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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  03 Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Palmer2345356 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Highlander is okay. Seats feel kind of hard, and sometimes you can hear the engine. Drive is comfortable though, and, it is a Toyota so you know your gas mileage is up there. I would have rather gotten a Jeep Grand Cherokee, or a Chevrolet Tahoe, but this was the way that the majority of the family wanted to go.

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  best minivan available - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By benthere - September 6 - 2:00 am

  The Sienna got us all of the features we wanted/needed on the base model for a great price. Tumble-under 3rd row seat, the bucket seat 2nd row that swing forward for easy access to the back (great for getting kids in and out of car seats), and engines power (I think its the most powerful base engine out there) in combination with the good gas mileage. We thought we got a good deal by getting our CE for $22,400 on the last Saturday of the month. Great standard features and awesome passing acceleration on the free way (better than our Camry) and the turning radius is superb which makes U-turns easy.

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  Great Minivan - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By veggierique - September 6 - 2:00 am

  This car was definitely worth the 6 week waiting period. Its easy to drive and rides very smooth. I thought it might be too big to drive moving from a compact car to a minivan but the Sienna is very comfortable, definitely not too big.

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  I love this vehicle - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By reggie1906 - September 6 - 1:33 am

  This is my first SUV and I have test driven plenty of them. The design of this vehicle is awesome. Although the mileage is not that great it does very well on the highway. If you havent purchased one yet get out and get one.

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  I love it! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Michele - September 5 - 3:36 pm

  I love my Toyota Tundra, I origionally wanted the Toyota Tacoma but once I test drove the Tundra I felt much more secure and safe in it. Im used to being intimidated by big SUVs when I had a small car. Now my driving confidence is back.

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  Great, Reliable quality car - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Felix - September 5 - 11:50 am

  Ive had this car for about 24 hours, and have loved every minute driving it. The ride is smooth, the acceleration very good, and overall quality is second to none. Great gas mileage goes without saying. This is a perfect car for anyone wanting to save money on gas and overall maintanence costs.

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  Comfortable and safe - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By college student - September 5 - 10:00 am

  My dad recommended that I purchase this car for the long drives betw. college and home. It is a great highway car, averaging 28 mpg. It is a little to "luxury" for my tastes, but is an excellent car otherwise! Have had no mechanical problems the entire year I have owned it - which is rare in my car experience. Great pickup, smooth ride, wonderful handling ~ couldnt have asked for a more comfortable, safe, and dependable car!

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  Rav4 Notes - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By kennedydh - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Still a little under powered for starts and occasional towing.

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  Nice but. . . - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Roe - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I just bought the RAV-4, I think the car is cute and great to drive. But on long drives the seats are very uncomfortable.

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  Good but not Perfect. - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By stEEvE - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Its alright. Its pretty powerful with the 2.2 engine and all but it could definately use more horsepower than 133. Its a family sedan but it still could be fun to drive. It doesnt accelerate too fast but its a smooth ride. Id recomend this car to a Family man who wants to set a nice example to his children but has fun with the car when the wife and kids arent around. Overall Im satisfied with it for what it is.