccbdsmith - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I have loved this car since the day I first drove it. I drive 100 miles every day, and I still look forward to getting in it every morning. The only thing I wish I had is ABS

• 

  Fast commuting truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By stoutbrewer - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I decided the Tacoma double cab was right for my family.I got a good price from the dealer, the color I wanted and all the options we needed without any of the hassle. In the city I get 16/gal but Im sure I can wring more once its been broke in. It drives like a truck (bouncy at times) but overall not bad (without a load in the back). It scoots off the line and pulls nicely up steep grades and stops undramatically. Driven in heavy rain it has no problems even with a stiff cross wind or on a steep grade. The A/C cools fast and doesnt bog the engine. The stereo is nice with a cassette and/or CD design and the back seats tilt for extra storage which is an additional nice feature.

• 

  A New Hylander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Patterson, Debbie - October 10 - 2:00 am

  In March of 2002 I recently purchaced a new Hylander from Toyota of Temecula. Ever since we have had the Hylander we have loved it. Personally I believe that it should be one of the 10 Best for Car and Driver. We love the Hylander.

• 

  Fun loving, Sports Sedan - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Paul3thomas - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. The interior is unique. It speaks toyota. The build, te power and strength of the vehicle is great. It is Fun to drive too.