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:

• 

  Best SUV in its class - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By JL012860 - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I love my new Sequoia! Its so quiet and smooth; nice acceleration; doesnt feel like a truck like some SUVs; very small radius of turn for making tight U- ies; did I mention it was very quiet. Sucks up a lot of gas....compare to my Honda Accord. Very happy I with my choice...as long as gas price stays below $2.

• 

  Prius 2002 - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Ralf2002 - July 17 - 2:00 am

  The Prius treats you to a very high quality vehicle with great comfort and safety for a compact car. The ride is surprisingly quiet! After 3500 miles driven I have achieved 40 mpg plus in Pittsburghs hilly terrain.

• 

  Cant beat the price! - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By Amensmasher - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Purchase a preown off a dealership with 9K on it. it has been great so far.. Its equiped the 5 SP. Air, bedliner And it provided adeq. Power, For basic truckin need. A 2WD will do. Just its horrible on SNOW.. It slides all over the place. The cabin is made for Japanese people where if you are over 6 foot tall, it can be uncomfortable. OK.. I think I have wrote enough. Let me sums it up. This truck is perfect if you are. A) Under 6 foot tall, B) Local Commute, C) Dont want to spend any money on repair. D) Love to pick furniture off the street. And not good for. A)Giant, b)Offroad Demons, C) People who like FORD, CHEV, or Dodge. D) Family Trip.

• 

  Could be better - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Gurpinder - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Toyota quality is great and they sure use it on this 4Runner. The transmission is great and strong. When the gear shift, you will feel the quality product. This is my third Toyota and every one ran forever.

• 

  3rd Row - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Toyota Lova - July 17 - 2:00 am

  EVRYTHING IS GREAT...NO PROBLEMS RUNS GREAT EVERYTHING! EXCEPT ONE THING....NO 3RD ROW....TOYOTA IN THE FUTURE I HOPE YOU WILL COME OUT W/ A 3RD ROW 4RUNNER!

• 

  Where do you put your legs? - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By ChipD - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck as a commuter vehicle. The test drive was great. But.. After I purchased it, and was stuck in traffic, the lack of legroom, and support in the seat quickly went from discomfort to severe pain. Im only 62" but I just dont fit. First time this has ever happened to me in any vehicle. Even my daughters Geo has more comfortable seats.

• 

  2001 Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By jerrycg - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable and dependable. Pleasure to drive. Concerns: excessive road and wind noise, instruments recessed and difficult to see when lights are not on. Transmission gear change not as smooth as should be. Great sound system. Average to less gas mileage hw18 cit.15 Tow boats and handles well. I would consider buying another.

• 

  Sharp Vehicle - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Bryme1999 - July 17 - 2:00 am

  We just purchased this vehicle and the first night we drove it home, the check engine light came on. The dealer is ordering parts to replace some malfunctioning computer chips. I was disappointed to have problems with a new car so soon. But Im banking on the Toyota reliability and hoping for the best. The dealership has been very cooperative and fair. We purchased the car because the S model looks sharp in white and is very economical with gas. We need a dependable vehicle since we put so much mileage on annually.

• 

  70,000 miles and still going strong - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By JustChuck - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Just turned 70K recently. No real problems to report. There were two warranty issues years ago that were taken care of by Toyota. Just bought the third set of tires, the Pirelli P4s are the way to go now. The Yokohamas were better than the original equipment, but the Pirellis are supposed to be better than the Yokos. Not much else to say. This vehicle has been trouble free and uneventful.

• 

  2006 Toyota Tundra with XPS package V8 - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Carlos - July 15 - 11:46 pm

  Very useful and comfortable to drive, great cargo in the back, fun to drive, but painful to park, I had trucks all my life, the worst direction and ratio.