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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  very reliabel car - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By edneva - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Our new Highlander Limited 2004 is a very reliabel car what makes a good feeling while driving. This is the SUV we needed to go off-road for a little, as we use it for the most on paved road.

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Ladyinblack - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Second Highlander, 20002 and 2004. Drives like a car and very reliable. Excellent on long trips.

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  Corolla S - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By slikestaz - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I actually purchased this vehicle when it first went on the market in January of 2002. Since then I use it for every trip I need to make. I is fun to drive. Light, easy to handle and I love the exterior look to it. I am very happy with my Corolla S

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  Toyota Camry XLE 4 cyl - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Skip B. - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had the car for three weeks but so far I love it. The XLE has important standard features including ABS, larger 16 inch wheels and power seats, along with lots of other features too many to mention. The car is comfortable, roomy, quiet, and it rides and handles like a dream. Toyota knew what it was doing when it built this car. So far Ive only driven it 200 miles in city driving so I havent been able to gauge the fuel economy.

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  A little disappointed - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By faith - July 31 - 7:06 am

  I was one of the first people in Texas to take delivery of the new hybrid, at a hefty price, I might add. I love the vehicle itself; however, I am very disappointed in the gas mileage I am getting. Toyota advertises 33 city and 28 highway mpg. I have not taken the vehicle on any road trips yet but, I am only getting 22.7 mpg in town. Granted, I was only getting 11 mpg in my previous SUV and therefore have actually doubled my gas mileage. But, I have also increased my payment by 50%. I dont know that it is worth it. I could have bought a gas powered Highlander for $10,000 less and get comparable gas mileage.

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  Awesome truck! - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By bl - July 31 - 1:40 am

  Bought it used in 2004. Its already been 3 years/40000 miles - not a single problem so far. Ride may seem a little rough to some people, but its a trade-off for a great off-road performance

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  FAMILY FUN VAN - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By CORY - July 30 - 6:53 pm

  The Toyota Sienna is great for my teens. Toyota Sienna is well designed for their long legs and headspace. The simple options for their own CD use and my own FM stations is great. Seating is comfortable especially for the long trips we take and for camping. Its also fancy enough to take their dates out in. Truly a fun family van.

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  Love it ! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By tofuhead - July 30 - 6:00 pm

  I am a Porsche driver so I was very skeptical when it comes to the acceleration of a hybrid, but I was pleasantly surprised that it was more than adequate. The car is smooth, comfortable, built nice, and very quiet. I love the Blizzard White color I chose. Only had it for a few hours but I suspect Ill drive it a lot more often than my Porsche as I have two little boys.

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  Awesome truck! - 2015 Toyota Tacoma
  By francophone88 - July 30 - 7:46 am

  I shopped around before buying the Toyota Tacoma. But, everything in my research pointed to this being the best choice for me.

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  Love My Venza - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Davis - July 30 - 3:53 am

  Just leased a V6 AWD Venza and it is a very nice looking car inside and out. Just downsized from a GMC Acadia so is still getting use to the smaller SUV.