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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  Outstanding!!! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By jsmdpm - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding SUV, Going to be hard to beat.

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  Solid and Funtional 4x4 D-Cab - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By mozart22 - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I have had no major problems with this vehicle. Its a great truck to drive and hauls everything I need to carry, whether it be my ski gear to the slopes or my mountain bike to the trails it has been great. Enough room in the back for smaller adults with no complaints. I like the styling of the truck as well. It handles great on the roads(non-TRD) and also does well off-road.

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  2003 Toyota Camry XLE - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By DeltaCS99 - March 15 - 2:00 am

  This car is great for the price. FOr only about $25,000, you get everything you would need. I really enjoy using the Temperature Control where you just set the temperature, and it will control the movement air in the car and it will decide whether to use A/C or Heater. On the exterior, it looks more like a Mercedez now. Its also a very quiet car, especially when youre on the freeway, you can hear everything without having to shout in the car. On the rear view mirror, a compass is provided so you always know where youre going!

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  Still undecided if I will keep truck - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By undrgnd40 - March 15 - 12:06 am

  I like the exterior and interior styling. There are a lot of complaints about the seats and brakes, but its all in perspective. So far I dont have any complaints about the transmission except for no dipstick to check fluid. BF Goodrich Tires are too noisy and rough. They have an aggressive design but are unimpressive in snow. Radio sounded awful at any volume so I replaced it right away. Three child seats fit in the back seat with little effort. I like the four wheel drive and the stability control. Still, I might have to trade for something with a third row seat.

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  Awesome SUV - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Tommy2tone - March 14 - 9:03 am

  Have had my 2008 Platinum 2 years now and Im truly as happy with it as the day I bought it. Sure, its pricey (I still cant get over my $850 mo. payment) but there is nothing on the road that even compares with it. If it had a Lexus badge (which it should) no one would even question it. It has plenty of power, an awesome transmission that never misses and is extremely comfortable.I love when my friends who have Lexus, Mercedes and one last week who has a Land Rover, get in and look around then say "This is nice- what car is this"? The Platinum series is that nice! Its the best overall car Ive owned. Oh yeah the Navigation- IT STINKS! drives me crazy! Get a TOMTOM for the dash.

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  The Best - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By adammc - March 14 - 8:00 am

  This truck was a graduation gift from my parents and they couldnt have made a better choice. I have owned a 91 and 93 toyota tacoma, both 4x4, and they have become my favorite trucks. I drive my truck hard, using the 4X4 on a regular basis and I have yet to have a problem. The off-road capability is unmatched by anything I have come across yet. It is a simple truck that cant be beat!

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  Great Truck - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By Boxer - March 12 - 8:13 pm

  Traded in a Honda Ody for this beast and we have not been disappointed. You feel like king of the road sitting in this truck. The MPG stinks, but who does not expect that buying this truck? The tradeoff? An engine with crazy power that makes you feel as if you were in a muscle car! Platinum is worth it for the radar cruise control. Did not touch gas/brake for over 2 hours on PA Turnpike...truck almost drives for you! Nav is better than I expected and the bluetooth and voice recognition system beats our MDX hands down.

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  its veli good - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By echorulez - March 12 - 6:03 pm

  its a great car. runs great, fun to drive around in.

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  Blown Away - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Field - March 12 - 1:53 pm

  Wow, I upgraded from a 2002 LE V6 and I have been blown away with the difference. This car is great; great ride, great quality and great performance. The SE V6 is the only way to go. I compared it to the Accord and even the Acura TL and the Camry was by far the best bang for the buck. Very happy with my new car

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  Terrible in the snow - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By K - March 12 - 10:26 am

  In nice weather the Corolla is overall a fine car to drive, great gas mileage, average comfort, etc. the steering wheel is a little too far of a reach. I was enjoying the Corolla until I had to drive it in the snow. We were thinking of giving it to our son but I am trading it in, I wouldnt sell it to anyone I know because of how poorly it handles in bad weather.