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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  inexpensive best car - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By eagle28m - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used in July 2002. It did not give me any trouble since then. It is the quitest car I ever driven. Everything is just perfect.

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  Great reliable truck - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By icansurf - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I have yet to have a problem with this truck. Body is holding up great, not a single mechanical issue and I have owned it for 4.25 years. All I have done is change the oil every 5,000 miles and rotate the tires every 3,000. I average 17.5 miles per gallon overall. If you use the ETC (electronic transmission control) button your gas milage will decrease. I actually get better gas milage when hauling some weight. I have the V6 automatic. In the old traffic light to traffic light drag race, I have toasted the likes of a Nissan Maxima. I never worry about its get up and go. Great reliable truck overall!

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  BEST TRUCK ON THE ROAD - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By SOLDEBR - July 27 - 2:00 am

  THE TRUCK IS SMOOTH RIDING. POWERFUL AND FIT AND FINISH IS TOP NOTCH. BEST TRUCK!!!

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  Good small SUV - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By mln - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Very fun to drive. Great handling and manuverability. Excellent in the city. Power is certainly adequate. You can maintain 80 to 85 mph on the interstate easily. Gas mileage averages about 24 mpg. Easily pulls a small (4x6) trailer with a good load on it.

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  My first toyota but not my last - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By skyking - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I had a subaru that was giving to me by my brother 2 years ago that from day one always hesitated when taking off from a stop.it scared me because in a heaverly traffic town it can be dangerous when you pull out with plenty of time yet the car wants to stall on you. plus the air-condition was out so i said i am going to get a toyota tacoma truck .and it has been a blessing so far and i get alot of compliments also.i bought the air and stereo package power steering and abs brakes and that is just the way i wanted .so far it is a real hoot. forgetabout it just enjoy your new TOY>

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  An Already Good Truck Gets Better - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Ki Moy - July 26 - 4:56 pm

  As a happy ex-owner of a 2001 Toyota Tundra Sr-5 V-8 Access cab, I am even happier with my brand new 2006 Double cab v-8. I have so much fun driving this vehicle! Overall, the truck just got better over the years. I am so glad Toyota cares enough to keep their customers satisfied with dependable products.

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  My 1st 4 Cylinders - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By cameralization - July 25 - 11:56 pm

  I have always drove V6 & V8. Since my new car is for business driving, i figured i go with the 4. I looked at Sonata, Optima, Altima & Camry and i am very pleased with my Camry decision. The SE V6 that i test drove was very fun to drive with lots of power however it was noisy and not as comfortable as the XLE mainly (i think) due to sportier suspensions and the low profile 18" tires. The XLE was much more comfortable ride and quieter. Even though i love my 4cylinders XLE, i wish i spent the extra money and got the V6 XLE. The 4 has ampul power and i know i will be happier at the gas pump with my 500 commuting miles a week.

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  best full sizer - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By carexpert - July 25 - 10:16 pm

  if you must have a full size suv, sequoia is the way to go. fact: american cars suffer dearly from poor quality. if you think otherwise, youre a fool who has not done your homework. sequoia brings together this higher end quality with most of the desireable features in fullsize suvs. is it a little pricey for the LMTD? yes, but you get put a little more at ease knowing its a toyota. if you must have an suv and can afford $40K, the sequoia would be my 1st pick again in a heartbeat.

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  Fantastic Car! - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By PH-AVR - July 25 - 7:00 pm

  This is a fantastic car with everything you need for a very low price. Great elevated seats gives great high view. Very easy parking. Never had any problem with my RAV4. My manual version drives very sporty and has a great mileage.

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  Wonderful! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Mary - July 25 - 11:46 am

  I love this vehicle. I replaced my 03 Highlander Limited with the 08 Limited and what a difference. This car is like a luxury vehicle. Smooth comfortable and quiet ride. The only thing I miss from my 03 Highlander is the storage underneath the console. I would always hide my purse there.