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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  Great SUV - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By CalgaryMan - February 20 - 10:36 pm

  I hated it first but then fell in love. Now absolutely love. Cannot wait to drive it every day. I have done a great amount of research before purchasing this vehicle. I wanted a Japanese made SUV on a frame for a reasonable price. I did not want to drive a soccer mom SUV. I left me with only one option. It is great on both highway and city. You get used to blind spots after couple days of driving. An extra inch of leg room at the back seat would be helpful. Hey, it is not a family SUV after all. Exhaust is a bit loud. I read that is was done on purpose. FJ has a different exhaust from that of a 4Runner. I would like it more quiet. Overall, you can either love of hate FJ. And I LOVE it.

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  Reliable car - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By E. Hendres - February 20 - 7:38 am

  Ive had my 2011 RAV4 sport since March 2011 and I have had no major repair but Ive kept it well-maintained. All services, including oil change, filter change, etc. are done on time. I only have 54,125 miles on it. Ive pushed it to its limits when travelling. The only thing with this car is, its noisy. Youre not well protected from the noisy road. Besides that, its been reliable and handles well in snow and rain. I recently changed my 4 tires but that was after 5 1/2 years. So, it is a car that I recommend.

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  LOVE THE CAR!!!!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By c.a.meyer - February 20 - 7:26 am

  I love this car. My hubby is a salesman and was always talking about how great it is and he is sooo right. It is still sporty like my mustang (yet better) and I can fit the kids in it without any problems. I love the car and everyone should at least drive it. I also have the option of driving it like a standard. SO, I have a lot of fun. You should try it.

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  2nd of 3 Camrys - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By likesthecar - February 20 - 2:00 am

  This has been an excellent car- not perfect, but certainly close to it. Very low maintenance. Do change the timing belt at 60,000 miles, but other than that almost nothing since we bought it.

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  Love my Matrix - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Trigrl - February 20 - 2:00 am

  I love my Matrix. It is sporty looking and fun to drive. It fits my bike and surfboard inside...and I have actually camped inside the car and slept on the flat bed!

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  Absolutely Satisfied-Two Thumbs Up! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By xedge - February 20 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 04 DC in Dec 03 after driving my last Toyota pickup for 10yrs & 170k. The Tundra fits my needs perfectly. Its V8 is smooth, plenty of room for gear & friends, and tows like a champ. Not as flashy as some of the competitors, but I like the simplicity of its design and its features are functional, not so gee whiz. A plus IMO.

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  Hard Roads of NYC - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By NYC Commuter - February 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Camry new and have been driving it for 4 years now. I have over 60,000 miles of New York City roads and have had no problems. Regular maintenance and regular gas is all this car needs. I wish it was little bit more exciting looking but the Camry definetly does the job.

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  Set your sights to the Highlands - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Moto meets toyo - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Just bought the Highlander (Limited) after researching and test driving the competitors. The only vehicle that came close in this price range was the LL Bean OutBack by Subaru. Almmost made a deal on the Subaru but it fell short on the interior room. The Highlander is Sleek and efficient and not so jazzed up to make you feel or look like your going to Las Vegas with a new Leisure suit on. This highlander is a blend of comfort, good looks, and runs like a wild Goose with the 3.3 engine,and five speed automatic trans. So far I cannot find one negative feature or discomfort. The Highlander is strong, quiet and a smooth wagon.

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  Toyota Luvr - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By New Mom - February 20 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my Minivan and have to say that, so far, I love it. I only buy Toyotas since my experience with them has been excellent. I love my CE! It has tons of room for baby carriage, groceries, etc. and the style is beautiful and it rides smoothly! I dont feel fuddy duddy in it. I used to say Ill never buy a minivan. But, well, what can I say... JUST LOVE IT!!

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  The best third row SUV so far - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Edward - February 20 - 1:50 am

  The 2008 model is largely improved in size, horse power and gas mileage. 4x4 runs very smooth. Three-zone AC is better than Lexus I have. To really enjoy the car, you’d better have new technologies such as voice controlled GPS, blue tooth and MP3 build-in. That means you must have navigation option. I think it cannot be called GPS option. It is a command center. With the screen, you will edit your phone book, select music from MP3 list, or check who is calling when your cell phone is ring. The new device let me thinking to sell my wifes 2004 Lexus and get a new car with similar device.