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:

• 

  I finally bought the right vehicle - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By jmurigu - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I love my new 4Runner and so does my husband. We like the ability to carry three grown adults in the 2nd row and cargo in comfort. It has come in handy on several occassions and every thing works as promised. I highly recommend the 4Runner over any other truck-based SUV.

• 

  bgf - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By jknl nlknl - January 21 - 10:00 am

  great car i love it

• 

  value for money - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By bill 41 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  value for money, a car good for any member of the family

• 

  excellent vehicle! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By kart2go - January 21 - 10:00 am

  just picked up a new sienna Le and i cant believe a mini van can be so fun to drive. very happy with purchase so far (only has 54 miles on it)but, I know this will be a keeper. the car offers a quiet and smooth rideand steering is tight. traded a 1998 winstar and even though it was very comfortable and reliable,its no match for the sienna.

• 

  megs sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By meggomes - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Great eqiupment package, seating options are great.

• 

  Dream SUV reincarnated - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Lucky Jack - January 21 - 4:36 am

  I have waited for over 30 years for this vehicle. I always wanted an FJ40 Land Cruiser, but could never get one. Now, I have the vehicle that is fun and still makes sense... no more poor fuel mileage from those Chevy Tahoes I used to drive. Yet, I can still pull the little boat and go hunting/fishing. PS... I have to allow at least 30 extra minutes when I go anywhere, just to talk with the people who want to see the car and find out all about it. I love this cruiser.

• 

  Great - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By jross - January 21 - 2:10 am

  This is the third Avalon we have owned. This is by far the best. The ride and handling of this vehicle has improved greatly. The interior has been updated and comfort is A-one.

• 

  Love My Car - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Renita - January 20 - 8:00 pm

  Purchased new in September of 2006 and have loved it from day one. Would highly recommend it.

• 

  Great Car!!! - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Clbinnc - January 19 - 10:20 pm

  I was looking between the Highlander, Lexus 400h, and Saturn Vue Hybrid. The Saturn and Lexus were both much smaller than the Highlander and the gas mileage was the same of less than what the Highlander was rated, so I went with the Highlander, plus it was the most comfortable. Navigation system took some time to get used to, but I like it now, the bluetooth capability should come with every car made, its amazing. The only thing the highlander was missing was an iPod jack, but it does come with an auxiliary jack, which you can connect to the iPod, just not as convenient. Currently getting about 25.5 in the city and 26.7 highway, which is reverse according to the sticker. Overall love it!

• 

  Great buy - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Joseph - January 19 - 5:40 pm

  Make it short and sweet. I bought my taco used with exactly 20000 miles on it. I was an All-American car buyer until this vehicle and still doubted the value when I got it (Great Deal on the buy). Since Ive gotten the truck Ive put 36,000+ on it and never done anything other then oil changes. I literally love this truck more and more everyday I drive it. I would recommend it to anyone looking to buy a 4dr truck. Gets great gas mileage for a truck; has plenty of power on the street and off roading. Ive only owned 4x4s(3 Jeeps, Explorer, F150 & 250, Blazer), and this is definitely one of the best Ive owned. All around great buy.