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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  Still Loving It - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By gary from IL - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Bought this SUV new in 2001. Traded in a 4 Runner. Now have nearly 100M miles. We have had no mechanical problems of any kind. Great Vacation Car. Great Car for hauling kids stuff to college. The highway comfort and ride is the best I have experienced in any vehicle. It is large for hauling stuff but there is no bouncing or truck like handling. No rust, no rattles, steering and brakes still solid after nearly 10 years. We dont drive off road, but the Sequoia is great in the snow here in Chicago. Good speed and acceleration for highway passing. Mileage is superb for a vehicle this size. Better than our Acura MDX and friends Explorer.

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  Good Quality Truck - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By Kevin - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Wife talked me into going Toyota for my next truck. The Tundra is priced the same as a Tacoma 4 door but you get a better riding truck for the highway. Since it is a V8 I am not expecting a miracle in mileage but if it gets 17+ mpg I am happy. Its very roomy and a comfortable ride for highway driving. A little bumpy in city driving but all full size trucks will be that way.

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  Upgraded to Rav4 from 2005 Nissan Altima - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Rav4_Lover - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Being upgraded from 2005 Nissan Altima (Sedan). This is my first ever new car in my life. I love my Rav4 for the roominess, comfort & great performance. Fun & Steady driving. My family loves it. I4cyl has great power in it compared to CR-V. Had to return the Sport model, as the sport tuned suspension did not give a comfortable ride for the rear seated passengers.

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  I love my Prius! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By luvmyPriusII - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Hondas all my life. the two recent being a 2003 Honda Civic and a 2008 Honda Fit. they were both excellent cars, fun to drive, amazing reliability, and good fuel economy. except the Fit Sport which i was averaging around 25mpg!! and in the three years i owned the Fit, the body panels had gaps that seemed to get bigger which i never experienced before. so since i have been dreaming about the new 2010 Prius even before it came out, i decided to upgrade and upgrade i have!! the Prius II is a luxury car compared to the Fit. it rides smooth, the exterior is beautiful, the interior is amazing with all its graphics and info. the quality materials are top notch. dont wait. buy one!!

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  LOVE IT!! - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By MikeyF - July 25 - 12:30 am

  Ive always liked the Echo and my Taurus (great car) was finally fixing to die. Managed to get a white, 2-door, 5- speed, and I love it. Faster to 60 than my V6 Taurus, roomy as its tall if short, and great economy. Everything about it is well designed and quality made. Im a BIG guy and it fits me well. Also excellent view of the road. TONS of storage. They really thought this one out.

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  Great Car - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By kloogee - July 25 - 12:13 am

  So far this has been a great car. It is very spacious inside, has great power, and rides very smoothly. After a recent long distance trip, we all felt very fresh after a long day traveling. City MPG seems like it could be a bit better but is probably a result of my heavy foot. Highway mileage while in cruise control is good. With 5 passengers (4 large adults and a small child) plus a trunk stuffed completely full, we were averaging nearly 30 MPG while cruising steadily.

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  Love our Venza - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Bill - July 24 - 7:46 pm

  We bought a Venza from Boch Toyota in Norwood, MA in April. My wife drives it and loves the entire car. The many features and the way it handles makes it a perfect car. The many features such as the automatic lift on the rear hatch allows for easy storage. The car has comfortable seating and beautiful styling. Everywhere it draws favorable attention. You cant beat a Toyota for quality. We have had several different brands and now have a Highlander in addition to the Venza.

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  Sweet - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Happy - July 24 - 1:06 pm

  Rides very smooth and quiet for a SUV. Easy to get in and out of and easy to park. Great on gas. Comfortable inside. Great quality throughout. Excellent sound system. High quality interior. Every seam lines up. Excellent power. Handles well. Surprisingly roomy. The 3rd row is small but kids fit and I can easily get 7 people into the Highlander if need be. I like the sound system, the auxilliary heat controls for the rear and the 4WD does the job in snow. I looked around and this is the BEST midsized SUV available. And it is reasonably priced.

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  Awesome - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By kkm - July 24 - 12:43 pm

  You will not find a better SUV on the market. Everthing is excellent about the 4Runner. A smooth quiet ride. Good acceleration and for an SUV, the gas mileage is not that bad.

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  Solara - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By connie winter - July 24 - 5:16 am

  I love this convertible. It is fun to drive. Heads turn when they see it. Several people have said what a beautiful car. It is also a pretty, cosmic blue. It is a classy car to own and drive. I cant wait until the weather get warmer, so I can drive with the top down.