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:

• 

  Nice Wheels - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By quino - September 22 - 10:16 am

  Great SUV,Beyond Great 4 wheel drive... Nice nice nice...

• 

  My 5th Toyota and 2nd Prius - 2017 Toyota Prius v
  By Krissy - September 22 - 7:50 am

  Dont understand a review that states it accelerates sluggishly. Come on guys, a lot of us women drive Prius and are not looking to drag race anyone while we are driving . . . Get real. Compared to my 2007 Prius sedan this car has awesome acceleration! Am very disappointed there is no slot to hold the Fob as my 2007 had but maybe that is just me. I wonder why the engineers sacrificed or forgot that. I have the complete technology package and have had no problems with the dynamic assisted front radar and it automatically slowing the car when cruise control is engaged - works flawlessly on my car. I do dislike a center console that is hinged toward the front passenger seat - seems very awkward to me. Love the panoramic moonroof just question why the engineers chose to make it more of a stationery window that doesnt open than a real sunroof. It rides smoothly and whisper quiet so I am extremely pleased with the ride. Some of these vehicles do not look attractive or cheap. The dealer had a white Prius V that looked very cheap inside and out. I had them ship in a Silver Metallic one with the black and gray interior and there was a world of difference in how the car looked inside and out. Mine was so much richer looking than the Titanium White one . . . Even the sales people were going outside to look at it in silver (light gray) and were making the same comment. Very comfortable to drive, love the navigation system built in, ability to sync my garage door opener through the rear view mirror, sound is decent withe the 8 speakers in the five model. The inside door trim no longer has any fabric - so yes it does look a lot different and to some it may look cheaper. It is a Wagon geared toward families with easy to clean surfaces. There is leather at the bottom of the inside windows followed my molded plastic. No big deal for me - she should be easy to keep looking new and wont rot like fabric or fade over time. I think you should judge the V for yourself. This is my 2nd Prius and I have owned 3 Camrys also in the past, in addition to 2 Buick and a Subaru. My highest mug in the city has been 55.1 mpg and When I filled her up last week I got about 47 mpg combined in city and highway driving which pleased me greatly. Much higher than my 2007 Prius sedan ever got and the car is still breaking in its engine.

• 

  Outstanding fuel economy - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Bill - September 22 - 12:16 am

  I currently have 1,800 miles on my new Camry and am very please with its smooth, quiet ride, good looks, and outstanding gas mileage. I got 34.2 mpg on the first tank of gas with mixed highway/city driving and 37.4 on a 454-mile highway trip. I just filled up again and the latest mpg was 35.9 with mixed driving. I drive between 55 and 60 mph normally and try to accelerate smoothly to save gas. This is a wonderful car for the money.

• 

  Most Value for your Money - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By pranab - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Limited 4x4 for 2 months now and the honeymoon is still on. It rides smooth in city as well as on mountain roads, I have made many trips and we have enjoyed all those rides.The great exterior styling makes heads turn on roads and the luxurious interior is best enjoyed by all 8 passengers. The DVD and Gaming options make life free of stress for parents and all so wondeful for the kids.YES you can get a bigger GMC/Ford with more power/luxury features for the same price , but when it comes to safety, reliability,resale value and performace Toyota comes a clear Winner. Sequoia is the Best Full Size SUV Around Go For It, you will not regret!

• 

  send to management - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By TLN - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Overall---great.Driving to florida and back excellant on highyway,city.Some things that could be improved..Also with all SUVs.Dashboard, clock should be on top,too much style rather than efficiently.Its a chore to locate vent ac/heat and others,The driver has to take too much eye focus of the road,to try to figure where things are at.Glove box..why do you need 3 of them?

• 

  Warrens Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Warren T. Johnson Sr - September 21 - 10:00 am

  This vehichle has the whole package. I was really impressed when took a trip to Las Vegas with a full load of passengers and luggage. The Sequoia was comfortable for everyone and there was plenty of power.

• 

  LandCruiser Review - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Stephen H. - September 21 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 is the third landcruiser in the family and fifth toyota. It is a great car! Extremely comfortable, stable, and safe. Have owned this one for about 5 months and have been completely thrilled. Would recommend to anyonw

• 

  Great Car - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By wyoung62 - September 21 - 10:00 am

  22,000 niles and not 1 defect or problem. Best car I have ever owned. Love getting 44 mpg average

• 

  Greatest Compact Ever!!! - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By tommy noc - September 21 - 10:00 am

  All around the celica is an unbelieveable car. I would definitly recommend this car to EVERYONE!!!!

• 

  2003 Matrix - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By bass1bad - September 21 - 10:00 am

  This is the only car I will ever buy. As long as Toyota keeps making them I will buy them.