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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  The BEST- better than Mercedes SUV - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rhonda - July 27 - 1:43 pm

  I have a friend who owns a Cadillac and a Mercedes SUV. She let me drive when I went to visit her in New York. And I realized that my 4Runner has better performance than her cars! I was shocked as she has expensive cars and I thought mine is just the 4 Runner SUV! I am glad I have my Toyota 4 Runner.

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  Great SUV - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Phil Nguyen - July 27 - 1:23 pm

  I just traded in my BMW 330i for this HL and no regret. I drove a Lexus RX300 before and I like this HL much better. Very roomy and has a lot of power. I think it will look better after I install the running board, bug guard. Strongly recommended this vehicle to anyone looking a mid-size SUV. Oh, did I mention I got it for $100 under invoice + 0% interest for 60 months, 2 yrs free maintenance and good value on my trade-in. I miss the BMW for a few days but when I think of I wont have to fill Premium gas and pay $120 for an oil change and I smile at the HL :-)

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  4 Runner - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By air76 - July 27 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has surpassed all my expections!

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  Uber - Super - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By amcclure - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I love my 4runner, I will never get another type of car, I am a fan forever. It has way more room than a jeep grand cherokee for passengers, more cargo room than a isuzu rodeo. It is one of the so called suvs that you can put into 4 wheel drive regularly and it be able to handle it. I cannot say enough good stuff. Buy one today!!!!!!!

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  good truck - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By Marino - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I have never had any problems with this vehicle. I was a delivery driver for 2 years and drove it into the ground. As I said before, it is completly relible, and has made many long and short trips with me.

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  Awsome Sports Wagon - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Derf Refnook - July 27 - 10:00 am

  WOW what a car! AWD (all wheel drive) system is flawless, and GREAT mpg for a AWD car. Looking for a great AWD car for under $20,000, the Matrix is the best bang for the buck!

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  My second Big Toyota. - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By JCE20902 - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I had a 93 T100 and loved it. It only needed tires and oil changes. Thats why I bought a Tundra. Its my second big Toyota truck. Reliable, refined and a great value.

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  Love it - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Bertha - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Love my Highlander - we looked into the Pilot, Trailblazer and Extera but the HIGHLANDER was the best. Very comfortable, perfect size for a small family, great mileage for an SUV. Repaced an american mini van that gave us nothing but headaches. This is my second Toyota and I am loving it.

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  Worth Every Penny - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By TOMMY - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I have the Moonshadow grey LE. The performance is good. Very quiet and smooth ride. No unwanted rattles or vibrations. The materials used inside and out are of good quality. Pleanty of storage. The wind noise is pretty bad and the driving position is a little uncomfortable. (I am 511") The steering wheele seems so far away. The gas mileage is about 28mpg combined. (I expected better since I drive on highways mostly) The trunk is huge as are the back seats.

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  MY NEW LOVE - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By ABC - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I have driven Volvos, when I needed a new car I did research and rather than going back to my first love, I decided on this Avalon. Im happy I got it, it feels safe, it is reliable, and is a very good looking car. Has all of the features I wanted, would have liked to have navigation, perhaps Toyota will add this in the future.