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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  Sports Edition for the Sport in You - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By northpolermike - November 27 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has the build quality and tensile strength to meet the severe demands of the harsh Arctic environment. In the v-6 variant, it has the horses and the torque to get its 2 + tons heading up and moving out. The VSC+Traction Control, along with X-REAS enhanced suspension and Multi-Mode 4WD makes for a great recipe of SAFETY & CONTROL. When you add to that HAC, DAC, and a great transmission matched to an equally impressive engine, who could ask for anything more???

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  Toyota Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By chucktown - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the V6 AWD with CQ,DR,FE,PE,PG,TO,UZ options as well as the distributors installed options:Carpet Mats and Toyoguard Plus Protection for $27,300 including taxes,title and fees.The Highlander gave us the benefit of having more room without having to get a minivan,the safety of the Camry (which this is based),the reliability of Toyota,and the price tag which doesnt break the bank.The ride is smooth even over bumps and RR tracks.The car is solid and sound when slamming doors.It is roomier between the driver and passenger seats than my Dads 4-Runner,and I would say has just as much room.A really nice ride and a really nice automobile.

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  What youd expect from a Camry and more - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Louis R - November 27 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased a new 2003 Camry LE, and let me tell you it lives up to its Toyota title. Upon test driving it, the acceleration and braking is very responsive. Steering and cornering are perfect at low and high speeds. The engine is great, as you cannot tell from the interior whether or not you have already ignited the engine. The interior features are just as rewarding. With the Conv. Package, gives you the added power seats, and 8 speakers sterio system. Its an excellent buy that you can count on.

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  Prius c Two - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By fray1 - November 26 - 9:18 pm

  Recently purchased a Two and am extremely satisfied. Though it does not provide the quietest, nor smoothest, ride, I bought it for the gas mileage, and am not disappointed. I drive approximately 75% highway, and am currently getting about 50-52 mpg combined. Debated between a used Prius, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent, and Kia Rio hatch, and a new c, and am happy with our choice.

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  The Best SUV for the Money - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By dcross15 - November 26 - 6:51 pm

  Our 4Runner was purchased with 25,000 miles in 2004. It now has 171,000 miles and has required no repairs, other then tires, belts, and brakes. It is a monster in the snow, on the beach, and is very capable off road. With the factory installed towing package it tows my lifted Jeep Cherokee with ease. The 4.7L and an amazing transmission seem to give the car more power the it needs. I enjoy the way this thing drives more then most new SUVs. It still receives many compliments and comes across as a luxury SUV. The front seats could be more comfortable, and the seating position in the front is awkward. These things hold their value extremely well, and are well worth the money.

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  Prius saved me $8,000 in gas - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Prius - November 26 - 10:53 am

  My Prius was in a national survey during the first 40,000 miles averaging 50.9 mpg. Ive had over 12 new vehicles from different brands and this one the best besides saving over $8,000 so far. Toyota got it right. Only repair has been oil changes and running great. My next vehicle will be the next generation Prius at 80-100 mpg. My wife and I though that gas was high ($1.69/gallon) when we bought this car. We really look smart now with gas over $3.25. They are working on the next generation Prius and I can not wait to purchase the next one. Out of my last 12 new vehicles this ranks A +++.

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  Great MPG - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Mike - November 26 - 7:46 am

  Bought this car used because some one was stupid and got rid of it. I average 38-39 miles per gallon. Excellent cars. I bought the S model and i dont regret the extra money.

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  Build Quality, Reliability & Buttery Ride - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By halls1030 - November 26 - 7:05 am

  I purchased a 2011 Highlander Limited 4WD at the beginning of December 2010, in one month I have managed to put just over 3000 miles on the car (yes, I drive a ton). Its hard to find anything this SUV doesnt do well. Granted, its not BMW-quick and doesnt sip gas like a Prius, but overall the SUV is easy on the eyes, drives like a dream and bottom line I am 99.9% satisfied...I really wish I could get Prius-like gas mileage out of my Highlander (wouldnt we all!) but otherwise the SUV is fantastic! I traded my 2008 Toyota Tundra Crewmax Limited (black & loaded just like in the commercials) for my Highlander and while I miss my truck. Again, the Highlander just keeps growing on me!

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  After 4 months Im sorry I bought it - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By bmallek540 - November 26 - 6:30 am

  The vehicle is smooth once you get cruising at about 60mph. However, staring from a start there is a hesitation which causes you to almost lunge forward. The roof molding has loosened and almost come off. The transmission is sloppy and flops around both up and down as you accel and decel. The electronics is from the year 2000. And, the GPS is the worst that there is! The GPS is very outdated and has very limited POIs. The voice command is a joke and now the GPS has started locking up on me. I am waiting for the dealer to get back to me on that. The stereo unit in the car is just average. This is not the car I bargained for at all. After 4 months of driving it I am sorry I bought it.

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  Traded up from a Grand Cherokee - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Tina - November 26 - 12:33 am

  We purchased a 2002 Grand Cherokee when we started a family and didnt want to go the minivan route. The Cherokee was a nightmare (maintenance, performance, etc.) So, we saw a great deal on a new 2004 Sequoia at the end of 2003 and went for it. We have loved this car (and we arent really "car" people). We go away a lot for the weekend and its so easy to just throw stuff in the Sequoia and go. It rides so smoothly and we havent had any problems with it at all. We added a DVD player b/c it was cheaper to have it done on our own than @ the dealer. My only complaint - it is cumbersome & hard to park sometimes. But - thats a large SUV for you. GREAT SUV!