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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  Beautifully engineered, great package! - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By aaclaxt - March 26 - 1:53 am

  If you hate vans and Suburbans, but need seating for 7 in a pinch, this is your machine! Very cool to be green, too. I traded my Sienna AWD van for the Highlander Hybrid. Perfect for in-town (28 mpg in an SUV - wow!) and long trips. No one can tell it is a hybrid - totally quiet and smooth as it switches between engine to battery. It runs on 100% battery as you sail thru the grocery store parking lot (be careful! it is sooo quiet people do not know you are there). Good ride and handling in town and on highway. AWD is a must for me in snowy Pennsylvania and I have not been disappointed! Beautiul leather inside; truly a fabulous vehicle. Go hybrid!

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  great truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By truck04 - March 25 - 3:40 pm

  i have had a gmc sonoma before this truck nothing but problems had oil leaks starting at 20000 miles never could get it fixed replaced the oil pan many gaskets finally had the motor replaced. then about 104000 miles the trans acted up so had to go.

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  Great Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By mae8596 - March 25 - 1:53 pm

  I totaled my Scion tC a month ago and just bought a Camry LE 4cyl today. I have been quite impressed with the way it handles and the torque. It does surprisingly have a bit of "pep in its step" I am quite happy with this purchase and I would recommend this car. My brother referred this car to me and I have never been happier with a purchase.

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  97 tacoma 4wd ext. cab - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By nodsyab - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Excellent build quality, paint and bodywork excellent after almost 6 yrs. Strong and powerful. Pulls trailers with heavy loads 3k+ well.

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  Cant believe its a hybrid! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By toopey - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This is one sweet car! Forget the fact that the gas mileage is unbelievably good. This car feels like luxury on wheels. Of course I got the package 9 which comes with all the bells and whistles, but I would imagine even the lower packages are awesome. The car handles incredibly well, the interior is incredibly roomy- even the legroom in the backseat. And whenever I go out of town, I cant wait to get back home so I can drive it again!

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  New car for a new generation - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By solidzeero - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I am a big fan of the new Toyota Prius for more reasons besides the great fuel economy, but for the many features that can only be found on the highest end luxury cars. The Prius has the smart entrance system is really handy for us key fumblers. Has an auto dimming mirror which stops the annoying person behind you from blinding you with his lights. Finally, the navigation system will keep you from getting lost no matter where you are. I give this car a Perfect 10 out of 10.

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  How was I to know - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By WineMan - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Toyota and its the best machine I have ever owned. From the first day it has been a joy and to drive. With no effort I dart in and out of traffic as if it was a car. Taking it through the mountains of Napa Ca you would think the curves would give one reason for caution. Not here. It continues to amazie me how well it handles on the road, in turns, hard curves, quick stops. With a full load of seveal cases of wine it does not change the ride. How their can be any way a rating company can not give this truck a number one or best in class must just what to be kind to the other manufactures.

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  dont settle for 4 cyl or softness - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By thegman - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I needed a car with good gas mileage,is reliable and less than 10k. I prefer cars with some personality and some performance. I installed a set of progressive lowering springs (about 1.2 inches) What a difference and with little compromise to ride quality. Threw in a K&N filter. Well worth 30 some bucks for a couple hp, cooler growl from the motor and improved throttle response. Upgrade to some 215/55/16 all season tires and this car is now looks better handles and brakes better and sounds better on throttle. All for about $1500 bucks. TRD offers a supercharger for about $3500 installed. This car now becomes fast!

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  An excellent choice - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Tredshift - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this car since the first week of January, and I am very happy with it. I tested quite a few cars over a 4 month period and picked this one over all of them (this includes BMW 325, Audi A4, Infiniti G35, Acura TL, Mercedes C 230 and more). Originally, I had not even considered the Solara and decided to test drive it after seeing a commercial for it. I liked many of these cars, but the Solara offered a combination of looks, power, price and quality that was tough to beat.

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  A GREAT SUV - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By DAGREATEST - March 25 - 10:00 am

  THE 4RUNNERS RIDE IS SO SMOOTH AND QUIET NO OTHER SUVS COMPARE. I DROVE A LOT OF THEM. THE SEATS ARE COMFORTABLE AND VISION IS VERY GOOD. THIS SUV IS A SOLID ONE. TOYOTAS QUALITY DEFINETLY SHOWS IN THIS VEHICLE