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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  Buy the KDSS - 2017 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bill - October 10 - 5:12 am

  Our Offroad Premium with KDSS is just spectacular. We opted for sunroof delete for increased headroom. No typical sway while driving. The 4Runner is basic compared to many other offerings. Its also rated for well above average reliability and resale value. Ride and comfort are great. Visibility is above average for any vehicle in this class/size. Blind Spot monitoring is not available. Problem solved with $5 blind spot stick on mirrors. Immediately after purchase our area had a decent snow storm. 4Runner handled the snow with ease. It could either use more power or lose 500lbs. We bought the 4Runner for its top rated reliability and dead simple drivetrain. I can deal with the lack of power.

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  Surprisingly Great - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By ken - October 10 - 2:06 am

  Traded a 2004 Mountaineer for the Venza primarily because of gas mileage. The 4 cylinder has enough guts to get me everywhere, even with four 200 pounders and golf clubs in it. The ride is OK - better than the Mountaineer, but not as good as my wifes Avalon. Can carry 3 sets of clubs with carts (tight) and 4 sets without carts.

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  Great - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By Angel Melody - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Its a good make. I love the way you can put on a really nice body kit and chnage up the whole car, just wish that it came in a candy apple red.

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  Number 1! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By nmpriusman - October 10 - 2:00 am

  For the price,the Prius buyer gets the most value for almost any car sold. The build quality is outstanding; there is not a flaw on the vehicle. Aside from that, everyone wants to know what the car is and they want to drive it. Im hoping to get a good 15- 20 years out of it. (No, the battery doesnt explode at 8 years or 100,000 miles because the warranty ends.) Like Toyotas chief Prius engineer said, "this is not just a great environmental car; this is great car, period."

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  Typical Toyota Dependability - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By 4jblund - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent family vehicle. The only real problems are the weak brakes, rattle in the rear (found in plastic panels and fixed with foam tape), and confusing accessory controls on steering wheel. Small price to pay for unequaled dependability and family safety.

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  Dont miss Explorer... - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By P L - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this to replace my 98 Explorer. There is no comparison between the two. My 4Runner feels like a bank vault in comparison, and is just a nicer, better vehicle in almost every way, except the auto 4x4 which I miss using (but not fixing). I passed up new baby SUVs and newer domestics that cost the same so I could get Toyota quality and a real truck. I was really burned on my Explorer as it was constantly in the shop. Lesson learned.

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  Wouldnt have any other SUV - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By MicheleJ. - October 10 - 2:00 am

  We shopped for a long time before deciding on the Sequoia Limited 4WD and we couldnt be happier. The Sequoia and the Land Cruiser have the same frame and engine, but the Sequoia has so much more room. The ride is smooth and quiet. High quality automobile.

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  THE BEST truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By rob edgett - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This truck does everything VERY well, no complaints, at all!!! bob edgett

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  toyotas rule - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By toyotas rule - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Toyota has done it again they have improved on an already great truck. Safety, reliabilty, predicted resale value why look at anything else. And you would never believe my salespersons name "Rusty Lemmon." And I will recommend Kendall Toyota again and again.

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  Great Car for the Price - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By MedTech - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive been researching a new car for about 6 months now, and finally decided it was time to migrate out of my 2000 Toyota Celica GT-S to something a bit more easy on the bones for long distance trips. I thought I was going to have to compromise my love of coupes and go to 4dr sedan to get this, but fortunately the restyled Solara caught my attention while waiting at the dealership for an oilchange. If your looking for a comfortable coupe that plays to your desires for luxury appointments at a reasonable price, the Solara might be for you. I enjoy the ride quality better than my moms 2003 Honda Accord EX.