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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  A GREAT car! With so much too offer! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Robert Walcot - September 2 - 5:16 pm

  I have said for a long time that this is a great car on so many levels. Its a 5 star car with one bad star which is not its fault. Technology. This car was built in late 2005 as a 2006 Avalon XLS. This was before car interior technology has blossomed into what it has become today. So its missing Bluetooth, USB ports and NAV. But for those that remember tape cassettes, CD player and great sound this car rules. This car rules in many other ways too. Spacious interior design. So much so that you can have 5 large adults seated in the car. Both front seat pushed all the way back and those seated in the back will still have ample leg room. And the back seats tilt backward giving those adults a limo like ride. Excellent MPG for such a big car. I regularly get 31 MPG on the highway. The only vehicles that get better gas mileage are hybrids! This Avalon has stayed in great shape and Toyota has maintained it wonderfully. I think the car will run forever!

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  Limited review - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By rapidray - September 2 - 3:16 pm

  Great vehicle. Bought the Limited version. Best SUV I have ever owned and have owned Ford Explorer, Chevy Blazer, Dode Durango. Great JBL 10 speaker 3-1 sound system. Very smooth ride and very quiet ride compared to previous vehicles owned.

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  Major Improvement Over Previous Models - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tacoma Bred - September 2 - 2:40 pm

  Ive had Toyota trucks for most of my adult life and have been disappointed by the lack of amenities in past versions. But, the 2005 version makes a huge leap forward. Im now getting up into my late 40s and looking for a more refined truck thats reliable. The Titan actually had everything I was looking for. However, its ride was sub par and I could actually see the gas gage needle drop as I test drove it. Ive always had a manual trans since I tend to be a control freak. But didnt like the Tacoma’s 6-spd (too many gears for all that power). I must say I have fallen in love w/ the auto – it’s a nice setup that I drive like a stick (designed by someone w/ a brain). I do recommend it.

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  Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Daniel Yoon - September 2 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle is large. It is also pleasantly just as big on the inside. The Sequoia is very comfortable, agile (for a truck), and extremely quiet. Everything you would expect from Toyota with maybe a touch of Lexus is instilled in this vehicle. From the fly-by-wire ignition system to the DVD player, it is a wonderful vehicle to drive.

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  Its GREAT - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By Zach - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I think the toyota tacoma is Great. it has enough room to have a workload, yet enough room to carry a 5-6 person family

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  Its GREAT - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By zach - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I think the toyota tacoma is Great. it has enough room to have a workload, yet enough room to carry a 5-6 person family

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  Great Solid SUV - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Repblcnjew - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I have never had a problem with car and it is a breeze to drive. Its responsive and desipte looking diminished as other makers upgraded engines the 183HP and 217lb/ft are more than enough. Taking a stock Mustang off the line is all in a days work. Mechanically 4Runner is a dream. My complaint is back seat comfort.

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  Excellent - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By daku - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Very good blend of sportiness,comfort

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  The best SUV I have ever had! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Arny - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I have been a lover of SUVs since 1988. I have tested almost the best of the most renown automobile manufacturers in the world. I have never had such a great feeling of stability and control while driving one. When behind the wheel, it give you the feeling that you and your RAV 4, are part of the same moving body, and you can actually feel the extension of your senses out of your body and around the vehicle. The first time I took the car for a test drive, it was so handy and easy, it gave the dealer the idea this is going to be my second RAV 4 in the garage! I have loved this model, and congratulate Toyota for such great success!

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  I Love this 4 Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By madmary - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I am very excited about driving this vehicle on road and off.