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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  TRD - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By jim wilbanks - June 29 - 2:00 am

  The truck is beautiful and fun to drive. It handles all road conditions well.

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  2002 Toyota Sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By rich99 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for a year, and was a replacement for a minivan. Paid $34,500 for the SR-5. So far it has lived up to expectations. Love the fact that the rear seat can actually sit an adult (vs the Tahoe, where your knees are in your face). Gas mileage not to bad, average 16.5 on highway trips. Anti-skid control seems to kick in too easily on snowy days. Towing capacity was not an issue for me, might be for others. All in all very happy and would recommend it to others.

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  Think long and hard before you purchase - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Mellie - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Check the re-sale value before you purchase...you may think twice! I have the SE model and wish I would have waited longer before purchasing this vehicle. Its been in the shop 3 times (within 1 year) for a knocking sound under the hood. The dealership told me that it was loose strut caps, and now they dont know what the problem is (they say they dont hear anything now...hmmm) and the problem is still not fixed. It does not do well in snow - slides all over the road. Although this car is very roomy, I wouldnt purchase another.

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  nice UV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By joegreen - June 29 - 2:00 am

  the vehicle runs great and gives a comfortable ride. looks great too. turns many heads. many compliments too. poor gas mileage though and always hit my knee on the drivers door when getting out!!!

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  Impressive! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By sbbinau - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Drive this thing long enough and you will swear you are in a sedan. Quiet, smooth, powerful, tight. No road noise...just the low hum of a wonderful V-6. Space is ample, driving comfortable. Classy feel on interior, even in non-limited package. Mileage so far has been so-so...but should improve as vehicle gets broken in. You will like this SUV...trust me.

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  A disaster! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Tre - June 29 - 2:00 am

  It was a VERY bad decision on my part to buy this car. For the 11 months Ive had the car, it has been one problem after the other; failed driver power window actuator, stinky rotten egg smell most of the time, HAZARDEOUS to drive on a windy day, squirmy emergency braking, erratic idle, lousy fuel consumption in the winter, numerous rattles and a body that dings too easily. My 2001 Corolla was way better, but its too late to lament now.. Im selling this car once Ive driven it for 2 years to at least pay the interest on the car loan.

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  Land Cruiser - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By DC - June 28 - 6:46 pm

  This is the best SUV, period. I had a Ford Supercrew, nice, but no comparison. The towing power is great. I tow in mountains and the low gear is incrediable. Great family transportation. Will get another one for sure.

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  great little car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By herbie - June 28 - 12:33 pm

  I drive 1000 miles a week every week and I bought this car for economy but was pleasently surprised with the S model for the improved exterior and interior. I have a white one and it really stands out. The real value to me was how little it cost to upgrade to the S model. I have 28,000 miles on the 2005 car already and it just purrs right along.

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  Love the look - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Katfncy - June 28 - 10:30 am

  I was a Honda CRV owner for 6 years. I didnt like the new shape for 2007. I drove across the street to look at the RAV4. I was quite surprised by all the changes since I first looked at the RAV4 in 2000. Love the body style and the way it handles. It beats the Honda 2007 CRV anyday.

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  Car feels Cheap. - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Jimmy S - June 28 - 3:08 am

  Dont be fool by the look of this 2016 rav4. Car feels very cheap. Try closing and opening the door several times, changing volume knobs, temperature knobs, and adjusting the air vents , you will know they put a lot cheap materials in this car. Car makes loud noise when shifting from P to D. It also makes weird noise in the back of the car after I stop the car completely.