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:

• 

  YEE HAAA !!!! - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By skimeister - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a great little sports car for those of us who never grew up !!! Its Quick, nimble , cool as ice and gets 40mpg . I use it in the mtns and this puppy luvs the twisty stuff !! and it HOLDS all my ski gear AND gets 40 mpg Need I say more

• 

  Best Build Quality - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By j_fire - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This is the second tundra ive owned. I bought a 2000 when it first came out, i just sold it to my sister. I just bought a Stepside Limited 2003, i wanted the new stepside with the TRD sport package. Ive been very pleased with this one and my first one. Toyota is very reliable and has very good build quality. I would recommend this truck.

• 

  Sporty, Rugged and Fun !! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Timbo627 - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy my 03 4Runner Ltd. After researching all other midsize SUVs, I selected the 4Runner (after waiting for its release), and after 5,600 miles, Im convinced I made a great choice. The 4Runner is a quality- built vehicle inside and out, and its very fun to drive. The engine is smooth, quiet and has very quick acceleration. In addition, the JBL stereo with the 10 speakers and 6-disc CD changer is absolutely awesome. In summary, Id recommend the 4Runner to anyone looking for a quality midsize SUV. Most (if not all) others are substandard choices!

• 

  Toyota Highlander - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Arn - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Smooth, powerful pickup. Good response to demand but attention to road necessary. Dials on dashboard need to have running lights on to be visible. Wind noise loud with rear windows part open. Really did not want moon roof or roof rack. Otherwise the vehicle feels like a fine watch and I have owned many of both!

• 

  Very nice and comfortable - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Waterman - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I went looking for a small high mpg auto, drove them all and the 2003 corolla had by far the best ride and oh so quiet plus 40 mpg and very responsive.

• 

  Bonnie Blue Great Car - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By archaeo - September 6 - 6:42 pm

  Love the Prius C. Our first hybrid and it is a blast! Great mileage averaging 48.8 city and 51.6 freeway. This little car is sporty, great on gas and lots of fun to drive. Eco mode works well to get those miles up and when you want to get on the freeway at 70 mph just take it out of eco and press down on the pedal. The new technology is fun, voice activated phone calls through bluetooth, and iphone wireless tech allows you to listen to your tunes. Two year maintenance is provided free with purchase, touch door handle to open and lock. Plenty of room and comfortable seats (love the softex); room in back for 6 footers. Exterior/interior are sporty; test drive this one before you buy!

• 

  A fun and sporty ride! - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Nancy - September 6 - 3:23 pm

  This little SUV has quite a kick to it. Its a fun, sporty, reliable ride. At times, its a little bumpy...sort of a Jeepy feeling but I like that. The quality seems good and like it will hold up for years. The seats are easily removed or repositioned to create a surprising amount of space. And, even riding in the back seat is comfortable. My one complaint is that it is difficult to have the windows down--it seems much more noisy than usual and that probably has something to do with the design . . .

• 

  Bad Blind Spot & Sound, No trunk release - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Thang Nguyen - September 6 - 2:06 pm

  Dont take me bad, I really like the car for both performance and exterior design. However, blind spot is really big problem, you should buy extra blind spot mirror. Dont trust advertised JBL sound system, I give a 6 on 10 scale. No trunk release inside the car, very inconvenient. Also, you cant read the sound system face plate when there is sunny because of the weird angle.

• 

  Reliable Car - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Howard Rose - September 6 - 5:56 am

  This is my 4th Avalon out of my last 5 cars. Needless to say, I have been happy overall. I had an 1997, 2001, 2004 and now the 07. Car has a lot more power than any previously. Very roomy for back seat passengers.

• 

  This vehicle saved my familys life! - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Lowe - September 6 - 3:00 am

  We were driving home from a ski vacation in Whistler, BC when a group of young snowboarders going too fast, lost control of their truck and crossed the center line, hitting us head on at over 50 miles per hour. We rolled and all 6 airbags deployed. It was a 2008 Sequoia... And it saved our lives! Yes, we already thought it was the best vehicle we had ever owned because it was comfortable, powerful, looked great and we could even fit a twin matters in the back for road trips. It wasnt a until I pulled my precious children from this crushed vehicle that I thanked God that I made the choice to buy it. Ive since been told there are no know fatalities in the Sequoia.. I dont know if thats a fact or not... But I know for sure that we are not fatalities because of our Sequoia. Honestly, I didnt know it had a built-in roll bar or 6 airbags or such a good safety rating before this crash. I just knew it was comfortable, could tow the boat and fit the kids and all their friends. Now I know... And want everyone else to know too. Just thought I would share this if your are considering buying a Sequoia.