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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  Toyota Tacoma - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By tennisond - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I have only performed normal maintenance on the truck. Great Machine.

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  CHEAPER ROOMY LEXUS - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By JoeMar - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Owned nearly 3 yrs. with 48K on it. Quiet, smooth, efficient. Roominess with Lexus quality. No major problems and no hassle yet with this car.

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  A true - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By greggds - July 14 - 2:00 am

  The V8 supplies a great deal of torque, and even for a vehicle weighing in at over 4000lbs, you definitely will have no problem merging into traffic. The interior is extremely nice and comfortable, and the double-tiered cargo system somewhat compensates for the lack of cargo room in the rear. The exterior is visually pleasing in the limited, and a step-up from the plastic cladding of the SR5 and the Sport Edition which were designed to decrease dings and scratches caused by off-road driving. The Air-Suspension is a must for off-roaders and/or those who will be using the 4Runner for towing.

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  Toyota keeps doing it right!!!!! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By fluke817 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  A vast improvement over older model(had a 1999model). Great p/u w/8 cyl engine. Excellent steering,braking,creature comforts outstanding.Ride could be a little bit softer/more refined. A competent vehicle both on/off road.Blind spot on both right and rear side could be easily eliminated w/ a larger 3rd window. As a salesman, doing 20k miles + a year, ts a great way to go.Fuel mileage, combined city & highway appx 14.5-15.0 miles per gallon w/the eight cylinder,and a heavy foot. A true Toyota Winner!!!!!!!

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  4 Cylinder - Better Than You Think - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By CHM - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I think most people assume that you need the V-6 option with the Highlander, but if your driving is mostly suburban, the 4 cylinder is more than adequate. The 4 cylinder also does well in highway driving. I chose the 4 cylinder because I wanted to maximize my fuel economy, but still get into a somewhat larger SUV. (I used to drive one of the mini-SUVs)

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  Outstanding automobile value - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By JDA - July 13 - 9:50 am

  Car is great to drive. Very comfortable, lots of leg room (even in the back seat), plenty of power, extremely quiet (almost eerily so). Even at speeds above 70 mph on the highway, it delivers nearly 32 mpg. I think that is outstanding. I would like to have a 6 or 8 way power passenger seat (instead of the 4 way - I want more adjustment), and the radio should have automatic volume adjustment as the noise in the car increases.

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  second to none - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By exNYer - July 13 - 9:23 am

  By far the best car Ive ever owned. The spaciousness of the car, both seating and the ability to carry large of boxes, packages, is oustanding. With the back seats down and the front passenger seat down, I was able to carry an 8 foot ladder entirely with the car. I drive the car between S.F. and Las Vegas monthly, on each trip I stop once for refueling and arrive at my destination without feeling either tired or cramped (and I am no small guy). Servicing the car is easy, every 5000 miles I bring it to my local dealership... No problems, great service. I can not wait for my wife to start looking for a new car.... the choice will be easy... it will be another Prius.

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  04 Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Ned Martin - July 13 - 3:56 am

  We have owned this car for exactly one year and have no problems or complaints. We have taken the car on a 3000+ mile trip (CT to Fla) as well as a daily driver, and its been comfortable and reliable as well as a lot of fun to drive. Our current mileage (winter, combined) is about 45 mpg; on the highway if we keep it around 60 mph is 58. Combine this with the fun factor and reasonable price and we are extremely satisfied.

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  Get an FJ TODAY! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By misstella - July 12 - 9:20 pm

  It had been a long time since I purchased a new car. I was scared. Firstly, prices, car and gas, all the makes and models. Yuck! But alas, I walked in to Toyota, my first car was a 1982 Cressida, cautiously. To my surprise, I did not have to look any further. There she was! My next new car, well actually SUV, a 2007 FJ Cruiser. It was mine if she rode half as cool as she looked, and she did. I felt so safe. I felt so powerful. I felt so cool. Her engine growled, she sat up high, was easily manuverable, and built like a tank. Her gas mileage wasnt awful, her price was almost palpable, $35,000 after all the bells and whistles. So, caution to the wind, I really loved this SUV, so I bought it!

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  The best SUV on the market - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By vacommish - July 12 - 10:00 am

  This was my dream car. In purchasing it this past spring, it has proven to be everything Id hoped for. Fun to drive, reliable, and much cheaper to maintain than its Lexus cousin, this timeless SUV is impressive at every turn.