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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  Awesome car - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By USMCMOM - January 1 - 9:00 pm

  We test drove this car and I fell in love with it. This car is just totally awesome. I am averaging about 45 miles/gal. I like the looks I get when driving it. The inside is roomy, my 6 ft, 1 in. hubby fits in the back with plenty of leg room. I have never looked forward to driving a car as much as I do this one.

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  What more could a soccer mom want? - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By Timothy - January 1 - 7:50 pm

  This is the most practical and stylish vehicle I have owned. I refuse to drive a mini van; this was well worth the increased price. I can comfortably haul five kids for hours having them watch the big screen DVD in comfort. It is easy to drive and not expensive to maintain.

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  Excellent SUV - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By WMLA - January 1 - 1:10 pm

  I couldnt be more happy with my choice. The 4Runner rides so well. It is so quiet and smooth and "Lexus like." It seems like a luxury SUV. No problems. Best car/SUV I have ever had. No issues, problems or complaints. Engine is very powerful. Maybe, they can make it even more powerful and with even better gas mileage. Heres hoping for miracle technology.

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  Still feels unique - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Kat Ann - January 1 - 10:00 am

  I love this car, the smooth ride, shut down at stop lights, quiet but quick acceleration. I average 40 mpg. Toyota should say mileage will improve as car breaks in. In tough weather, mileage drops slightly in relation to use of defrost/air co. and unlike other hybrids does not shut off at stop lights! I came up a very ]steep hill w 6" snow and moving slowly I rode to the top without a problem. Narrow tires are stable in snow, not in mud. Would I buy it again? Definitely.

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  cool - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By viñas - January 1 - 10:00 am

  its a grait car

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  Is one Hell of a car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Hector L Torres - January 1 - 10:00 am

  Sinse the fisrt day I saw this car, I fell in love with it. Keep up the good work Toyota

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  Great ride, but missing a few features - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jason A - January 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 03 Grey Mica 4runner now for about 3 months and I have really enjoyed it. I have always been a car person but the new 4runner caught my eye so I decided to take the plunge. I dont have any regrets. The truck is remarkably smooth and quiet and the gas mileage is good for an SUV with a V-8. The Navigation is a nice feature and great to have on road trips.

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  The Perfect Car! - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Pawdoc - January 1 - 10:00 am

  In 2001 I discovered the Toyota Sequoia, and I watched as it increased 10K in price in 14 mos. Then I found the Highlander. It is the perfect combination of truck, performance, reliability, safety, cargo, quality, and comfort available for the price. Expensive? Perhaps, but compared to EVERYTHING else its a steal. If you have 50K for a car, get a Sequoia, but if you have 50K, why not just get the Lexus! For the rest of us - Highlander!!

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  Dream Car - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Kalpaj - January 1 - 10:00 am

  We just bought this car and we love it!!! The car has ample legroom and seats are very comfortable. Drive is quiet and smooth and the car handles bumps very nicely. I have no regrets

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  Best Minivan Ever Built - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Arup Karmakar - January 1 - 10:00 am

  Toyota has come out with a class minivan, the best available currently in the market. Odyssey buyers, think twice before buying and would recommend test driving the 2004 Sienna before deciding which one to buy. It happended the same thing with me. Once I test drove the Sienna, I did not take long to decide which one to buy. Compared to Odyssey, 2004 Sienna is quieter, awesome sound system, better exterior and interior design, and with innumerable extra features. I had to wait for 3 weeks to get my minivan and consider worth the wait. Honestly, wherever I went, the 2004 Sienna have drawn a lot of attention from many stangers.