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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  4-RUNNERS EXPERIENCE - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By TENNIS GUY - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Solid SUV, stable, good traction. The brakes are excelent although I heard a lot of bad comments regarding them. I only had 2 problems: the glove compartments lock got broken and the rear double cup holder got broken too. The tapestry doesnt appear enough resistant to endure many years. The engine is awesome, as well as the transmision. In 5 years I spent: $150 on the lock, $200 on the cup holder and $ 90 in an original batery. That are the reasons that are making me considering buying another 4-big-runner

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  Good car; poor gas mileage - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By steve9723 - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I took a step down from a Camry to a Corolla because I wanted a more fuel efficient car. Unfortunately, I get about the same gas mileage as my Camry (23-24 mpg) - others who have Corollas have said the same. I like the car, but Ill go back to a Camry next time.

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  Corolla or wind tunnel? - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By hiya - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy this vehicle except for the excessive road noise. It makes it impossible to hear the cell-phone and completely negates any sound quality from the stereo.

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  Love this SUV!!! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By CrazyGirl - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Very easy to drive, great fuel economy compared to other SUVs, and the fact that its a Toyota says a lot. Engine is quiet and heats up quickly in cold conditions.

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  good car driving - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By juan r. - July 9 - 2:00 am

  the toyota camry is aquite fun driving car with over all good handling.

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  Finally ! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By majv93 - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I finally found a dealership that would deal on it! Ordered the V-6 Sport and was very happy with the stability, power handling and creature comforts. Very impressed with the ruggedness and the engine design allows VERY EASY ROUTINE MAINTENANCE! I am still racking up the miles on my 86 4x4 (211,800) and goin strong! If it is half the vehicle my 86 is (in quality) then it will be well worth the money!

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  I am soooo happy - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By MBurrill - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I just turned in my 97 Jeep/Sport and I was lucky enough to find the Highlander in my search for a car with an excellent reliability rating, with some driver height so I could see above alot of the traffic. I was amazed to find the sweet car-like cruise ride, the incrediable leg room for my rear passengers (which is sometimes me!) and noting a great resalability helped me feel assured in my decision

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  What a vehicle - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Stevenb870 - July 8 - 7:30 pm

  I started out with safety as no.1 but the QUIET of the vehicle and the handling are far superior to my wifes Honda Accord. Of course Toyotas reliability reputation doesnt hurt either. What a great vehicle.

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  Incredible Truck! - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Baxter - July 8 - 6:33 pm

  This truck is everything Ive ever wanted in a car. It beautifully mixes aesthetics with utility. The interior is roomy and brilliantly outfitted - it doesnt even seem like a truck. The quality is impeccable. Truly, an amazing ride.

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  Excellent - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By tp13fox - July 8 - 5:30 pm

  Pros: If you are looking for a 1st New Car to buy or lease, I recommend the Corolla. The MPG cant be beat both on Highway and city. It has excellent carrying capacity which is surprising for a car this size. For a 4 cyl it is fast and lightweight which all contribute to fuel economy. Cons: Some people like the low-rider look with low fenders which the sport model features. Downside is it easily scratched on concrete parking blocks or dips especially exitting elevated parking.