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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  Finally, a 2008 HiHy! - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By BanditoB - April 10 - 8:30 am

  I was fortunate in finding a 2008 Highlander Hybrid Limited in one of the colors that I wanted, Iced Amethyst Mica, and equipped the way I wanted it, everything but Nav and RES, that wasnt either special ordered for someone or already claimed! I picked it up last night, so its a little early to make any firm commitments about anything, but so far were off to a great start. Ive not noticed any build or fit and finish issues and I am pretty meticulous about these things. Driving it is a pleasure and makes me intensely curious about what, exactly, is going on under the hood. This will be a vehicle thats fun to drive and will also keep me intrigued for a long time to come.

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  Stay away from this piece of GARBAGE!!! - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Shane Beach - April 10 - 5:42 am

  Thats right piece of GARBAGE! Bought the Trd Sport a couple months back and guess what 5,000 miles and the truck is in the shop for over 3 weeks. ( Ordering parts from Japan lol) the truck was making a loud ticking noise on the left side of the engine and would accelerate with out me in it. No the heater was not on or AC. Took it in at my 5k service and the head mechanic came and looked at it and said omg that engine is loud. We pulled up another Tacoma beside it and the other truck sounded way better. Long story short they kept the truck and I got a call from Toyota stating that one of the cams needs to be replaced as long as the injectors. And that Im looking at a three week turnaround, I went to the dealer ship to see the truck and the whole motor is cracked open. Im sorry Toyota Im going back to Ford where the parts come from the good old USA.

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  Replaced my T-Bird - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Rick - April 9 - 3:33 pm

  I traded a 97 T-Bird (last of the "big Iron T-Birds). I expected less from the Camry , but have been pleasently surprized. Not as much "top end", but peppy, great handleing, and good economy. Had to make a number of "long trips" immediately after purchase and enjoyed each of them. Will buy another when the time comes...

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  Love my Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By jackieO - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I love this suv. It is fun to drive and looks great- plenty of room for children, friends, backpacks and whatever I want to haul around. Third row seat is comfortable even for an adult although it takes a bit of agility to get in and out of it. The third row seats are bulky to remove and it has taken a bit of getting used to the different levers to flip them and or remove them. Children have difficulty flipping the middle row seats - middle row floor mats do not fit well which is irritating on a vehicle in this price range. Four wheel drive was great in snow and on ice -ride is very smooth and the interior very quiet. awesome SUV!

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  Anonym - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By Anonym - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I read a review that said something to the effect of "drive it like you hate it and youll love it." This statement definitely hit the nail on the head. The car doesnt do much until you hit 6000 rpms, but then it really flies.

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  Sienna 2000 - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By DSJ1 - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Good reliable, family vehicle. Very easy to get small children in and out of. Rides very comfortably but has some extra noise values.

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  The best small car - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Constantino - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Is a nice car

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  Outstanding car, some annoying features - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Eric_ - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Overall the XRS is outstanding for its price range. Handling is superb. Power isnt there till about 6000rpm+, but so what. It makes for excellent fuel economy most of the time, and more than enough power when you need it. Tonnes of room inside. The XRS has superb braking, comparable and often better than much more expensive sports coupes.

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  Two Dud Camrys In A Row - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By jereece - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I have had two Camrys since 1993 (93 and 98). I have been very disappointed with both of them. Both have had electrical problems and the exterior seems to scratch and get dull easy. My latest Camry has had many problems including: - Carpet coming out in front and back - Visor latches broken - Door console pulling apart on front two doors - Engine rattles - Rear seat belt broken - Seat belt buckle sticks - Left turn signal flash rate doubles when the front head lights are on. - Center console lid latch broke

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  My 1st 4 Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By ownertobe1 - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I spent 6 months researching and looking for a new SUV and could not be happier with the purchase I made. I spent less money then I thought I would and received a fully loaded SUV with great styling and unmatched reliability. I looked at the Explorer, Yukon, Land Rover Discovery, and Ford Expedition. If you do not need a third row seat this SUV is an excellent choice.