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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  Completely Satisfied! - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By czechm8 - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Only 800 mi. on my new Sequoia and I could not be happier. I went to a dealer 200 mi. from home and Im glad I did! I added a set of 20" Weld wheels & tires and a custom 15" DVD screen & console mounted player that puts the factory unit to shame. Black Pearl emblems look great with the Phantom Grey Pearl paint!

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  great for the money - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By dominic - May 30 - 10:00 am

  overall greatly satisfied. I drive 1200 miles a week and my last toyota has over 200,000 miles with all its original parts except timing belt. Great car for reliability.

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  Minivan? Says who? - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By mdsmithers - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Sold my Explorer to get this minivan and I wish I had done it long ago. Easy to drive, very comfortable, lots of space, price is comparable. Really a nice overall package here.

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  Love it - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Donna Holmes - May 29 - 3:53 am

  Efficient, effective, and fun to drive. Lots of power.

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  The Greatest Family SUV !!! - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Eddie - May 29 - 3:06 am

  Just got the new one about 2 weeks ago. Its got about 700 miles on it now. Simply to put it, So Far So Good !! I cant think of any other SUV better than this one for a family size 4 or more. It might not be a fast and agile car in local streets but smooth... very smoothly running car in highways, and very quiet and comfortable. I was actually running down the highway last night, and I thought I was driving at about 50~55 mph but it was over 70. You know what I mean? It was so smooth that I couldnt feel the speed of it while I was driving which never happened with Honda that I used to think the better car maker. I would definitely recommend this vehicle to everyone I know.

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  Top Notch Toyota - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Purdue - May 29 - 2:10 am

  Just bought this car certified used as a swap from an 02 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland. A LOT easier, more fun, comfortable to drive than a top line SUV. Rides like a dream even compared to other cars I have tested. Interior is very spacious and elegant. Dash is more recessed than most and feels like there is a ton of room because of it. Classy looking car that is basically a Lexus with the Toyota emblem instead. Great cargo space as I lost nearly nothing from a Jeep to this. First car I have had and enjoying the extra fuel mileage.

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  Stylish and Fun! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Rhonda in H.B. - May 28 - 7:53 pm

  We love the fuel mileage on our new S series. My teenagers love it and are fighting over whos going to inherrit it. It handles well, is easy to drive, and the price was excellent. I parked my Dodge Ram which was getting 10.5 mpg @ $3.49 per gallon Diesel. The way I see it, what I save on fuel alone will make my new payment. I am very happy with my decision.

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  Bessie - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By reb64mst59 - May 28 - 1:43 pm

  Always taught - buy new if you can and keep them until they can travel no more. My Camry still gets 32 mpg on the hwy and 24 in the city.

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  Love our Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Sher - May 28 - 12:03 pm

  Driving our Prius has been an inspiring experience; its given my family a new appreciation for our environment. Its allowing us the opportunity to move towards a greener lifestyle. Performance is great, our Prius has pickup, zip and responds well in each situation weve put it through.

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  Great vehicle! - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Ron Holloway - May 28 - 2:39 am

  This has been a wonderful vehicle to own and operate. Low maintenance. Best car on ice I have ever driven.