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:

• 

  What an awesome vehicle! - 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By D. Mann - February 27 - 4:10 pm

  I couldnt believe my eyes when I walked into American Toyota in Albuquerque and saw a 2010 Land cruiser. I knew right then that I had to have it! It is the most comfortable and quiet drive Ive ever experienced! The over sized navigation screen, the electric beverage cooler in the center console, smart key, a huge moon roof! Too much to list! Absolutely a fantastic vehicle!

• 

  not so bad - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Cleve Miller - February 27 - 10:10 am

  Its a good truck that has a lot of power behind it. Also it handles like a car unlike most trucks that handle like its an 18 wheeler. The interior design is futuristic and sporty. This thing is rugged and seems like it can take a lot of beating.

• 

  Most Reliable Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By BB - February 27 - 7:43 am

  It has been a superb vehicle. Only things replaced: sensor inside catalytic converter; solenoid in starter; & manifold. Im just now getting to the point that the clutch assembly needs replaced with almost 280,000 miles on the truck. Great lumbar support for my back. Id like to change a few things inside the cab that were not well designed, but they are small issues compared to the trucks reliability and great gas mileage. Ill keep it until Im too old to drive a stick shift!

• 

  2005 Avalon....wow - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Mark - February 27 - 2:06 am

  Toyota has hit the mark with this sport/luxury vehicle. The 280HP V-6 is very powerful and the tuned front suspension has all but eliminated the torque steer common with high powered front wheel drive cars. The Touring Edition handles like a dream. The interior is beautiful, extremely comfortable and very ergonomic. If you are thinking about a Lexus GS, Infiniti M or any other sport/luxury car, you must drive the 2005 Avalon before you make that decision. Amazing.

• 

  Almost 160,000 - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By playboy3484 - February 26 - 11:23 pm

  This is the first car I have purchased and I love it!! It has a lot of miles on it but it still rides smooth and performs great. I did get a tune up and replaced the starter but that was it(which wasnt bad considering I paid $6900 for it). My insurance company said the value is at $12,500 so it really keeps its value. Just keep the oil changed and it will love u back. Im driving it until the wheels fall off!!

• 

  Great Little car - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Darren - February 26 - 4:56 pm

  I have only put 5000 miles on my Corolla in the past 3 weeks but so far its a tight little car with great driving feel and good performance with great mileage.

• 

  Toyota Sienna - Excellent mini van - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By Satisfied consumer - February 26 - 1:00 pm

  Drives like a car. Purchased for its reliability and safety rating. I wanted something safe for passengers (children in the car.) It has lived up to all expectations in terms of comfort, performance and reliability. We are on the highways a lot here - no complaints about acceleration. Excellent turning radius. After five years, still like the way it looks, inside and out.

• 

  Awesome - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By Al - February 26 - 10:43 am

  What a quality ride! Bought it used (certified) and have never had a problem, and it rides like a car. Recommend you buy good quality driving tires like Goodyear Forteras - they made all the difference in comfort, handling and mileage and they wear so much better than OTR tires. Unfortunately, you dont realize youre going 85 mph until its too late (gotten my share of tickets even with a radar detector)! Just put her on cruise and enjoy! My only issue with her is the anti-slip/TRAC system: Ive had it start pulling in wet road conditions but think it was perhaps because of a couple of under-inflated tires.

• 

  RAV4 LE 2016 - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Russ Bernstein - February 26 - 7:42 am

• 

  No regrets - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jeff Matthews - February 26 - 4:16 am

  Replaced my 96 Exploreer and have no regrets. Great ride, quiet, plenty of room, and a stable, solid feel on the road. I have to say that this is the best vehicle I have owned. Pleasantly surprised by mileage performance -- its higher than I expected and higher than indicated on sticker. The 6 cylinder packs plenty of power.