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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  Great SUV choice - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By jdchavez - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Nothing to tell go test drive one for your own opinion. You will find it is much improved inside and out.. and with the V8 Ohh yeah!

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  The best SUV EVER! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By tom segura - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This is the best SUV made today. I am so impressed with the new styling and features of the 4Runner.

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  J1404de - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By j1404de - October 21 - 2:00 am

  IT is very roomy for a small size and has a lot of great options. The car chasis makes it very smooth to rid. NO engine/wind noise and great feautres. The seats are very comfortable.

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  Nice ride - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By klund - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Corolla in 11/02. I previously had a Saturn and was unimpressed by the service and the car. I love the look and only qualms are the awkward position of the driver seat with the steering wheel and dash. I have to reach to push the buttons and I am a short person. The cars quiet and smooth though jerky on windt days. Gas mileage is disspointing. City driving:27mpg, and highway:33. Still waiting for the tank to run with a 40mpg avg. The car is a great deal, good quality, I feel very safe and am proud of my car!

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  Love the 2007 Sienna - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By Sir G - October 21 - 1:50 am

  Coming from a twin turbo Audi, it was hard to swallow moving into a minivan, and my wife tried hard to talk me out of it. Considered monster SUVs QX56 et al, and the Odyssey, but I decided with the AWD available in the Sienna, it made the most sense. I ordered an 07 limited AWD, with Pkg# 2 & 4. So far, I love this "Sports Van". It rides almost as smooth as my wifes RX 330, and is quite ergonomically sensible. I know Ill be a fool if I expect the performance of the Audi, but the Sienna does not disappoint. It is brisk off the standing start, but where it shines is on the highway, where youll need to pay attention to stay within the 15 mph of the speed limit. Its that smooth.

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  Love my new used Tacoma! - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Sammi - October 20 - 7:50 pm

  I live in Mexico, bought the truck in Tijuana, then gave it the ultimate test drive down Baja. Got about 24 mpg and never felt a need for more power than the 4 cylinders (5 sp. standard) delivered. Enjoyed getting to know the truck, love all the little comforts (sliding dual cup holder, snack rack in the back, nice little stereo etc.). Has sprayed in bed liner, sliding rear windows and other nice touches.

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  Its like driving a computer!! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Karen - October 20 - 3:03 pm

  We purchased this car in Aug. of 2006 and have had no problems with it so far. We love the car and it is roomy enough for 2 adults and 2 carseats. My husband wanted a truck, but I talked him into something better on fuel and he now LOVES to drive this car. It has been well worth the money. And he says that it is just like driving a computer because of all the gadgets and buttons inside.

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  Avalon Limited - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Raymond Soristo - October 20 - 12:36 pm

  I seriously considered a Lexus 350 EX but the premium fuel factored with a trouble free 148K on the 2001 turned me back to the 2008 Avalon Limited. Size and comfort are unbeatable.

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  my RAV - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By tavy - October 20 - 6:10 am

  i own the rav4..im 5 ft tall,and before this have never owned a truck at all...thought i would have a hard time adjusting to it...i love it...more roomier than my mazda i had and it feels like driving a car..more storage for larger grocery shopping trips.split seat fold downs are great since i have a 5 yr old that rides in the back

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  Great trade - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Sandy - October 20 - 3:22 am

  I traded in my Ford Escape because my lease was up for a 2016 Rav 4 SE. I had been with Ford for over 15 years. I drove the Rav 4 and instantly fell in love with the ride, the interior, the design...basically everything. For what I have in my 2016 Rav 4 SE and the price I got I couldnt touch a Ford Escape for that price. Great car!