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 Used Minivan - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By KVN - August 18 - 8:46 am

  We are really happy that we bought a used 2004 Sienna Limited edition vs Odyssey EXL. It has all the require elements that my wife and I were looking for in a minivan. Safety and entertainment features like side curtain airbag, DVD for the kids, parking sensor and handling. The mileage has not been bad. Getting around 16 city and 23 highway with full blast AC. The only draw back so far with the Sienna is that the tire doesnt last long. I am a conservative driver. Even with tire rate for 60K miles, I am getting around 27K. Oh well hopefully the Sienna doesnt breakdown on me until end of life on the new Michelin Hydroedge.

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  Best looking - fun to drive - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By drummz54 - August 17 - 6:30 pm

  Bought the 2008 FJ Trails Team edition. Love the color and black wheels. A real head turner. Good performance and very comfortable ride for an off-road SUV. Fuel economy around 19 - 20 mpg. Not bad!

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  Three Month Review of Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Tideland Pearl Owner - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I put my order in in November 2003 and finally took delivery in July 2004 The car is VERY MUCH worth the wait, in spite of frustrations with the dealership and Toyota! 8 tanks of gas, averaging 48.63 mpg -- with a high of 53.55 and a low of 45.18. All of this is a combination of city and country driving. Seem to get best mileage around 40 - 55 mph. Coming from a Civic, this feels like a luxury car -- extremely roomy, comfortable, lots of extras. Even the "skeptics" have enjoyed the car and been impressed. Still "enjoy" the feeling of the car "stalling" at a stop (actually, engine is shutting off).Wonder what a real stall feels like?

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  The educated consumers choice - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By jherdt - August 17 - 10:00 am

  What a great truck. Unless you are towing a house, I dont see how anyone could find a better truck. How many of us are going to tow more than 7,000lbs? Just test drive the others.

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  A Great and comfortable ride - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Danoh20 - August 17 - 10:00 am

  This is a geat SUV that puts the familly into a vechicle. It rides and drives like a much smaller car! (Yes I said Car) I enjoy it creature comforts and put a-lot of satifaction and peace of mind that I drive a safe and reliable Toyota.

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  Worth waiting for - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By cactus jack - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Tested the QX56,Navigator,Escalade,Land Crusier and GX470, 2005 Sequoia was far superior to them all in value and price. So instead of buying a 2004 that has already lost its value, waited a month for my dealer to get in the new 2005 Sequoia. The new luxury package makes Sequoia a true competitor. Roomy, quiet, and has all the bells and whistles describes the new 2005 Sequoia Limited. My wife was so impressed with the vehicle (she drives an MDX) she is considering getting her own 2005 Sequoia. Cant say enough about the Sequoia, Toyota reliablity, dependable, good resale, high demand. Keep up the good work Toyota!

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  greta van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By kadd - August 17 - 10:00 am

  This has been a fabulous family vehicle and, is excellent for highway and basic around town driving. I drive to work on back country roads which isnt much fun.

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  just great/fun so far, witt - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By witt - August 17 - 10:00 am

  its just great so far. has been over a mountain passes in colo. 14 times,so know it will do what is required,it has enough power though it needs second many times at those altitudes,as it is an automatic trans. style is smooth and clean seating is just fine for two and gas mileage is superb. service is spotty at best,so far. it has been in for service three times (5days)for a hole in seat and warped plastic side airbag piller covers. perhaps 05 parts are behind schedule, suggest waiting for warrenty work.

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  Toyota Sequoia - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Mark - August 16 - 10:53 pm

  Great vehicle inside and out. I wish it had better fuel mileage, but it is an SUV. Highly recommended.

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  3rd Toyota truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Steve D - August 15 - 10:26 pm

  This is my third Toyota truck, and after 2 Tacomas, I needed a larger vehicle to accommodate my growing family. The Tundra is great. The interior room is tremendous, and the 8 foot bed holds a huge amount of cargo. Yet, with the added length and overall size, this truck handles as well as many smaller vehicles. Very comfortable. Smooth ride. Exceptional acceleration for the size, even with the smaller 4.7L V8.