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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  6 Stars Anyone? - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Sonny - October 17 - 8:38 pm

  If there was an option for 6 stars for this specific vehicle, I would be the first to check that. I am a very picky individual and my taste in choosing my vehicles are very unique, in my opinion. First off, I highly prefer vehicles fully manufactured in Japan. Guess what? The Prius is one of them. Most importantly, Toyota has truly made a huge leap with their redesign on the new Prius. Yes, the exterior design gets a lot of heat and negativity, but if you have the courage to look past that and focus on the essence and beauty of the vehicle, it truly is an engineering marvel. The L.E.D lights - front and back - are state of the art and look like laser lights, especially from the rear. The interior is like Ive never seen before, and when I sit in, it feels so driver oriented - Im thinking Toyota has taken ideas from their sports car - the 86. The road holding and balance is so incredibly tight and smooth. The steering has so much richness and its very well weighted with an expensive feel. I opted for the version 3 since it seems to have the best value with its features - nav, L.E.D lights, lithium ion battery, 3 door smart entry, alloy wheels with two tone cover, Softex steering wheel, etc. The Prius is struggling to sell as of late - probably due to the low fuel prices, plus folks arent comfortable with the polarizing looks and are taking their time to get used to the latest design which represents the future. And so I took advantage of Toyotas incentives to push these vehicles. Got a fair deal with their 0% financing along with over $3k off the purchase with no trade. Ive owned nothing but sports cars in the past, and the latest Prius doesnt make me miss them whatsoever. Its packed with so much excitement if you know where to look and how to appreciate. Its only been 200 miles since my purchase, and this car is the very best one Ive experienced - and trust me, Im all about that experience.

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  Luxury for the little guy - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By James - October 17 - 8:30 pm

  This is the first luxury car that I have owned and I am throughly pleased. I have ridden in other luxury cars. The Avalon is just as nice if not better. The only problem that I have had is a vibration at 65-70 mph. I had to take it to the dealer three times before they determined that at least one wheel was out of round. I have two new tires and two new wheels. There is still a very minute vibration but barely noticeable. There should not be any vibration. The average mpg should allow the driver to reset anytime and not just on fill up. It would be nice to illuminate the area around the car at night with the headlights and backup lights when unlocked with the key fob.

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  Had I Only Known - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By flanagan - October 17 - 8:03 pm

  Spent last year looking at vehicles from a-z. Hands down this is the best vehicle purchase of my life. Rarely are expectations met and even rarer are they exceeded. Almost bit on a Land Rover LR3, about $15k more than my Limited 4Runner - thank god i didnt. I love this vehicles looks, ride, tightness and overall quality feel after 2500 miles. First time Toyota owner and I am impressed. I really trust the vehicle.

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  2009 Tacoma worth the wait - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pat - October 17 - 9:20 am

  Brand new truck, was supposed to get a 2008, but production ended early. Glad I waited for all the new features. Truck runs great, very tight, great power (much better than my V8 F-150) Truck is just the right size, fuel mileage much better.

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  a great car - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By robert r - October 16 - 8:13 pm

  finally.. after toying with a armada for a year.. I got this sequoia. It has everything.. I would suggest it for anyone that wants comfort and style.. it is great.

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  Great Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Jerome - October 16 - 4:26 pm

  I just got this truck and am so glad that did! I did my research and this is the best truck for the money. Great features and good performance.

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  YOU NEED THIS SUV - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By GP - October 16 - 10:30 am

  I decided to test drive a Sequoia... I took it home an hour later. This is an extremely quiet and smooth ride. Solid workmanship makes this the ultimate in style, comfort and an all around SUV that remains timeless. Well done Toyota, Ill be back for another one if this ever goes out. I currently have 93k on it, runs like a brand new Sequoia.

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  A keeper at last - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Bob Pond - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Having happily owned a number of Land Cruisers from FJ40 days onward, when the price of the LC got above $50K I defected to an Expedition. Mistake. Returned to the Toyota fold with a 2002 Sequoia Limited. What a great vehicle! Tows my trailer and Mule wth aplomb, even in the mountains. Mileage is 15 town, almost 20 highway, 14 towing. Only complaint (a mild one) is that it is kind of a tire eater with the factory rubber. Switched to Michelins as I usually do and expect that to be a non-problem from now on. Rides like a car on the highway, and not too stiff on the backroads. Wife is fanatic Toyota fan on 3rd 4-Runner.

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  Satisfied Customer - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Angels Nana - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I have almost 10 years experience with Toyota products and have been very satisfied with all of the vehicles. I have purchased 1 Corolla, 2 Camrys, a 4 Runnner, and now a Sequoia. The ride of the Sequoia is very smooth and the manuverability of the vehicle is excellent. Highway gas mileage is about what I expected it to be but not disappointing. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone wishing to purchase a full size SUV.

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  Toyo Sequoia TRD rules!!! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By BigDog69 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle! I contstantly come out of a store and find people peering through the windows. It out performs all of my previously owned vehicles...Ford, GMC, Isuzu.