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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  Bye Bye Explorer, Hello Quality - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Wild Weasel - July 20 - 10:00 am

  My previous two vehicles were Explorers. Each one ranks as junk next to the 4Runner. I cannot describe how much of a HUGE increase in quality this vehicle has been. I am so happy I bought this vehicle. I do not plan to ever sell it. My only complaint is that the drivers seat would go 1" lower, as I have a tall torso. But, that is not a big complaint. I would recommend this truck to anyone I like, the Explorer to anyone I dont like. I bought it now so I could order exactly what I wanted before the redesign. This has always been my favorite looking SUV, and everything else about it has fallen in line...

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  Great car - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By tonyrhino - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It is very roomy on the inside. Smooth ride on the highway. Great JBL Stero system. I got the sport luxary package and am glad I did.

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  2001 Toyota Avalon XL - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By mdp - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Car seems to want to hydroplane in heavy rain. Battery had to be replaced at 10,000 miles. Dealership had to order some parts for car and they took a long time to come in. Dealership said parts were out of stock at supplier. Smooth ride and no rattles. Excellent gas milage. Car does not have pick up like my 1989 Acura Legend when I accelerate to pass. Exterior paint job does not seem to be equal to Acura. Overall very pleased with car.

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  We love our Truck! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By toddfish14 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  My husband wanted a truck to help with his construction business. I wanted a second family car. The Toyota Tundra meets both our needs. He uses the truck to carry equipment. We use the truck for home improvement projects and shopping trips. We had a Jeep that I was not comfortable driving. However, I feel very comfortable driving the truck. Sometimes, when I can sneak it away from him...I get to take it to work!

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  Awesome Truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By resq173 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I love my truck.............not one problem right out of the dealer.....runs like a top.

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  Truck or Car - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By ravenjred - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 2 previous toyotas and loved them both. I had to get out of my Solara due to back problems. When I first drove the highlander I couldnt tell that I was in a truck, it drove so much like a car. I have had the highlander since November and I absolutely love it. It is worth the extra money for the limited, it looks alot nicer and I love the leather. It drives much nicer than the 4-runner and since it is built on a Lexus chassis, it is great for my back. There is nothing I dont love about this truck. Outstanding value, superb ride and Toyota quality. I would buy another one tomorrow.

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  Fun and reliable - 2015 Toyota Corolla
  By Miss - July 19 - 6:21 pm

  I recently traded in my Hyundai Tucson for a 2015 Corolla LE. The ride and features are far better. The Hyundai looks nice but in comparison to Toyotas they look and feel so cheap especially from the inside. The Corolla has lots of leg room in the front and back. The Corolla accelerates smoothly and maintains speed. On the highway, I have been getting over 40 mpg and when on cruise control its even higher. I love this car. The controls on the steering wheel are easy to use for changing radio stations and I really like the car screen that allows you to see exactly your mpg at the time. It handles curves really nice even at higher speeds. The ride is smoother and quiter than the Tucson . I know its not a luxury car but it does feel like it. The quality is outstanding. I was looking for a safe and reliable car to get to and from school and something safe for my 6 year old and I. I really love it and I cant say that enough!

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  FJ Crusier - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By sandy pelkey - July 19 - 5:53 pm

  I love the way it drives. I couldnt be happier with the vehicle. It is very comfortable and very well liked by everybody who sees it.

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  Best truck I ever owned - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By robert cubberley - July 19 - 5:06 am

  I bought this truck from my dad who had gotten rear ended side swiped and hit head on in it but most of the damage was cosmetic except the head on - that one crushed the radiator. All the damage was repaired shortly after every accident. Even after all this the truck survived me, a young offroader that enjoyed getting the wheels off the ground. I beat that truck hard and she took it all in stride, oversized tires and all. I also got rear ended by a Honda Civic doing about 40 which made a v out of my rear bumper and dented the cab a little but she drove into the shop. One last rear ender from a 3/4 ton Dodge finally bent the frame. I would love to own one again.

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  Matrix 2003 - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Paul Royka - July 19 - 2:06 am

  Great cross-over from Toyota. We had a Mountaineer and replaced it with the Matrix and what a fun car, SUV, sports car or whatever you want to use and feel from this vehicle. It has a little bit from all.