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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  FUN - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By ricknmadrid - December 16 - 10:00 am

  Anyone complaining about storage or gas milage is clueless. This is a second car, and its designed to be fun - and it is! Quick without being obnoxious, very manageable around turns, ergonomic (once youre in!) and plenty of torque even at high end. Its so precise it takes a while to drive with the right touch. For 1/3 the price of a boxter (which we seriously considered) its a very cool choice.

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  No Title - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By Girlgeek - December 16 - 10:00 am

  A fun car for commuting, and Solo2 racing. Handles well, but the steering is really loose and the gear box is clunky. Once you get used to those problems, they are no longer problems.

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  My Baby! - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Eyes of Texas - December 16 - 10:00 am

  My 4-runner was a big expense, but after test driving all the other SUVs in its class, there was no comparison. Id do it again in a heartbeat. I love it!

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  Excellent Truck!!!! - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By J Diddy - December 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my second tacoma, and I have to say it is the absolute best truck on hte road. It is by far the best looking truck, but it also accelerates like no other.(later) Have had one problem. the power window died one day. It was fixed the next. Forever Tacoma owner!

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  2001 Toyota Solara SLE V6 Coupe-A Blast! - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By deeeey - December 16 - 10:00 am

  My second Solara. Pros: Best vehicle Ive ever owned. Cons: Fuel mileage is a disappointing 19-24 mpg.

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  Toyota Quality - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By shellyp - December 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 4runner for almost 4 years and love every second of it. Its a classy suv with the ruggedness that most suvs lack. This is the most reliable vehicle ive owned..Best $38k that i spent on a vehicle.

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  Sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Sequoiadriver - December 16 - 10:00 am

  Great family hauler. This is by far the best family vehicle we have ever owned. One word says it all, "utilitarian".

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  Toyota Fan For Life! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By S. Clemmons - December 16 - 10:00 am

  I have always driven Toyotas, and traded in my Avalon for this SUV. To think that I was considering another SUV - really crazy. Im a single lady, and wasnt too crazy about the styling of the 2007 Highlander; looked like a family car. But once I saw the 2008, I was totally surprised. I have owned this car for 1 week and 1 day, and anticipate keeping it for a long time. Great comfort, great gas mileage, and a fun car to drive. The 2008 is indeed larger, and carries on the Toyota legacy of being a top quality vehicle. And once you drive it, you wont need to test drive anything else. Worth every penny I spent.

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  Solid Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Ken - December 16 - 9:30 am

  I really love my Tundra. I recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants a reliable and solid pickup. The access cab is comfortable for most everyone. I do notice that 6 plus guys are cramped in the back, but everyone else is fine. The only drawback is for the stereo crowd. Its a pain to fit 12" subs in this truck. I had to put in two 8" subs under the rear seats. If you dont care about the low lows this truck is solid. Electronics and alarm are perfect. Paint is pretty good. Not easily scratched. Motor is Toyota... what else do you have to say.

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  4th Toyota truck! - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Hobopoet - December 16 - 8:10 am

  I wanted a truck that would tow my trailer, get me into the back country, get good mileage, be reliable and dependable: what else but another Toyota! This is my 4th, and Ive never had a complaint or serious problem. Toyota is offering incentives now and that swung the deal for me. But I would have purchased one without that.