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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  1999 4Runner SR5 - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By jmel - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding. We purchased the SR5 for my wife, and replaced the cloth seating with after market leather that looks and feels like the factory installed Leather on the 4Runner Limited. We also added a 2 stage heating element to the drivers seat for those cold winter days. Nice!

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  RAV4 is Great! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Hampton - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I love my RAV4. I cannot say enough good about it. The fit and finish is excellent, performance is good and ride is good. I test drove the CRV and there is no comparison. The CRV felt and looked cheap and the controls were awkward.

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  Amazing Car!!! - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Jamison - January 6 - 9:36 pm

  Smooth, comfortable, and sporty ride; the V6 is very worth it. Takes corners surprisingly well and is seamless for cruising around. Been driving a 2004 Cadillac STS on and off and this car drives even better. Considered Honda Accord, Subaru, and Nissan. Went for the upgraded body kit and it looks great! Unbeatable in resale, maintenance, and overall value. No wonder its the best selling car 11 of last 12 years.

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  You cant do better! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By ANN Weiss - January 6 - 9:03 pm

  This car has been very dependable. Many people tell me that it still looks brand new. The interior looks new too. I have not had to do any engine repairs. I do have the oil changes done every 5000 miles and rotate the tires every 6000 miles. A body shop worker told me that in over 20 years he has only seen damage from a collision to the inside of a Camry once. It also retains its value well. I plan on buying another Camry for my next car.

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  Love it - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Gregg - January 6 - 8:33 pm

  Bought it used but with transferable warranty, great right? Never had to use the warranty. Bought a fully loaded Tacoma, off road package, tow package. I put duel exhaust on, cold air intake, throttle body spacer. This truck has more power and better fuel mileage now. Dont do much off roading but the times I have I was very impressed. One time I was looking at a piece of remote property in the winter on a small single car dirt road with nowhere to turn around, I literlly slid down a hill hoping there was another way out, nope. The 4x4 shot me back up the hill with ease. I really love this truck. I have never had a single problem with it in 5 years.

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  priced better than a Land Cruiser - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By shooter - January 6 - 6:43 am

  i love my sequoia. i test drove several other suvs and found the sequoia to be the best ride, best looking and most luxurious with a third seat. i was very suprised initially when i was told i could get this ride under $40K!! i have recommended this truck to others and one has bought so far. go drive by a ford or chevy dealership and see how many exp/tahoes they have on the lot. toyota cant keep sequoias on their lots. they are the best suvs on the planet!!

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  Love my ride! - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Marian - January 6 - 4:42 am

  I love that it starts every time. I never worry about wether it will be ready to go. It has a very pleasant interior as well. A friend said she would have bought it in a flash but she had just bought a car. She was impressed with the ride and how clean & spacious it is.

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  Our Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Ebyreena - January 5 - 8:50 am

  I purchased this vehicle after researching and comparing the features with other minivans. And now I know I made the right choice. It is really spacious and can control it like a car. Absolutely beautiful, I loked the appearance of the interior as well as the exterior. I will recomend any one to buy this. And Toyota will not let you down.

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  Its a Toyota - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rainman - January 5 - 4:23 am

  This is my 3rd Toyota P/U. Purchased because dependability. Ive been disappointed with the fuel mileage, 20mpg. Wish Toyota would go back to manual hubs and offer a small diesel in the US. For its size, it cant be beat for performance and overall satisfaction.

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  Nice Car! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By toyotafan - January 5 - 12:43 am

  I purchased a Camry LE approximately 2 months ago, its a smooth comfortable ride. I bought it certified preowned with 30,000 miles, but it runs same as new. I noticed some complaints about lack of speed, or hesitation, so far Ive had no issues. The car is very responsive to acceleration, VVTI is a technology not everyone understands, for ex: VVTI takes your driving habits into consideration, if you are going 45 to 50 mph, and take your foot off the accelerator in a sudden manner, instead of slowly releasing accelerator, it senses you will be pressing your brakes soon so you will notice the engine automatically slows down your speed automatically. This is my second Camry, and is EXCELLENT!