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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  A step up from 2004 in most respects - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By chucktaylorr - June 14 - 7:40 pm

  Great truck all around. I stepped up from a 2004 PreRunner. Great engine, easy to maintain. Very comfortable for long trips and capable off-road. Composite bed limits the choices for aftermarket parts (lumber rack, some covers, some tool boxes, etc.) but is great for most hauling applications. This is our new "family" vehicle.

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  What a Great Choice! - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Andy P - June 14 - 6:23 pm

  Comfortable. Great performance. Good mileage. Love the way it looks. Fun to drive. If you need an SUV, here it is. If you need a vehicle that pretends to be one, look elsewhere. This SUV is not for everyone.

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  58K and ive done nothing - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By paowner - June 14 - 12:36 pm

  Great car. Ive had no problem with comfort in front seats (im 5-7). Great room in back. More acceleration than I expected. More handling than I expected. Traded Acura Integra for car that could carry my 3 kids. Have done absolutely nothing in 58k miles and get 28 mpg. Huge trunk. Perfect fit and finish.

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  Good Dependable Truck - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By kmbrandt - June 14 - 7:56 am

  I would say that the truck is a little over priced for what it is, but this truck is very reliable, low maintanence, and a lot of fun for 4 wheeling in. It has great power when needed. Comfort was OK. The only problem we had was the passenger seat would not always lock in place, when I had to put the brakes on the seat would sometimes slide forward. Kinda scary... Overall good truck, nothing fancy.

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  Very pleased from a car guy - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By jtallequipment - June 14 - 5:33 am

  I have 1000 miles on my 2013 Avalon. I am very impressed with the car. I am a bit of a car nut. I own 5 cars, a 1970 Trans Am, a 1976 Bronco, both consistent show winners, a Corvette convertible, and a Z71 Tahoe. I purchased the Avalon on November 30. I traded in a 2009 Cadillac CTS that was loaded with every option, 3.6 DI engine and all wheel drive. I do not regret my decision at all. This car is fantastic. In comparison to the CTS the car is quiter, smoother, handles better and I think its faster. It is much roomier and the fit and finish are first rate. I first test drove the 2013 ES and I find that the Avalon is less soft, more of a drivers car and the quality seemed the same.

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  I Love My Sequoia! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Alipanzo - June 14 - 2:00 am

  When the Sequoia was first introduced, I wanted to have a closer look. I admired the 8-seat feature--thats a plus. It is so roomy in the rear; my children love it.

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  More for Less - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By fmrapisura - June 14 - 2:00 am

  With my Sequoia, Im impressed how Toyota was able to combine luxury, design, comfort, size and performance at a price below $45,000. At 17 mpg rating,(although Im only getting 16), Im glad that it uses only 87 octane gasoline.

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  great no probs so far - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Uncle bob - June 14 - 2:00 am

  The landcruiser is simply the best suv money can buy.

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  Muy Bien! - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By $am - June 14 - 2:00 am

  My 98 xls is the best car i have ever invested in. I enjoy the performance the most by far. I have taken it to speeds exceeding 140 mph and it rode great! i floor it everywhere i go and it drives the same as the day i bought it. It has 110,000 miles and the only problem i had was the front strut towers. I think thats from the off road adventures.

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  4RUNNER SPORT BEATS THE rest - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By northpolermike - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I extensively drove the competition over 2 months, yet none could hold a candle to the 4Runner. The new V6 and 4 speed transmission outperformed the Explorer & Mountaineer V8s, and felt better than the Envoy. The new XREAS suspension performs extremely well, and the VSC and MultiMode shift on the fly is great for my driving conditions. The build quality, quietness, tightness are just superb. The vehicle can meet and exceed the demands of our harsh Arctic winters and road conditions here in North Pole. I cant wait for summer to go off roading.