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 to drive - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By harshad - April 3 - 5:13 pm

  I finally caved in to buy SUV due to my bad back and trying to put 2 carseats..This was the best compromise of carlike handling and fuel economy and ofcourse toyota rep.(we also have 03 sienna). I have thrown this SUV at 65 mph on corners and it did as well as my 99 altima..it also returned 27mpg on my first fill up. I paid $20000 all inclusive for basic 5 speed, FWD. It also did well in snow with std. VSC, and traction control..hopefully I will have safe winters with this car in Minnesota..

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  DEATHTRAP on Wheels 2008 - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By fredphelps2007 - April 3 - 5:07 pm

  Where to begin.... Recall notices... have received enough to kill an entire tree! Good luck in Snow/Ice, just aim for something soft... AWD my @$$, a rear wheel drive taxi cab with two flat tires has better snow performance than this "SUV"! Tire Pressure Issues... every 2-3 weeks the light comes on and at least one of the four tires is low (@24-26psi) For the first time in my life I pray for someone to steal my car and park it on the railroad tracks! It is disgraceful to call this thing a Toyota!

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  Ive always been a car guy - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By oldcarguy - April 3 - 5:00 pm

  Ive been a car guy all my life. Never had much interest in a truck. Im convinced that some car guys at Toyota got together and decided to make a truck for car guys. Ive never had as many compliments about any car Ive owned, including a 91 Vette. I like the ride and feel of the truck and the handling is off the charts for a factory truck with a warranty. I average about 22-24 mpg and really enjoy my time behind the wheel. Granted, its not an off road machine, but I dont need it to, either. In a nutshell, I enjoy leaving behind full size V8 trucks that cost thousands more, and even leaving behind V6 Mustangs and Camaros on the mountain roads around my home. Thanks Toyota!

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  Excellent!!!! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By vanessa - April 3 - 10:10 am

  I made the best decision when I bought it, is excellent in every sense. I am very happy with the comfort, driving and looks of my new Tacoma 2005

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  Top tier vehicle - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By tmkh - April 3 - 9:46 am

  Strangely, I traded a 2002 F-350 diesel for the 2005 4Runner. We wanted a vehicle that both my wife and I could drive. The F-350 was too much for my wife. Although I really miss the diesel motor on my truck (and the camper), the 4.7 liter v-8 is very nice. Its enough to pull my 17" boat, and should be able to handle a small trailer. The fit and finish of the 4Runner is really top notch. I am amazed at how refined the interior is, especially compared to my Ford, which, with the Lariat trim, was no slouch. But the superior build quality of the Toyota is already apparent.

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  Great remake of the old Landcruisers - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By DPRusk - April 3 - 5:53 am

  The FJ is a great remake of the original Landcruisers - the ones we all remember seeing on TV as kids on National Geographic trudging through an African reserve or remote mountain trail. The new remake of the orignal mid-50s design (internally designated FJ by Toyota) has enough comfort for every day around town use, but didnt lose its functionality like the current luxury monster using the Landcrusier name. Having worked in the Australian bush country where the older landcruisers rule, Ive always held this reliable, simple yet functional design in high regard. The new FJ has plently of storage space, good elbow & shoulder room and ample power. It feels solid and functional.

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  2009 Camry LE V6 - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By James - April 3 - 1:23 am

  I have Toyota and BMW cars. For the price, this Camry is a better buy. It does everything well as BMW except handling. This is the 1st Toyota that Ive felt fast. Over all, its an excellent vehicle at a good price.

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  Avalon is affordable luxury and power - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Jerry Boothe - April 2 - 11:26 pm

  Ive driven my Avalon Limited for about a month now and truly enjoy the features and power it brings. I like a car that not everybody buys and you dont see that many on the streets. I did have a 94 Toyota 2 dr Camry and it was a head turner, people still thought it was a new Camry. I tested the Lexus and Hondas and the Avalon to me was the better buy for the money, the luxury AND the power.

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  Now We Have Two RAVs - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By George - April 2 - 11:13 pm

  My wife already has a 03 RAV already that we both enjoy. When the opportunity presented itself to purchase a second we jumped at the chance. These RAVs are the greatest. With a herniated disc, getting in and out of the car is easy. Has loads of get up and go and I love how you sit up high enough to see everything.

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  Just Bought - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By grinchmobile - April 2 - 9:31 pm

  Just bought this vehicle for under 4k. Have had it for a couple of weeks and am amazed. Over 142k on it and all it needed was a new windshield and battery. The drive is excellent and the quality of the interior is amazing for a vehicle this old. No squeaks or rattles. I am looking forward to having several great years of driving this vehicle.