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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  Thank God for the Net - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By DoorKicker - November 30 - 10:00 am

  do your research and buy at or below dealer invoice, could not be happier with this SUV

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  It doesnt get any better than this! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Moonmaiden1957 - November 30 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2000 Mazda MPV for this Van last month. Not only is the Sienna in a completely different class as a vehicle, the experience of actually buying the Sienna could not have been better. I swear, the Sienna doesnt drive, it levitates. Complete with DVD player, our new LE 8 passenger handles my three teenagers and a friend for each without flinching. Now having an 8 passenger vehicle means that Mom gets to bring a friend along too! Even the dogs love it and have plenty of room. Three cheers to Toyota for creating such a masterpiece!

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  Awesome - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By coolsd - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Everything and easy to drive.

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  Good Value! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Opal - November 30 - 10:00 am

  This car has a comfortable ride and the steering is very smooth. I have taken friends on a couple day trips, and they agree the ride is comfortable. The interior is roomy, and the trunk space is good for a car this size. I am getting about 36mpg highway and 26mpg in town. The color Impulse Red makes this car appear larger and more upscale. Overall, this car is a great value for the money!

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  A Wonderful Car at a GREAT Price! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Razzle Dazzle - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Since I bought my car I have been very please and have driven in a few different types of weather, most recently today in some of the harshest rain I have driven in. The car performed well, but the tires seemed to have a bit of trouble gripping the road, and I found myself hydroplaning a few times. Other than that, the manual shifter seems to be quite sensitive and stalls more easily than expected, but that may be just because Im still getting used to this particular car. Overall, I am very happy with my purchase and would recommend this car to anyone!

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  A winner in my book! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By KLewis - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Love the smart roomy interior. Great pickup and manueverability. Only problem was the dash light blinking on and off and CD player jumps tracks. Will take in to repair under warranty. But engine and drive great!

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  Camry is a winner again - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By phantom8 - November 30 - 10:00 am

  It feels and drives almost like a Lexus. Very quite inside, excellent handling. High quality materials, Toyota reliability, good value. Highly recommended!!!

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  5000 mile review - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Jon from Jersey - November 30 - 6:53 am

  Bought the Sport 3.5 liter V6 4wd in April and enjoyed my first 5000 miles. The six cylinder feels powerful and propels 4 people up steep hills and highway on ramps with astonishing acceleration. The sport tuned suspension provides a firm ride which minimizes body roll when you push it into the curves. Interior is comfortable for 4, a bit snug for 5 although rear leg room is plentiful for my 6 foot teenager. The front seat is comfortable for me - I am 510, with a cranky back. We recently went on family camping trip and with a roof carrier had no problem carrying everything. Only two beefs: the gas tank of 14 gallons is too small - 300 mi. before you get nervous, and the radio stinks.

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  Wow - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Chop - November 30 - 6:43 am

  If you want a Sequoia, it is here. This has all the bells and whistles you could want. Road trips are just easier these days. Enjoy the Lazer cruise control, the XM radio, cooling seats (more like a breeze). Just a better product than my 06. Love the red-stone interior. Although the second row captain chairs are so-so, I would have preferred the bench style which is not available in the Platinum model.

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  Love it!!! - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By arti tripathi - November 30 - 3:56 am

  Love my new HOT LAVA rav4 SE MODEL. Just love it. It has smooth ride, awesome features, great color, nice shape (i hate the round- van looking SUVS) either make a van or an suv... has great warranty as well i hope to drive it for a long time!!!