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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  I love this SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By roadrashpsu - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 4 runner approx 3 months ago and wasnt sure about getting the limited model, compared to the base model. After having the limited model Im glad i decided to go the extra mile. The car is well worth the money and i love driving it. everybody is jealous of my new ride. It has been very reliable and it really keeps its value. Plus the safety features (8 airbags) and anti-lock brakes make me feel safe anywhere i go. I have the V8 model and love the power, the gas mileage could be better, but if you buy an SUV with a V8 what the hell do you expect? I give the vehicle a 10!

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  Love it. - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Gasman - June 23 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 Tacoma V6 XTRA is confortable and roomy. It has easy to access features and storage. I have had no problems with it and bought a Toyota for that reason.

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  My First SUV - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By M. Spain - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I Just recently purchased a 4Runner SR5, and absolutely love this vehichle, it has nice pick up and is very comfortable to ride in, this is my first SUV, however, i was able to test drive a few models and decided on the 4Runner over the Grand Cherokee, Highlander and Pilot, the closest competion came from the Mitsubishi Endeavor but I chose the 4runner for Toyotas overall Reliability.

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  So far it is GREAT! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Annie Carly - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I am a new owner of the HighlanderLTD, and have fallen in love with it! Its great looking, well designed inside and out! The ride is smooth, the controls easy to use, and it is great in the snow! The moon roof feature is great as is the general visibility.

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  I love my corrola! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By bouterie - June 23 - 2:00 am

  The only complaint I have about the vehicle is the nasty smell that came from using the wrong brand of gas. Had I been informed of the need to stick to the ExxonMobil brands it would have saved me a lot of time and worry. Now, there is nothing keeping me from enjoying my ride.

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  Best Car Owned thus far - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Missy B. - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I found this car to be easier to get in an out of, roomier, quieter and all around more comfortable than my friends 1998 model. Lots more cubby space too; self maintenance like oil changes and brakes are quick and easy; handling respondes with how the car is being driven, the tighter and faster a turn the tighter the steering becomes; independant 4 wheel suspension makes for a very smooth ride over bumps and poor roads, and doesnt fell like youre driving youre mothers buick; the sporty look comes packed with a powerful sound system, alloy rims (NOT rim covers) and sharp looking black interior.

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  A Little Disappointed - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Maryland Mike - June 22 - 9:46 pm

  I bought the truck for home improvements and for utility reasons. I had a 4Runner before this and was a fan of Toyota. I love the 4Dr long bed and couldnt be happier with overall design and function. I love the fold down back seats and tie downs in the bed. I had trouble with passenger side window sometimes doesnt go down without driver first using driver side switch. Passenger side speaker seems blown out from the start. Transmission hunts after slowing to make a turn. Wiper speed switch seems to be reversed compared to old 4Runner, meaning what should be longer time between wipes is actually shorter time. That combined with passenger window issue makes me think wiring problems.

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  Whats Not To Like !!!! - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By T. Jordan - June 22 - 7:58 pm

  I love my Highlander!!!! Its attractive, quiet, reliable, comfortable. Ive had three Highlanders and have kept going back for more!!! The only thing that I dont like are the colors of the new ones. The Silver looks like a tin can silver, and the Pre Dawn Mica is more brown than it appeared online. Other than that there is nothing to complain about.

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  Great Family - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By jerry - June 22 - 3:50 pm

  This vehicle has been a god-send to our family. We fill up the vehicle, and are too busy to mess with repairs. We purchased this vehicle with 68k and have doubled the mileage in 3 years with no issues at all. I have replace tires and oil only. Every thing works and works well. It is a pleasure to drive and the mileage for a van is great, consistently in the mid-20s- towing our pop-up I still get 18! Most of my extended family have owned GM or Chrysler products and I spent more up-front for my van, but in the long run saved money because of reliability.

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  I love my car - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jill - June 22 - 8:33 am

  I have owned my Solara for 8 yrs. Never had major problems with it. It just hit 100,000 miles and still love my car. People find it hard to believe that the car is 8 yrs old. Recently bought a 2010 Camry sedan. Usually, I get the new car and my husband drives the old car. Since I still love my car, I did not want to give my Solara up, so my husband is driving the new car.