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:

• 

  I love it! - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By BamaEskie - June 22 - 9:23 pm

  Ive had my RAV for two months now and absolutely love it! I have three dogs and am easily able to fit three 36" long and 21" wide crates in the back (two side by side in the cargo area and one placed sideways behind the passenger seat). My husband has a 2006 CRV and is so jealous of my RAV!!

• 

  Love It Soooooo MUCH !! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By brianandholly - June 22 - 6:50 pm

  Best tank full avg = 37 mpg. Worst tank full avg = 32 mpg. I never thought I would buy a hybrid but I am so glad I did! The car is an engineering marvel! My only complaint is an annoying cold weather squeak in the console by the dash. I have had more people compliment me on this car and / or ask about it than you could possibly imagine! It really deserves to be Motor Trends Car of the Year! You deserve it, go by one! I did! It is priced about the same as an XLE V6 but has sooooo much more going for it, especially when gas prices return to our new reality of $3 to $5 per gallon, and we all KNOW they will soon.

• 

  Best SUV on the market - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Patrick - June 22 - 2:03 pm

  This car handles very well and is a pleasure to drive. Excellent off road traction, very comfortable interior and a pleasure to drive. Highly recommend this vehicle.

• 

  New RV4 - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Stephen Urgenson - June 22 - 12:15 pm

  I have owned the car over a year and it has performed as advertised.

• 

  Saved My Life - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By kelly - June 22 - 11:13 am

  This van saved my life. I was recently involved in an accident that totaled the car. Designed safety features kept the driver/front passenger area from caving in on me. My worst injury was a broken wrist requiring surgery. My infant son did not have a scratch. The fireman said I was lucky to be alive. The whole front end of the car was sitting on the ground. All windows shattered but never fell inside the vehicle, per design. I highly recommend this vehicle for safety alone! That said, the car is luxurious and less "minivan Like." We have replaced it with a 2006.

• 

  Sporty and Versatile - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By anniebananie - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought a Toyota because of its reliability, thats a given. This model is sooo versatile, yet sporty. The fold down seats afford ample room for all kinds of loads. I tend to haul a carload of people as well, which are sure to have plenty of leg room! Super comfortable! Lots of get up and go! And the Toyota name to boot! You cant go wrong with this one!

• 

  Luv My 4-Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bud Wiley - June 22 - 10:00 am

  For 5 years I drove a Cadillac Seville. I really liked its pep and comfort. On the highway or in town, the 4-Runner Limited has it beat hands down plus I have the added feature of comfort in the National Forrests and on logging roads.

• 

  4runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By gmilonas - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I like the performance of the 4runner compared to my Ford Explorer. The 3rd row seats are terrible. They are cheap looking and poorly designed. I dont use them anyway, however if someone intends to... they are intended for young children only.

• 

  Drive like a car - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Shawn Tay - June 22 - 10:00 am

  It has been 3 weeks since I owned it. Like it like it like it! Pervously owned a Collora with 200,000 miles on it. One of the reason why I went back to choose a Toyota again (traded in). Since it is Camry based SUV, it really drive like a car. I chose 4x2 because it came with VSC (vehicle Stability Control) and snow traction control. Great for people who do not do much off- road driving.

• 

  We had our Highlander for a month. - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By correctthought - June 22 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have had this SUV for a little over a month and are very happy with it. The 4 cylinder engine does not feel underpowered and should be fine for almost all circumstances. It does not strain to pass cars on the highway. So far it handles well in the rain, has more than enough room for lugging things around and the vsc/abs are very good. The view from the cabin is great with no blind spots. I would highly recomend this SUV to anyone. Dont open the rear windows only, it produces a helicopter noise effect that can be shocking and LOUD! Bottom line, I cant wait to drive it again.