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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  My Highlander - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Derek - June 8 - 12:00 am

  We just got our Highlander A few days ago, And we LOVE it. Its a great SUV just to go around town. The dealership was soooo frendly, we felt very welcome when my wife and I and son had enterd the building. We have a 2.4 4cyl engine and it has a lot of pep. We were doubtful at first on the 4cyl, but when test drove the V6 it felt the same. I would recommend the Highlander to anyone that need a mid-size SUV that doesnt need to go off-road.

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  Very Good! - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By JMW - June 7 - 2:10 pm

  Plenty of power, Rides like a car. Best vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  2006 Toyota Avalon Limited - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By keithrhyde - June 7 - 8:46 am

  Rides and drives very well. Good turning radius for a big car. Stops on a dime without skidding. Has all the features of the more expensive models in its class.

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  Great choice for me - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Curt - June 7 - 8:23 am

  I love my hybrid. It has the power of a 4 liter V-8, the economy of a smaller car, the reliability of Toyota and can move people and cargo comfortably. I am getting 27 mpg in combined driving. I like to feel the power so I am not always driving for economy. I have the base model and added a navigation system and rear back up camera manufactured by Eclipse. They make the navigation system that is in my Lexus. The HIHY has all of the saftey features that I want in a vehicle. I am enjoying it and will keep it for a long time.

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  Excellent car - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Paati - June 7 - 4:50 am

  I have my four door auto for seven years and I have yet to be disappointed by it. A lady at my local plant nursery has been dogging me to sell it to her after seeing what I packed into it over the years and how it has held up. It is going to go to my daughter since KBB does not even come close to giving it a value worthy of its abilities. If you are in the market for one buy it and dont wrangle because it will be gone very quickly.

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  Best truck EVER! - 2009 Toyota Tundra
  By JOSHUA - June 7 - 4:16 am

  I bought the 09 Rock warrior when it first came out in 09. I love this truck! Youll hear a lot of people complain about the ride quality, but ITS A TRUCK PEOPLE, and can TOW 10000 lbs! Its gunna ride a little rough! The power is awesome, matted up to that great 6 speed! I personally like the interior, I like having big nobs and buttons for when Im up hunting and wearing gloves. Built tough, looks tough, is tough. No regrets.

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  Beautiful Addition - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By lance - June 7 - 3:26 am

  This is a beautiful sporty vehicle that handles like a pricy sports car. Way fun to drive... turns heads. Roomy and very quiet.

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  Great car - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Jeff - June 6 - 5:03 pm

  Wanted a 4Runner / Tundra ...but couldnt bear the horrible gas mileage. Decided on a Camry XLE V6 - but Avalon outperformed the Camry and gets better gas mileage.

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  Good! - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By love it - June 6 - 8:13 am

  I love our RAV4. We were torn between the CRV (because it doesnt have the ugly rear tire) but the CRV has no V6 option and was way too slow. The interior of the RAV4 is much nicer. Not getting as good MPG as expected 21-24 MPG.

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  Love it! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Lauri - June 6 - 6:20 am

  I drive to work about 25 miles back and forth and once a month I will drive out of town (250 miles). The ride is very smooth and comfortable. I love everything in this car. I have nothing to complain. The space is incredible! I really love the hidden compartment in the back! I can carry three mtn bikes in the suv with three people in it and the full size cooler. The gas mileage is GREAT!! I have driven other suvs before and it is all right. Nothing can beat 2006 Rav4. My mother drives the Lexus RX 330 and she mentioned that she loves my car better than hers. ;)