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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  I love my 4Runner! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jessica - August 10 - 11:26 am

  This car is perfect for almost anyone! Its fun to drive, yet you can carry whatever you want in the back. It has a great design, is reliable, and the fuel isnt too bad for an SUV! Im so glad I decided to get the 4Runner, this is the best car I have ever had.

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  The best of the best - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Finnegan Family - August 10 - 11:20 am

  We had an 03 loved it. We drive this vehicle everywhere and love it. We bought the sr5 model and added leather, blue tooth, t.v. system. We have a rattle in the back unless one of the kids is sitting back in the second row of seats. So much improvement over the last truck. With 4 kids and a screaming stereo you cannot even tell that they are with you.

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  Great Ride - 2009 Toyota Sienna
  By Raj - August 10 - 5:03 am

  After researching the Honda Odyssey and the Sienna, we decided on the Sienna. Just crossed the 1000+ mile mark and had the first oil change. Great ride from a 300 mile round trip with 4 people and loaded van. Mileage is in the 23 mpg range for combined driving. We also bought the extended warranty (too many electronic features with navi / DVD / rear camera / sensors that can go wrong) and the maintenance until 55k.

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  Love the ride - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Jas - August 10 - 1:23 am

  After driving a toyota pickup for many years, my last one being 04 four door prerunner, I decided I needed a vehicle that was like an suv but not that big and good on gas. Tada, the sport highlander caught my eye. After doing research and a test drive in the 3.3 6 cyl I was sold. The comfort, roominess and power are incredible. But the first thing I did was change out the factory goodyears 225/65r17 with michelin cross terrain 245s and the ride got even better. Highly recommend. Happy Highlander Owner.

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  Stepside Style - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Second Tundra - August 10 - 1:06 am

  Performance (4.7L) is powerful and smooth. Bucket seats are very comfortable. Quality, fit & finish, reliability is outstanding. Resale value (Toyota is always in demand as a used vehicle). Transmission is smooth. Ride is incredible.

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  Best Yet - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By QUINN - August 9 - 11:33 pm

  I have been in many trucks. And lived with only Chevy in the garage. Yet here comes a redesigned, powerful, and fun to drive contender that after driving the others has landed the space in my garage next to my IROC Z. Great style in the interion and a "beefy" upgrade to the exterior really helped to make the final choice. Dodge, Ford and Chevy all really had all the power I would need, but, the interior room and design are superior in the Toyota.

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  No Soccer Moms Here - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By K48paw - August 9 - 7:56 pm

  When my wife and I were looking to replace her Ford station wagon she was determined to buy a small SUV. Being used to the space in the wagon all the mid-sized SUVs we looked at seemed too small to hold the kids/dogs/groceries/SOCCER. We looked at the Sienna. Wow what a differnce. It even blows away the space we had in the wagon, and has so many little extras it took us about a week after we had the van to find them all. The ride is great, quiet and all the safety features are hard to match in a mid-sized SUV. My wife never thought she would own a van (she loves sports cars) so the deal maker was I agreed to add a sun roof.

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  MR Reliability - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Eddie O. - August 9 - 3:43 pm

  I have 108,000 miles on my camry and it still runs like new. I bought it with 25000 miles on it in 2001. I would not give up my camry for any other car on the road. It looks and rides great! If you are in the market for a fuel efficient and reliable car, GET A CAMRY!

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  Protect the Environment and Great MPG 2! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Kenny - August 9 - 2:20 am

  I am a car enthusiast so I had a closed mind to Hybrids, but after knowing a few people who really liked them I decided to test drive one. Ive now owned mine for over 3 months and I really am impressed with Toyota and this car. Concern for the environment was my original incentive but the gas mileage is really impressive with commensurate power and handling. Its great filling the tank up for $30 (its a 10 gal tank) twice a month. At stop and go speeds the electric motor is working with no emissions or usage of gas. Gridlock and drive-thrus or waiting for someone with the a/c or heat on is no longer a concern.

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  Best of all worlds! - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By phoenix55 - August 9 - 12:56 am

  I bought my HIHY06 about a month ago as a certified vehicle with 42,000 miles on it. I bought it used, because I didnt like the changes in the 08 (bigger and heavier). The performance for a SUV is great, passing on the highway or secondary roads is effortless. Mileage varies with the temperature and the heaviness of my right foot. Since its not an aerodynamic vehicle, the mileage drops over 65 mph, but I get 26-28mpg driving 65 and still get 25mpg going 75mph. Best mileage in the city has been 32, worst has been 21 when it was cold. The fit and finish are good even after 45,000 miles. Maybe some of the critics got a lemon, but Im very happy with mine.