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:

• 

  Best Car Ever - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Love my ECHO SF CA! - August 12 - 2:10 am

  I bought my 2000 green 4 door Echo with only 15 miles on it. The car is simple, economical, and extremely reliable. Of all the car that I have owned, the Toyota ECHO is my favorite car.

• 

  Nice family SUV - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Anthony - August 11 - 4:23 pm

  This family SUV is very nice. I traded my 03 Sequoia which I like. What I like the most is the safety features this vehicle have and off course the 5.7L engine very responsive and fun to drive. It is also more roomier cargo especially if you have the 3rd row folded.

• 

  The Big Red Tacoma - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Marc Smith - August 11 - 5:56 am

  The only issue that I have is that this model does not come in the automatic transmission. I have had some difficulty in learning on how to drive a manual again but that has not taken away from my overall enjoyment of this truck so far. This truck has a superb ride and feel.

• 

  best choice - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By johnny8here - August 11 - 2:00 am

  after spending countless hours shopping for a full-size suv, i recently purchased a 04 sequoia. i could not have made a better choice.everything about it is great.for a full size suv the ride is surprisingly smooth and quiet. i would recomend this vehicle to anyone shopping for this type of vehicle.

• 

  gas the curves - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By davebvaf - August 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is the most fun to drive car Ive ever owned. Not meant for travel but around town I keep the foot on the floor from 0-speed limit. Has amazing acceleration for the engine size. With the rear engine it is so much fun to "gas the curves" because it makes the car track the curve plus gives me a little excitement in my every day run around town. No trunk space - no problem - buy everything new when you get there or take the Caddy!

• 

  Exactly What I expected - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By geooff - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Anybody that bought this car and then complained about cargo space, automatic top etc. Just wasnt paying attention to what they were buying. Its great fun to drive, reliable, and the handling is awesome. You cant touch its performance and unique characteristics for half again as much money.

• 

  Great Vehicle!! - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Steakbelly - August 11 - 2:00 am

  This 4Runner is a blast to drive! An incredibly smooth ride, and of all the 99s, 2000s and 2001s I test drove (Pathfinders, Explorers and this 4Runner), this was BY-FAR the best driving car. Managed to get a FULL warranty on this 99, even though it had a lot of milage (85K). Looking forward to years of enjoyment with this SUV!

• 

  I STILL LOVEIT - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By ATOY4ME - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I will have had my highlander for 2 years come January and I still love driving it. It drives just like a car and not a truck.

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By JLCCNU - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2004 Toyota Corolla Oct. 30, 2003 from Autoway Toyota. I had been in the market and everything I read about the car was very positive. My first drive I was not impressed. Then I used the rolling seat adjuster, which did help some. After having the car for a week and a half I cant get enough of it. It is so quiet, peppy, dependable, and good looking.

• 

  2-RAV Family - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By 2 RAVs - August 10 - 3:30 pm

  I loved my first RAV4 I purchased in March of 1998 and hated the thought of ever trading it in. When a van we had finally died, we replaced it with a 2005 RAV4- I hated looking at anything else because the RAV has been so dependable, it seemed silly to consider a different car. We thought about a different Toyota, but the size of the RAV is perfect for city driving and so comfortable on the open road. We have three growing kids between the ages of 7 and 14 and while the older RAV had a smaller back seat- the newer one has plenty of room for all three kids- and no complaining! I love the added get up and go in the 05. Its a great car Id buy again.. maybe well go for three!