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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  high on the highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By k solo - September 28 - 10:00 am

  very impressed with the looks of the vehicle with the options only which included: fender flares and running boards; limited edition. $36,000 sticker price. without these exterior options, wouldve gotten the RX 300 lexus for $1500 more. very nice ride, happy for the wife (her ride). she loves it!

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  Incedible - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By tedi - September 28 - 10:00 am

  The Highlander has been the most pleasant driving experience. I was extremely surprised at how comfortable this SUV was to drive long distances and handle like a car. Thank you Toyota for one incredible vechicle.

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  sienna review - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By e2bay3113 - September 28 - 10:00 am

  drives exceptionally nice. recieved great price from dealer. laser cruise control difficult to figure out. kids like the dvd.

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  Love it! - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Thrasher - September 28 - 12:36 am

  The ride is surprisingly comfortable and it has all the power I need for passing on two lane roads. To top it off, its beautiful, inside and out. After a bit of research I find no reason to be concerned about the "plastic" bed.

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  avalon rules - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By remlap - September 26 - 11:46 am

  acceleration quiet ride roomy

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  Lost my Avalon - buying another - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By SadtoLoseMyAvalon - September 26 - 10:00 am

  In 00, was looking for a Camry and salesman pointed an Avalon out at an amazing price - which made me skeptical. Obviously, its boxy look devalued the car. But this car is as great a ride as my Infiniti and my cousins Lexus. So smooth. Never a problem. Such a quiet ride. Greatest steal of a car. Got it with 58k til 134k - never any major problem. And then one day, some old lady nailed my side T-boning it - and was shocked when they said it was totaled. I was so sad. If I had the $$$ would have paid the difference out of my pocket. But buying another - cherish this vehicle. Test drive one - and youll be hooked.

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  This is a Great Vehicle - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Bill - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I love driving this vehicle as it has a smooth,quiet, and comfortable ride. I have read comments about this car having a cheap interior, but I think the interior is very well appointed and the controls are well placed. We also drove the Ford Edge and I liked it, but we have not forgiven Ford for handling a couple of inferior vehicles we purchased from them in the past.The Venza also cost less with more features than the Edge. The Venza is the most enjoyable vehicle I have ever owned.

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  2011 Camry SE, me likey! - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By VegasRPh - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I needed to cut my car payments down from $530/mo (lease) to something more affordable, yet fun to drive. Enter the 2011 Camry SE in Super White/Ash Fabric. What a NICE car. I am truly impressed with this car and what you get for the money. Mine has SE Value Package #1 plus the Smart Key, rear spoiler so it is pretty loaded (MSRP $25,990). I am 64" tall and I have plenty of room up front and in the back seat. The 2.5 L/6A combo works well in this car, it is quick and quiet, and should return excellent gas mileage (sticker says 22/32). Interior is well laid out, easy to use controls and all the surfaces feel nice to the touch. The SE has a "sporty" blue hue for gauges and controls.

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  BLACK 4RUNNER LTD - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Allen Nebraska - September 25 - 6:46 pm

  Fun to drive, fairly smooth ride and goes through the snow with no problems, the heated leather seats are nice in the Nebraska climate. The V8 has plenty of power

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  solid ride - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By sparky - September 25 - 8:36 am

  the sequoia has a comfortable ride for being built on a truck frame. all the options for safety and entertainment are great.