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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  Great Truck - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By mike mc - May 1 - 2:00 am

  My tundra is great. My friends cant believe how much power it has. People who ride with me are astounded by the smooth ride.

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  Watch out for the weather! - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By sbuttaz58 - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I love this car daily but beware in wintery, icy, and wet conditions! If this car is not in 4WD it may be the worst on the road. I have had two accidents one I slid on ice going very slow on the highway and the other a person slid in snow into me (I tell you this one bc ironically it was a 99 4-Runner). In regular conditions and straight snow it is great, but any thing else, it will slide all over!

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  reluctant ex-Ford 150 buyer - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By WVtoyota - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I have always purchased Fords but my spouse has a Toyota Sequoia and I even noticed the difference from her Expedition she had previously. Wanted a truck that my wife could drive and she did not like the height/visibility of the new 04 150. I gave the Toyota a test drive and was amazed at the refinement compared to the other brands. Ride like an SUV at most and is so tight in its construction. Luckily the4 dealer is A-1 and the buying experience was great for both trucks. Very happy with it at this point and like the six plus foot bed on the double cab.

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  Fun - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By paokgrl - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Most people dont think of a Camry as a fun car to drive, the majority of people think of it as a family car. Im a college student and I absolutely love driving my Camry, it is roomy for someone being 6 foot both in the front and back, it fits everything that I need, it is also a good car for being a designated driver cause it holds a lot of people with still having good visibility and handling. Overall it is a good car, with exceptional features.

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  Limited V6 - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4runnaway - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had this car for two weeks. The seats are comfortable, but Ive started to notice that the vehicle seems to lean a lot when cornering, causing me to lean a lot as well. I have an old 4Runner and never had that problem. Lots of wind noise, all around the windshield and especially around the side mirrors, even with all the windows shut. Luckily, the stereo sounds good -- better to drown out all that wind noise with. The plastic "bumpers" are dumb on a truck. Dont even think about bumping anything with them.

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  Nice Van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By wtomlinson - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I had a Windstar before this van and the difference is incredible. The Sienna is very quiet, smooth ride and much better gas milage. Lots of room and the split fold down rear seat is great.

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  Four-time Toyota Owner - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By SUZW - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I love my 2002 Camry. I have had three Camrys and one Corolla and have enjoyed them all. Next time I will get the V6.

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  My Toyota! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By JohnBoy123 - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Fun car to drive, lots of room for both passengers and cargo. The great thing about the XLE is that so many features that are options on other car models are standard here. Initially the steering wheel was off center, but that was corrected. There is some wind noise and buzzing coming from the drivers side pilar that the dealer has not been able to pinpoint.

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  Far exceeds expectations - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By DentonFamily - April 30 - 8:50 pm

  Just bought a silver 2010 4runner 4x4 for my wife yesterday we traded in her 2002 4runner 2wd. Now this was a huge upgrade for us even though we only bought an SR5 not a limited but all the standard options have come a long way. The ride is very quiet and extremely smooth. Factory stereo sound amazing. All the hookups for ipod included USB. mirror defrosters with power seats are a very nice feel. We looked at lexus RX and It felt for 10k more we were just paying for the name and leather. Also the height to see over everyone and still with good turning and parking. Were extremely happy i know most people havent gotten used to the exterior but me and my wife

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  Great Car - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By N/A - April 30 - 7:53 pm

  Everything about this car seems to be great. I brought it for my daughter and so far so good. The car is 11 years old and it drives better than my wife Nissan Max.