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:

• 

  My rav 4 - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By ashleigh - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive,good looking.built solid and gets good gas mileage.Great traction in bad weather.

• 

  Cabin too noisy - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Alonzo - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Overall I enjoy the vehicle, but at that price I should love it. The pros are its roominess,car-like ride and easy handling. But its access to the third seat is very challenging, the cabin should be quieter and a cargo cover cost $200. But it does have a nice presence amongst other cars on the road.

• 

  This is about V8 Sport, in fact - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By delnorte - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Great performance, very quiet. XRES is great, the thing cuts corners almost like a sedan. Feels good even compared with Maxima (my other car). Great SUV, if I had to choose again Id make the same choice. The V8 is great, just takes long to warm up in winter. At 10F in the morning, heater doesnt kick in until you drive 2 miles. My mileage is 12/20 in summer and 10/17 in winter with no passengers (and 5-7 MPG in rush hour traffic in downtown Boston!).Highway mileage with 3 passengers in summer was about 17. Mileage as measured by onboard computer is always 2-3 MPG higher than actual - which is the only _funny_ thing I noticed about 4Runner.

• 

  Not and 04 had an 00 - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By msusieb - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Was always a chevy person.We will buy an 05 when they come out. Found out to be one of the more safer vehicles we have ever owned.Had the unfortunate luck of totaling out the vehicle in extremely bad weather.Vehicle was the reason no one was killed.Insurance company paid every bit of it off.

• 

  Couldnt be much happier - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By robandrachel - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Im patting myself on the back for this one. What a great vehicle. A 4x4 with zip and class. I think its sharp- looking inside and out. If you dont want the rear end to look like a minivan (the Sienna, in this case) get the spoiler. Lots of thought put into every detail -- well engineered. The transmission produces a bit of lurch, but not enough to spoil the acceleration, which is fast. Solid steering and breaks. Forgiving body roll. The JBL stereo is great, but you have to adjust the equalizer a lot to optimize the sound.

• 

  Me - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Meeem - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had a great experiance with my van so far. I needed the eight seats and even with the extra seat, it is quite easy to get in and out of. The fold away third seat is great! The gear shifter being in a different spot was a bit awkward for about a day. Now it makes sense because it gives you more control on the steering wheel. Lots of room in all seating areas. Lots of storage space throughout the van.

• 

  Solid Sedan - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Bobsmiles - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Camry LE with 4 cylinder is a solid performer that has plenty of power for any traffic. Excellent ride and room without the high cost of a luxury car. At 30-34 mpg on the highway it consistently gets good gas mileage. Back seat is very comfortable for long rides. The old Camrys were great, the new ones are better.

• 

  I love my spaceship!! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By SnakePuncess - December 13 - 5:43 pm

  This is the best car Ive ever owned, and I recommend and "sell" them to others all the time. The only reason Ill give up my Prius is if they get a minivan with the Synergy system...

• 

  Great SUV - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Thi - December 13 - 10:06 am

  I bought a 2008 Highlander Limited 4x4 with nav October 08. I already have a 05 HL and I’m very impressed. I test drove Mazda CX9, and Honda Pilot Touring, but 08 Highlander was the best of all. It feels like a car and very comfortable. Overall quality is excellent and it’s bigger than my 05 Highlander. I would recommend anyone 08 Highlander.

• 

  Exceeds My Expectations - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Chas - December 12 - 8:20 pm

  After an exhaustive SUV search I finally purchased a Sport V8 with sunroof, DD cargo liner, leather, spoiler and JBL system. I am most surprised at the vehicle ride quality. The XREAS suspension is a must have. It delivers about the same ride quality without the body-roll. My other vehicle is a BMW and this 4Runner is equally as fun to corner. I liked the pathfinder, but the fit and finish put the 4Runner over the top (too many rough-edged plastic materials in the pathy). The V8 is powerful as expected (its an ANIMAL), but also gives the truck a solid, heavier (in a good way), silky smooth acceleration.