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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  My Toyota experience - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By luan nuriu - September 7 - 7:16 pm

  I have enjoyed my big SUV for a little over 3 years. I only have positive things to say about it. My job as a dealership service manager (with Mercedes-Benz) I have the opportunity to drive the ML on a daily basis and see the repair frequency of Mercedes- Benz & other makes and models as the dealership takes trades in all the time. I can tell you that Toyotas quality is 2nd to none! My Toyota SUV is a joy to own and drive, I recommend it to any one in need of a full size SUV.

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  highlander - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By bob KNoll - September 7 - 5:09 pm

  very good first month

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  1 awesome SUV - the Original SUV - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By mnalla - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Ok I just bought a 02 LC this weekend and yes I am new to the LC but I have been researching it for some time and must admit this is the best damn SUV out there. It is not only the most comfortable and luxurious (barring the LX470) but it is the most proven and reliable SUV for off-roading on the planet! After having driven a Volvo wagon and a Passat I must admit the LC is so easy to drive and it drives like a big car. Visibility is awesome, the handling is good and the comfort features are incredible. My wife and son love it now if I can just convince my wife that she needs to drive to the Volvo instead!!!

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  1992 Camry LE 4 Cyl - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Bob1941 - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed this car more than any other. It is economical to drive and fun to drive. It is the most agile performer Ive driven in about 35 years. I found the 4 cylinder engine to be dependable and more than adequate power-wise. It is quiet for a 4 cylinder, but not as quiet s the Camry 6 cylinder. The paint has remained very glossy over the past 11 years, but it seems to be easily chipped by flying pebbles, etc.

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  black stallion - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By greid - September 7 - 10:00 am

  love my 4Runner....had anticipated getting one for a long time.......had to wait my previous lease-term out. Me and my dogs are crazy about the back window and and side rear windows that go all the way down. great handling and acceleration

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  Matrix - Just what I was looking for!!! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Twiggy - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I been looking for a new vehicle for a while. I needed room for kids, great gas mileage, a sporty drive, & reliability. The Matrix has it all. Ive only had the vehicle for 4 days, but Im really impressed! I do a lot of highway driving & so far Im managing 42.6 mpg with the 5-speed. All my friends think the car looks great & it has room to haul all my kids stuff to boot! Also, Im not worried about the reliability since its a Toyota. A excellent car so far, I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a small, sporty SUV.

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  The Safety Factor - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By gnikgnik - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2001 RAV4. Last Wednesday night, my brother had an accident on the freeway - he ran headfirst into the center divider doing 70 MPH and walked away without a scratch. If you are looking for a reliable, safe car that gets good gas mileage then the RAV4 is a great vehicle.

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  Kicks the Cadis in the tail - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By LukeSKy - September 7 - 10:00 am

  You cant go wrong, I have drove them all ! the cadi suv looks nicer but only get 1/2 the miles per gallon of gas. Also this truck is a low emmission vehicle...I love mine.

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  Corolla S looks nicer than a IS300 - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Kenshin - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I recently crashed my 2003 S corolla, ouch! But am going to get another one with higher insurance to pay =(. Loved the car and the looks. Only problem is that strong winds on the freeway makes the car dance.

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  Fun 4Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Robert Reedy - September 7 - 5:52 am