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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  Cant Beat the Prius - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Clogdancer - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I had my pristine 92 XLE Camry ripped off and totalled. I went to my dealership in search for a used Prius. They are rare. One pulled in: Emerald Gold flake. I could not believe our luck. It had every option. It looked new on the interior and exterior. It handles GREAT! Very small turning radius! Plenty of pep. This is not a whimpy Echo. Did you know that going from 30 to 60 MPH, the Prius can beat a Porche? The 2002 Prius is a tried and true design. The example I purchased is quieter than the top-of- the-line Camry XLE, or Avalon.

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  Great Buy! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By loveolds - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Rock solid and a great ride. Would benefit from a five speed tranny. Plenty of power with the 3L engine. No rattles and no defects. A solid buy.

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  IT BEATS ALL THE COMPETITION - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By fran ciulik - January 2 - 10:00 am

  After checking all the SUV models in the mid-size range, realized that the Highlander couldt be matched. Just took a long trip and was VERY pleased with the performance. Just wished I had purchased the Toyota line years ago, would have save myself a lot of problems. A GREAT SUV, that ride like a luxury car.

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  Could you ask for anything more? - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By tferguso - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Toyota has come up with a winner. STYLE, LOTS OF ROOM, Great gas milage and quiet. The lines of the car have moved closer to Camry then ever before. The whole family loves to drive this car. My wife is 54 and Im over 6 feet and it is comfortable for both. The trunk space and rear seats have been stretched to the limits and provide ample space for any family.

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  Best Car I have ever driven! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Tony Cable - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I have driven BMW, Porsche, Cadillac and several other exotic cars, but none compare to the "feel" of the Toyota Camry. I know the 4 cylinder doesnt have the "pep" of a Porsche, but it still feels great to drive. The combination of comfort, ease of steering, fuel economy and fairly decent acceleration makes it great all- around.

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  Great minivan - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By cindi - January 2 - 10:00 am

  30 days later we are still happy with "salsa red" as we have named her. Fit and finish are great, it is actually pretty fast for such a big vehicle. The nav and dvd are great...driving and handling for such a monster is excellent, parking in even tight spots is easy with sonar and back camera. Auto sonar cruise control works very well. The third row seat is comfy for adults. Concern re run flat tires...expensive to replace and negative reviewes on other cars...nosiy...bubling sidewalls.

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  Awesome =) - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By goldenraysofsun - January 2 - 7:56 am

  The Venza is my favorite vehicle out there. Awesome body style, fantastic interior, roomy, great safety ratings and reliable Toyota name. Critics have knocked points off of it because it lacks 3rd row seating. I LOVE this about it. I have 3 kids and no one wants to be the person who sits in the way back of a vehicle (in 3rd row seating) which are usually uncomfortable. A sedan seemed too small, minivan was too big and suvs were usually too ugly, big or just simply didnt appeal to me. I was going to get the Honda Ridgeline until I saw this and fell in love with it.

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  Love my FJ Cruiser - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By David Barber - January 1 - 10:36 am

  I love my FJ. Ive had it a few months and the car is great. I love the way it handles, accelerates and the feel of the drive. It is very roomy and comfortable.

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  Expensive, but great vehicle - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By MER - January 1 - 8:30 am

  Although it could use a little more leg room this is a great vehicle. The dealership installed a custom leather interior for a really good price which saved us thousands (not having to buy the Limited package). Today we gave the vehicle a good run through the desert near the Mexican border. It was well over 100 degrees, climbing 4000 ft. mountains on the back roads and on Interstate 8 and gas mileage was really great and temperature guage never moved. The V8 is very quite and powerful for the size. It should last for years, I have seen a lot of old ones on the road that still look like new. Recommend to at least drive this SUV before buying something else.

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  Solid FAMILY SEDAN (not sports car) - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By RichieRich - December 31 - 1:56 pm

  Bought this vehicle used, with 48,000 miles on it. Has been ultra-reliable (NO repairs other than an O2 sensor). Still drives like its brand new in spite of the 125,000 miles that are on it. Ride is excellent unless pushed hard. (excessive body roll, but this is not a sports car) Excellent balance of power and comfort. Very cheap to maintain. Seats do get uncomfortable for me on long trips. My Goodyear Assurance Triple-treads (tires) are a great match for this vehicle.