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:

• 

  Great 4 All Seasons - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By shash - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Cant say enough good about this vehicle! It lasts... and lasts! 147000mi before needing a brake job. NO other major repairs needed yet. Takes me camping in the summer and skiing in the winter, and all places in-between. When its time for another vehicle I dont have to do any looking. Itll be another 4Runner!

• 

  best car Ive ever had - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By toyotagirl - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 2001 LE for 2 yrs and I cant complain about one thing! It handles like a dream and gives a quiet ride - the gas mileage is great - I usually get 30 mpg in the city and 39 on the highway - no rattles, squeaks and NO RECALLS! I almost bought a Civic and I am so glad I got the Corolla instead - it has a better powertrain warranty than the Civic and was voted the #1 small car in inital quality by JD Powers & Assoc for 2001 - its not hard to see why -

• 

  Fun! - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By taco fan - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I love this truck, only had it a week already impressed with the torgue it can produce. Enjoy driving it alot, very comfy bucket seats. Solid transmission, quality.

• 

  Happy wife with 6K in my pocket - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By happyowner88 - November 14 - 2:00 am

  We have put 600 miles in two weeks. I drive a 2002 ES300 lexus and its silky smooth. But my wifes highlander is actually smoother and more like a lexury car. Yes, its hard to believe. we thought about new 2004 rx330 but went ahead and bought Highlander 2wd limited. If you want to save $$$ in this economy and dont care too much about the badge, this is it. Make sure you keep your tire pressure to factory recommanded 30psi.

• 

  2007 Toyota Camry Solara SLE convertible - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Metsgar Farms Inc. - November 13 - 11:40 pm

  I purchased the vehicle in August 2006 and have been very pleased with it overall. I agree with others that it would be nice if you could see behind you a little better, but after all this is a convertible. I have owned several Toyotas and their construction and performance has always been excellent. The only problem I have had is that on rough roads the brake pedal rattles a little and at times it is difficult to start. But I am sure that after I take it in to a dealer they can solve the problem.

• 

  Great SUV!! - 2011 Toyota Sequoia
  By layne4 - November 13 - 10:07 pm

  Owned 2 Suburbans before this, wont buy anything else now. We werent 4 blocks away from the dealership on the test drive and my wife said "this is what i want to drive". Much better vehicle to drive than a Suburban, rides better, quieter, handles better and the turning radius is 10x better than even a Tahoe. We pull a 5,000 lb boat with it and it doesnt even break a sweat. The engine and brakes are unbelievable! Inside everything is very functional and well thought out. Seating is very flexible, I have to say that the 2nd row has at least 6-8" more knee room than a Suburban. Plus the 2nd row slides forward to allow for more knee room in the 3rd row which is really nice.

• 

  Get One! - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By SUV_GUY - November 13 - 8:23 pm

  I enjoyed my 2001 Sequoia very much. Unfortunately, I was rear-ended while sitting at a red light by a Trailblazer doing 50 MPH whose driver was obviously not paying attention. Air bags are great but nothing beats well engineered steel. With that in mind, I looked at the Yukon, Tahoe, Expedition, X5, Ms, Range Rover, etc. for comparison. The 2010 Sequoia is everything that my 2001 was and more. The 2010 is even more capable on the beach in soft sand than the 2001. I chose the 5.7L FFV engine and it is well suited to the 6 speed transmission and weight of this vehicle. I am looking forward to our first road trip.

• 

  FJ lover - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By danf - November 13 - 11:13 am

  Everything is great about this SUV except the mileage. The bodystyle is so cool.

• 

  2005 Access Cab 4 cyl - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Northof50 - November 13 - 9:06 am

  Am very pleased with this truck. Excellent build quality, esp. paint. SR5 package has nice amenities. I use the truck mostly back/forth to work. Rides well. Good performance for 4 cyl. Getting 23mpg+. Like innovative one- piece box; made bedliners and spray on coatings obsolete. Wife likes easy handling. Smooth transmission. Handled well in snow; didnt need 4WD.

• 

  My 2006 Avalon Limited - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By ROBG9 - November 13 - 6:53 am

  This is my third consecutive Avalon. First 1995 second 2000 and present 2006. I find the Avalon to be a safe, reliable and comfortable car. Guests who ride in the car for the first time always comment on the design and interior room, luxury and comfort. If my present Avalon proves to be as reliable as my previous ones then I will be buying another when that time comes.