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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  Tire change made a big difference - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By winterhound - May 27 - 5:10 pm

  Too early to say much, just got the car. However, after reading very bad reviews on the OEM tires (Bridgestone Dueler 400 H/L, I ended trading them in on a new set of Brigestgone Dueler Allenzas 255/55/19s (one size larger). WOW! Cleaned up the mushiness; they feel way more tuned to the suspension (at 42 lbs); and the more stable stance at high speed (80 MPH) is a drastic improvement. The Tire Rack rating is way better, and I need this car to perform in snow. The increased diameter is minimal (maybe .4 inch) while the extra width is part of the much improved feel (perhaps 1.5 inches).

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  All around great car - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Goldwinger - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in 93. One set of front brake pads. Routine scheduled maintenance. No other problems. Over 500 miles on a tank of gas on a trip. It drives and looks as good as the day I bought it.

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  Excellent car - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By AnnieMcg - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I love this truck! Unfortunately, after eight years, its costing WAY too much to maintain. It has never let me down, but they find something that has to be fixed every time I take it in for an oil change! Ive spent about $4K in the last two years. Id buy one again if theyd make another manual transmission, with better gas mileage and more power!

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  DDs Favorite Car - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By dgrhd - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I have had no problems with my Echo. It is comfortable, fun to drive, lots of room inside, and gets great gas mileage.

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  Perfect small SUV - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By Zustman - May 27 - 2:00 am

  My family and I love this car! It is much more versatile than it looks. You name it and Ive fit it in to this car. From a double bed mattress and box spring to christmas trees to childrens play houses. And it is a joy to drive. Who needs big SUVs?

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  Wills 4Runner SR5 4wd - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By trancebuda - May 27 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the classiest and best packaged SUV and will probably become a classics, like the Mustangs and GTOs, because no companies are making the cool shiny manly chrome bumpers and the tough rugged boxed look yet sleek and stylish body of these 2001- 2002 SR5s.

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  MY 2000 TUNDRA - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By BRIAN R. - May 27 - 2:00 am

  AFTER DRIVING OTHER MAKES OF TRUCKS I BOUGHT THE TUNDRA AND LOVE IT. THE RIDE AND POWER OF THE TUNDRA IS GREAT.I LIKE THE CONTROLS THEY ARE GROUPED WELL AND THE SEATS ARE COMFORTABLE.THE TRD SUSPENSION THE TRUCK CAME WITH MAKE THE TRUCK VERY STURDY.THE 4WD WITH THE PUSH BUTTON IS A GREAT FEATURE.THE 4WD ENGAGUES VERY WITHOUT A SKIP. SO I SUGGEST THE TUNDRA TO ALL INTERESTED BUYERS.

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  Great 4wd CUV - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Tom Jones - May 27 - 2:00 am

  My Matrix is great. Once I was in some mud and it pulled right on out.

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  Car like truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Randall j - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I dont really like trucks of any kind as they all handle poorly and waste gas. However, as a Fabricator/Designer I need a truck to pick-up materials and deliver the finished product. I have owned this truck for almost two years with no problems of any kind. It has never failed to perform even when loaded to capacity. The V-6 engine isnt fast but it is strong and steady. The truck has a car-like smoothness and quiet ride that rivals many cars Ive driven. It handles good and better than any other truck Ive driven. Fit and finish are very good and the truck is just the right size to take into urban areas; easy to park and maneuver.

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  Sequoia Happy! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Firsttimetoyotabuyer - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Overall, we are very satisfied with our purchase. The kids love the DVD player, Mom loves the handling, and quiet ride, Dad loves the peace and quiet on a trip because the kids are entertained (not fighting) and Mom doesnt have anything to complain about.