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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  Excellent......almost - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By pdhats - April 26 - 2:00 am

  A better selection of interior colors. Not everyone wants light colors, especially those with children/pets. You should be able to shut off the headlights when you desire too. If you can now I have never figured it out. Better quality bedliner. P.S. Stop charging for even the ink you use to fill out the contracts. It is definately a put off for buying a vehicle. Stand out amongst the crowd.

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  Two thumbs up! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By GMP - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding vehicle. Luxurious as a Lexus. More practical than any SUV, and Toyota reliability. Available AWD is icing on the cake

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  perfection - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By ncflyer - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I cant imagine a better vehicle. this car is an absolute joy to drive in every dimension. Its comfortable, its got nice pickup for a car its size, it maneuvers wonderfully in parking lots, it is comfortable (I just finished a 7 hour drive and I dont have any sore body parts), and if you get the XLE like I did, theres so many great bells and whistles.

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  2010 Platinum 4x4 Platinum Sequoia - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By endotoothdoc - April 25 - 2:40 pm

  We traded in a Lexus Hybrid for this vehicle and have been very pleased. It provides the feeling of driving a living room on wheels. Extremely comfortable on both short and long trips. The third row is truly functional as well as comfortable. I recommend the power option for the third row seats. Would highly recommend this vehicle for a family that needs a "luxury" ride for great reliability. We were between a mini- van and this Sequoia, but in reality there is no comparison after you drive this vehicle.

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  Best SUV available - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bagels dad - April 25 - 11:03 am

  Powerful, comfortable, practical and elegant. I love driving it and my dog cant wait to go for rides. The looks are growing on me but I wish it looked tougher and more distinctive. Inside, it is fantastic. The smooth engine and torquie acceleration are tremendous and it is ready for any kind of weather condition. Just keep it in gas and oil and go. Best vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Celica - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By Didi - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Great little car. 40,000 miles and not a problem at all. Excellent car for going to and from work in style.

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  Ill keep this car forever. - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By Speedball9 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Celica in March 2000 and I have enjoyed it every day since. Despite a few minor flaws (plastic interior molding near seats scratches easily and the powerband is too high), this is an incredible car. The sound of the engine (especially after adding a Rod Millen air intake) is by far my favorite feature. The layout of the inside was very well done. Having all of the controls in reach while still keeping your hands on the wheel and stick is very helpful. I definitely plan on keeping this car for a long time.

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  1999 Toyota 4Runner - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Dgaines - April 25 - 10:00 am

  A rough yet elegant SUV! Plenty of cargo space and a nice smooth ride! Great all around vehicle! My dream machine…I love it!

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  GOOD BUY - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By REDSOLARA - April 25 - 10:00 am

  GREAT CAR FOR THE PRICE. THOUGHT ABOUT BUYING THE ACURA 3.2 TYPE S, BUT THE TOYOTA WAS A MUCH BETTER DEAL. TOYOTA OF ORLANDO GAVE A GOOD PRICE DUE TO VOLUME SALES. DRIVES GOOD, COMFORTABLE INTERIOR, NICE MOONROOF, GOOD JBL SOUND, COMFORTABLE PERF. LEATHER.

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  TACOMA RULES - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tacolover - April 25 - 10:00 am

  MY TACOMA RULES!!! ITS THE BEST TRUCK EVER!!! IT KILLS THE FORD SPORT TRAC ANYDAY!!!