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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  Glad I got it - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By steed - January 6 - 1:13 pm

  We have 2 little ones, so we traded in a very nice 2003 TL S-type for the sport 4 runner. My wife was tired of bending over to load kids. We are very happy with the choice. Although not nearly as loaded as our old ride, the 4runner handles very well for a truck based suv. It feels light to drive. I actually like the cloth seats better than leather, and the exterior of the sport edition is just plain cool looking. Much better gas milage than I expected. Engine power is adequate and a good mix of power & economy. Plan on making this "the truck" and trading in my pickup for something a little better on gas. Plan on keeping this a while...

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  I love this car - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Mike - January 6 - 9:53 am

  We bought this car a couple months ago and are very happy we did. I looked at the Nissan, the Accord, and the Malibu and came to the conclusion the Toyota Camry is the best built most comfortable of them all. We traded in a 2005 Trailblazer that was in excellent shape but the cost of gas had us looking. My wife had a difficult time letting go of her SUV but now that we have the Camry she is very pleased.

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  The Red Wood Tree - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By durell brown - January 6 - 4:56 am

  The Toyota Sequoia is one of the best SUV in its price range that a person could every buy.Before I bought the Sequoia I had a Expedition and it did nothing but drink gas and make a lot of noise.The Sequioa does a lot of things that make people love it like the electronic a/c in the back, third roll seat with lots of room and more thing I cant even named because its so many of them.Its a very likable.I plan on keeping it longer than I kept the Expedition.

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  Love It - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By M Stojsavljevic - January 5 - 7:06 pm

  Excellent vehicle. A little noisy on the road but not annoying. Handles great. Auto. gear shift can move to neutral with a light bump.

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  2nd 4Runner - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Melinda - January 5 - 6:03 pm

  I sold my 96 4Runner for a 05 Sequoia and returning to the 4Runner. My gas mileage is averaging 4mpg higher than my Sequoia with comparable power. The vehicle is spacious without feeling enormous. The fit and finish inside and out is great. I wasnt crazy about the cartoonish dash and dials but they are growing on me.

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  Never has it failed!! - 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By vishnada - January 5 - 4:03 pm

  One heck of a machine. Second generation user of LC. Never has it failed in the tropical jungles nor the concrete city driving.

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  car critique. - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By d.t. - January 5 - 3:36 pm

  rear window wiper arm does not elevate for cleaning . have nothad any problem to accelerate on entering interstate highway. especially like convenience of key less entry.

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  Fun to drive/own - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By jdw174 - January 5 - 2:40 pm

  If I didnt have to tow a boat, Id have bought two of these instead of just one. One of the most fun to drive cars, I look forward to the wife and I going out on weekends just so I get to drive it once in awhile. A lot of pep considering whats under the hood. We got the #5 package (loaded with everything) and its really great. Even better when I have to stop for fuel. So far 1200 miles on $24 worth of gas. It needs to have deeper tint on the windows as the interior gets really warm in the sun.

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  Must Buy! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By tom - January 5 - 11:40 am

  Driving this vehicle is so much fun. It is my wifes car, but I try to drive whenever I get a chance. I love the real-time fuel consumption gauge. The GPS is perfect for the city. The steering is great. The car accelerates suprisingly fast. There is plenty of room for my large road bike in the back. As a 6 2" male, I fit comfortably in the front & rear seats. Most of all I like that the car has actually appreciated in value. That is unheard of!

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  Winner - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By prius0304 - January 5 - 10:00 am

  An outstanding car for urban and distance driving, averaging 46-48 mpg. Torque provides all the acceleration needed. However, the ride can be harsh on rough surfaces and the navigation system is quirky. The navigation can be very useful but the driver needs to think for herself in deciding whether to follow its directions.