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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  Bought Another 4Runner - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By APRZR - September 12 - 5:06 am

  We traded in a 2001 V-6 Limited 4Runner for no other reason than the lease was up. It never had a single problem, and its trade-in value was significantly higher than the residual payoff, which actually gave me good equity for the down payment on a new one!!! We liked the look of the VW Toureg (but some reviews scared us about potential electrical problems). Also liked the Toyota Sequoia, but didnt want 3rd row seats, because we wouldnt use them. So we stayed with the 4Runner, but upgraded to the 2005 V-8 Limited, with all the toys. It handles extremely well, smooth/quiet ride, nice interior amenities. Have had excellent prior experience with Toyota reliability & service.

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  Love this 4runner; loved last 4runner - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4runnersRock - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Sold 1998 v6 ltd 4runner for 2011. Couldnt afford Ltd, but no regrets. Tried a few crossovers first(Highlander & glitzy cheaper Veracruz) but once in 4runner I knew it was the one. V6 in 2011 is so much more powerful than v6 in 1998(w/o giving up same gas mileage- avg 19.8 mpg), more spacious too & rides high which makes me feel like a queen & easy to see when navigating traffic. Love Toy kept the power tailgate window (no one else has this). Fold down flat back seats- great for dogs & hauling long items. Cargo space better than crossovers. 4runners great quality, reliability, style, rear psgr heat, & 2-year Free maint very nice to have. Will keep 12+ yrs again. Very happy w/ choice!

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  1st SUV - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By Sacuraman - September 12 - 2:00 am

  1st time driving/purchasing an SUV. Major selling point is the 3rd row seats for the kids. Purchased w/ the Tech package which I recommend for comfort and some bells and whistles over the basic w/o options- also the tow package increases towing to a functional 3500 lbs. So far drove about 400 miles- 50% hwy and 50% city- according to the mileage display, averaging ~27 miles/gallon. I4 engine and transmission is geared for surprisingly good acceleration for a 4 cylinder/medium SUV. Only complaint is the speedometer reads about 3 miles greater than my GPS speed.

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  Awesome vehicle - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Jody - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I was so scared to buy a 2007 Camry after reading the reviews. so glad I did. Great car. I had it checked out by a local mechanic we trust, he gave me the thumbs up and Ive been very please. I own a new Honda accord and love them both. I would highly recommend the Camry to anyone interested in a reliable, comfortable, efficient and safe car!

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  Great - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By wu - September 11 - 5:33 pm

  Our Camry is great! It was really comfy but not too quiet but still refine. The DVD player sounds great, but we sometimes complain about the "Welcome to Camry". And most important thing is the engine, even with low hp our Camry is still really fast. So it is great!!!

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  Nearly Perfect - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By MCM - September 11 - 11:03 am

  When released, this minivan was head and shoulders above the rest in every way. However, with Nissan, Honda, and soon Kia coming out with complete redesigns, they have almost matched many of Siennas first place features like 60/40 split 3 row fold in the floor (Kia, Honda, Chrysler) 2nd row power windows (Mazda, Honda, Kia),rear view camera (Honda), front/rear sonar (Mercury, Honda). One of the only features completely unique to Sienna now is Digital Laser Cruise & AWD. However those are two BIG items, especially the AWD. MN has cold, snowy, icy winters, AWD is a must. That and Toyotas better than ANYONE, EVERs reliability made it a clear top choice. Its economical, reliable, and loaded!

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  Great truck for the price - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By kayleigh - September 11 - 9:43 am

  This truck is amazing for the price! They have all kinds of colors and models. Ive got a Toyota tundra double cab with runners on the side, tundra mat in the bed. I just traded in my 2008 Toyota Tacoma for this truck and the tundra is so much better. Has way more room and is comfortable.

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  Smart - "For Two", Step Aside - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Nihilist - September 11 - 5:26 am

  I had been holding off purchasing a car until the arrival of the Smart, "For Two" into the US. No longer. I ordered my hatchback last month and it showed up yesterday. Fun is the best way to describe it. Clean, simple interior and cute exterior. The hatch is not a family car, but for me and my wife its perfect.

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  Sips gas. - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By Cher - September 10 - 7:09 pm

  This hatch back holds excellent amount of cargo for the size of the car. Excellent mileage and reliability. Fill gas so rarely often forget. Wish it had better visibility, and more drink holders.

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  Saved my sons life! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Nancy Harris - September 10 - 4:23 am

  My son was in a horrific auto accident! There were a total of 3 cars, all of the people in the other cars died and the AVALON SAVED HIS LIFE WITH ALL OF THE SAFETY FEATURES, ETC. The State Troopers told us that the Toyota Avalon saved his life! We will forever more drive Toyota Avalons as they take safety first! My sons car had the most damage; there wasnt a place on that car that did not have major damage! It was totaled, but, my son lived!