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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  Whats up with the tranny?? - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Buyer Beware - March 5 - 8:36 am

  we bought the 2007 Camry for the fuel economy. I was hoping to get 32 mpg but it runs around 25-29 mpg. Anyway the biggest drawback to the car is that you can not use the cruise control in any small hill. This car will rev up to 5500 in a second and it almost drives me crazy. Oh and the brights dont turn off anymore on mine. So much for toyota.

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  So So SUV - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By bobby04 - March 5 - 7:16 am

  Purchased this vehicle in 2006 for my wife. After about 2 months we realized that this vehicle is not for us. It has the V6 but is very underpowered. It will hardly get out of its own way. The seating is very uncomfortable. The most disappointing feature for us is the traction control feature. This cannot be turned off. While in light sand at the beach, the traction control locked up all wheels with the brakes as the wheels wanted to spin. This also happened in an icy condition last winter. Very disappointing. The quality of the vehicle is typical Toyota. It will probably outlast us all. If you are considering a Highlander, think about how you will use it and what your expectations are.

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  Corolla - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Jynxie - March 5 - 6:43 am

  Perfect for first time buyers and those who want a car that will get them from point A to point B. One flaw, hopelessly boring. If you like your car to have some sort of personality (I know I do) this is not the car to buy.

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  05 4 Run Limited - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By redtoy - March 5 - 6:10 am

  Guess the main selling point with me was not only Toyota quality but all the safety feature available and the V8 engine. I also have a GX 470 and it just tops off the 4 Runner platform. But the Runner will give you close to bang for the buck. Good size, performance, and amenities

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  A Thrilling Ride - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Kathy - March 5 - 5:36 am

  The Rav4 6 cyl. is a solid little car that is really fun to drive. The car is comfortable with plenty of interior room and gives a sense of security to be able to pass with power to spare.

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  Highlander 2wd - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By gracie - March 5 - 3:00 am

  Purchased at dealer in MD. Drove 315 miles home. 1/3 interstate @ 70 mph 27 mpg and 2/3 country roads @ 55 mph 30 mpg. Since city/ highway 29 mpg and interstate 70 mph 28 mpg. Good ride and acceleration. Looking to tow 2500lb boat.

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  glad I didnt buy a suburban - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By rocco - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Great car! test drove all the full size suvs by far the best. Suburban was good too,but just does not compare in build quality and the sequoia holds its value better than most.

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  2003 Tundra Step Sider - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Networg - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Excellent truck. I love it. No problems so far. Fun to drive. Kind of pricy. So,if you consider to buy a truck -> go for it. Recomend it.

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  After 10,000 miles - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By hunkele3 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Still a great truck! Performance, reliability, and looks are awesome. Only complaints are annoying dashboard rattles and cheap plastic interior. My small dogs (and I) scratch the vinyl/plastic in the interior. My wifes Blazers interior is more resilient! Also ,as others have stated, clock is in stupid place. Its great in the snow, and handles like a small car. Still the best compact truck out there! Definitely worth the extra price.

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  love my truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By saucenj - March 5 - 2:00 am

  love my truck. looks great and fun to drive. smooth acceleration and lots of power to spare on merge and passing. lucky on getting truck below invoice... bit pricey.