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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  Nearly all 10s - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By K Lewis - September 15 - 10:00 am

  Our first 4Runner but not our first Toyota. Outstanding features: ergonomically well thought out; very smooth on-pavement characteristics. Ample power with the V6, many of the features found on the higher-priced Lexus GX. A few insignificant issues have caused us to trade the vehicle for a Sequoia. The cabin didnt provide enough head room--with the seat fully lowered, I would brush the headliner with the top of my head. Also, the front windshield had imperfections which were distracting. A small rattle in the sunroof and high- frequency noise from the ventillation system added up to too many dissatisfactions for us to keep the vehicle.

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  Highlander Again! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Pamela Doolittle - September 15 - 10:00 am

  This being my second Highlander, first was the 2001 model. It is such a joy to hop in my car and go. I did not want the third row seat but it has not been an inconvenience, I keep it down and have just as much space as my last Highlander. Driving on the road which I do a lot of is just my cup of tea!

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  2004 XLE Ltd a great van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By JTM - September 15 - 10:00 am

  Wasnt crazy about the high price tags on the Sienna but finally decided that it was worth it. The build quality and features on the XLE Ltd couldnt be matched. This is a vehicle we should be able to enjoy for a long time to come. Its fun to drive and the features, comfort, and luxury actually make me proud to own a minivan.

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  ...Even turns the heads of Benz owners - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By ms.sunshine - September 15 - 10:00 am

  So far I am loving this car! Its strong, solid, and fun to drive. I even got a compliment today from someone driving a new Mercedes SL500 today. Now that makes a statement about the fine appearance of this car! Ive driven an E-class before, and the smoothness and handling of this car ranks right up there with it. Just hoping the gas mileage improves as the car breaks in. 17 mpg is tough on the pocket book. If not, Ill still love it.

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  Nice car - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Waleed almekhlafi - September 14 - 11:58 pm

  Its an airplane riding the ground. So dont worry ride and enjoy.

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  Consumers Review - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Albert L. Carroll - September 14 - 5:13 pm

  This is the first Toyota truck that I have owned. It is comfortable and handles very well. The gas mileage is not quite up to specs, however I have only 3,000 miles on vehicle and it seems to be improving more with each tank of gas. It gives a lot more interior room that previous prerunners that I have driven and a more comfortable ride.

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  I LOVE MY FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By mike0525 - September 14 - 7:17 am

  I bought my FJ in 2011 and have not regretted it one bit. I dont have the top of the line model but, I do have the locking axles as well as an after market exhaust/intake and shocks and they just add to the level of enjoyment of this vehicle. Yes it has its draw backs but as long as you accept them youll love the FJ. Its quiet, boxy, retro and FUN.! It handles quite well in snow and ice and my gas mileage has been consistently 15/18 using premium fuel. Its a 4x4 and is meant to be an off road vehicle so anyone who buys one xpecting it to be anything else will be disappointed but, if you want a solid, reliable, sturdy 4X4 you will be happy with this one.

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  update for 2001 Tacoma xcab 4x4 auto v6 sr5 trd - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By cst010 - September 14 - 4:09 am

  300,056 miles and still going. Exterior and interior starting to show its age and looking a little rusty and worn. Truck has sat outside its entire life. Had the frame coated under recall but I did not have the frame rust problems others have reported. Gas milage has gone down. Getting about 15 city and maybe 20 highway. Still no major issues or problems Thought about trading in for 2012 model but I really dont care for the larger size of the new Tacomas. Hope to get another 100k out of this one.

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  great - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By myrna - September 14 - 2:00 am

  a great car to own,is really fun to drive and it is a very reliable car. really like my land cruiser.

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  Never Ceases to Amaze Me - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Zarvin G - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I got the loaded model (package 9). This car is an engineering marvel and an incredibly good value! Plenty of power, great handling, very roomy, numerous creature comforts, excellent craftsmanship,and many luxury & safety features not seen in cars under 40K. Being green (~45 MPG, lowest emissions of ANY car on the road) has never been this easy or fun! Leads to marital disputes over who gets to drive. Detroit: WAKE UP! OPEC: WATCH OUT!