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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  Great SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By valley - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I was going to buy the 2002 4Runner when the huge discounts started last September. Boy, Am I glad I waited and bought the 2003. Not only does it outperform, but so far has lived up to everything as advertised and the dealer matched my price of $800 over invoice. I have already had the pleasure of taking it through the Snow Packed Sierras during the Xmas holiday. Since then, I have racked up 5500 miles in 6 weeks between the mountains and coast. I didnt think I would like the dual cargo system, but for the Californian who skis and golfs, it is perfect. Finally, as a former GM Truck owner the interior controls are more user friendly and of better quality.

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  Toyota Highlander - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Leslie Vieau - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has performed perfectly in all weather and including in deep mud. Skid control is excellent on wet surfaces. Power is good. Very quiet.

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  Great Car (I mean truck) : ) - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Presto - November 24 - 2:00 am

  The Highlander is a great car. With the utility of an SUV, and the ride of a car it meets my every need for all 362 days of the year that Im not camping. I love this SUV!!! Good acceleration, nice ride. I have the Limited 4x4 v6. I love it!

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  Great SUV - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By bedeaton - November 24 - 2:00 am

  We bought the Highlander for my wife and she loves it! It has great visability and all options. It is a very comfortable ride with plenty of power with great fuel economy. I would highly recommend this for anyone who needs a little extra room and does not need an off road vehicle.

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  Out the door under 20K - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By joel345 - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a nice car under 20K and I found it. The 2003 Camry LE. I upgraded to the ABS Brakes and side/curtain airbags. Total price was $19300 at Roseville Toyota. Nice ride, quiet 4 Cylinder Engine. Very comfortable seats with great leg and headroom. Muffler hangs low under the car, you really notice this when you follow a camry. Ugly ... My only real complaint about the car is that it seems to vibrate a little when you are stopped at a light and the transmission is in drive. Put it in park and it is fine. Dont know if this is a common thing with the 4 banger.

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  Still the best! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Gene67 - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I waited 4 years to be able to afford my first Camry, and now I cant wait to add a second one to the family. Its everything I thought it would be and m

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  title 1 - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By zman4321 - November 24 - 2:00 am

  great car but needs more hp even though it performs better thaN THE INDICATED HP RATING

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  Great MPG - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Kari - November 23 - 8:50 pm

  We have had our Highlander for 2 years, and love it. We have found after driving for two years you have to pay attention to what is on to get great mileage. In the winter, if you run the heater constantly you will lose mileage. Use a combination of heated seats and defrost, then our mileage is around 25 mpg. In summer, when we run just vent, and windows up we have seen 35 mpg, but usually we get 33 mpg because we like air conditioning. Definitely better mileage in summer. But overall great ride, good touring vehicle. Have had problems with people not hearing the SUV, when we start to back up. We have to take extra precautions, to make sure we dont surprise people walking to their cars.

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  awesome - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By charles - November 23 - 3:16 am

  The vehicle is very great and also very reliable and very stylish. You will get so many compliments and you will fall in love with your car.

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  Top Notch Off Road - 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Top Notch Off Road - November 23 - 2:06 am

  2010 Land Cruiser is my second one after trading in 2008 Land Cruiser. It uses Denco gas pedal unlike other Toyotas that were recalled due to their defective CTS gas pedals. Handling the vehicle off the road is exceptional. If allowed by your local dealer, I urge you to test drive it off the road for a true experience.