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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  THIS is how to go on an Expedition! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By sequoier - February 9 - 10:40 pm

  The Tahoe has very comfortable seats, but I couldnt enjoy them over the racket the brand new demos interior made. Ive logged thousands of miles renting Expys, and they just arent fun to drive. The price difference was worth it, and I havent had a moments remorse. Funny, nobody else driving a 2wd in snow has anything but praise for the Seqs ability. One must learn how to drive this new technology, however. Dont expect it to be like anything else.

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  Great, Reliable Car - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By 97 DX - February 9 - 4:16 pm

  My dad bought this car new in 1997 and babied it ever since. I just bought it from him with only 87000 miles on it. The only thing he did was change oil every 3000 miles, replace timing belt and front brakes. I havent even had this car long enough to determine my miles per gallon but Im sure it will be outstanding. Great car for the money and very reliable. A+++

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  taco review - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By luke ferricher - February 9 - 11:53 am

  I like the ride quality and the reliability, but the seats are horrible! If you buy this truck and plan on going on those long trips then I recommend that you purchase some new seats. "back pain, big time!" all of the other tacoma owners that i know say the same thing

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  Cool Truck! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dave - February 9 - 5:56 am

  This is the first Tacoma that I have ever owned, and only the second Toyota that I have ever had. The Tacoma is a cool truck to say the least. I bought the PreRunner V6 Double Cab long bed with a 5 speed auto, and a TRD sport package. The truck rips!! The 4 liter V6 runs a zero to 60 in 7.5.

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  Toyota Does It Again! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Stratman - February 9 - 5:00 am

  We traded in our 2007 Camry SE v-6 to purchase the Venza after my wife saw it and felt it was the hatchback she had been looking for. The Camry, I feel, never got the recognition it deserved for being a true hot rod both in sheer speed and handling while also being quite docile in everyday driving. The Venza is like a Camry wagon with the same drive train, length and same suspension as the SE model. The Venza is well appointed and with a few options added, is really nice. The size of the vehicle is just right for most, the seating is very comfortable, and even the six speaker stereo (which we have) is clean and crisp in sound. Sitting next to my built 77 Cherokee provides quite a contrast.

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  Outstanding Truck! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mike - February 8 - 3:30 pm

  I never fill out these reviews, but I decided to based on my experience. I have owned multiple trucks (Ford, & Dodge), but this one beats them all. In addition, the others were all 1/2 ton pickups. I also test drove the Chevy Colorado and have riden in an 02 Dodge Dakota. This one rides much smoother and has a lot more power.

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  Total Satisfaction for The Big Family - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Big GIlk - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the Caddy-ESV, Lincoln- Nav, and all the GMCs. They are all nice but the Sequoia has the best balance of power, space, and confort for a large family. The best resale value doesnt hurt, not one bit.

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  MR2 Spyder - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By B. Anderson - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Go-cart handling with quick turn in and predictable oversteer. Engine revs a bit on the freeway, and luggage space is inconvenient and small. Power is adequate but engine feels a little gaspy at upper revs. 3" more legroom than the Miata sold me, and I think it handles a little better to boot.Doors that lock automatically are annoying.

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  gets better - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By silverfilmms - February 7 - 10:00 am

  not a problem and the more i drive it the better it gets. just took my son to albany ny. a five our drive. i thought that i would be alittle sleepy after such a drive,but not at all. i left an infinity lease "i35" and thought that the avalon would mellow me out for such a trip. will be taking the car in for the 5k first service. i purchased this car because im looking to get at least 150k miles before i start looking at cars again.

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  Toyota Highlander: Safe, fun and roomy - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Angels Intuition - February 7 - 10:00 am

  On Aug. 9th, 2003, I was driving my Highlander on a roadtrip in Oregon. On a remote road, I was hit by a drunk driver... driver side to drive side. Both of us were driving at 55mph. My Highlander saved my life. The engine dropped down and the airbag deployed. I and my two friends walked away from the accident. This SUV was fun to drive, lots of interior room and safe. A pleasure to owe.