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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  Love, love, my 4runner early xmas gift! - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By CJM - April 8 - 6:03 pm

  I was patiently waiting for my 4 runner for 2 months and finally it arrived in December. Loved everything about it even my baby boy calls it mommys boom boom. Everything about it is awesome. Drives smoothly, handles turns well, and has a kick when you want power. Just couldnt wait for the TRAIL or limited models to come in so we got the SR5 instead.

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  The Old Reliable - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By mwhitted - April 8 - 4:59 pm

  I have now owned my 2000 LC for 7 years; I bought it used with 54K miles. It now has 160K and still runs like the day I bought it. It does get only 16-17MPG tops, but gas mileage is not why I purchased. It is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned; its solid, its safe. I just picked up today from having routine maintenance; my mechanic says there is nothing wrong with it! Change the timing belt every 60K, change the oil every 4K, do a tune up every 75K, use Michelins and they will drive forever. I have a friend with the same model with >300K and it still runs great! I have driven the Appalachians to the Tetons, on road, extreme off road and it has never let me down! Mine forever!

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  Where have you been all my life - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By Jo - April 8 - 7:36 am

  Was a hardcore SUV driver until I test drove this used Sienna XLE. Leather! Million cupholders! Sliding doors! Im thrilled with its performance and it zooms better than the Xterra (slug) that I was driving. Would love it if the dash wouldnt give off such a glare, love the sunroof but will have to get the DVD player in a bag or the headrests :( I got mine for 16,500 bluebook was 20K

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  New RAV4, great car - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Arizona - April 7 - 5:43 pm

  This car is a lower cost Lexus RX 335. It has as much room, powerful engine 270 HP. Comfort, style and the reliability of Toyota. For the price its a great car.

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  MPG 41-47 (5 tests) - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By ARY - April 7 - 4:20 pm

  My manual 2002 4dr Echo has 175K now. I did 5 tests on mpg w/different routes and cargo load (from just one driver to 1 driver + 8 scuba tanks and a scooter). The roads are country, FL. Burned some 3/4 of a tank, read receipts for exact difference and read the odometer. None of the tests indicated lower than 40 mpg and the highest Ive ever recorded was 47. For 175K replaced parts were: burned cabin fan resistor, 3 sets of tires (worn), cracked windshield (gravel), dozen w-shield wipes, oil change. Best of all - I paid it off 2 yrs ago. None of the new cars come close to the performance and "True Cost 2 Own", not even Yaris nor Honda Fit.

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  2008 Toyota Highlander Sport AWD - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Two Toyota - April 7 - 7:13 am

  Drove the Lexus RX and GMC Acadia - dollar for dollar the best of the group. Interior build far surpasses the GMC product and is similar to the Lexus in build quality. Standard V6 provides good acceleration with AWD providing good traction in wet road conditions. Second row seats fold down easily providing amble room for hauling miscellaneous items. Sound system includes six disc CD changer, MP3, and adequate speaker support. The dashboard is perfect with attractive well thought-out design. Good head room, leather seats provide good lumbar support. 19 inch wheels add a great finishing touch to what is a great redesign of an already proven intermediate size SUV.

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  Lovin our Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Texas YapYap - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Wife did her time in a worn 95 Volvo 850 wagon (now with 106K miles). With three kids that are no longer babies, we needed room for them and friends. She loves this car. I think the thing we love the most is how the car rides. Its just very, very comfortable.

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  hello dudes - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By vicki - April 7 - 2:00 am

  i love this vehicle

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  Great Small Car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By bing22 - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a 2003 Corolla CE, and so far I love this car. It feels solid, the ride is excellent and gas mileage is superb. The interior ergonomics are second to none. The controls are easy to reach and laid out well. The high seating position gives the driver a good field of vision. The engine is peppy and has enough power for the average driver. The exterior design is not cutting edge but it is modern. The car handles well except in high winds. But if you have driven an SUV the wind issue wont be a big deal. the ride is smooth and quiet. I would recommend the 2003 Corolla to anyone that wants a high quality inexpensive compact car.

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  Love my 04 Rav4 4ever - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By MayDay - April 6 - 8:05 pm

  This was my first car purchase ever. I knew I wanted an SUV, but not a giant gas guzzler. I love that I can for the most part fit into most parking spaces. It does drive like a car. This car now has 130,000 miles and still going strong. I wish Toyota made them convertibles at that time bc then this would be my car forever. Ive always wanted a convertible SUV, which there is one available now, that I am considering getting. But I am so attached to my Rav. Good thing my brother is going to buy it from me, bc it definitely deserves a good home. It actually has good sound too. I sure am going to miss my Rav if I do end up selling it. Im fighting back tears as I write this review...sniff sniff.