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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  4 TOYOTAS & NOW A SUV & I LOVE IT!!!!!! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By LLLESKO - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Toyotas have been my safety net, they are safe and that is why I buy them. Ask your insurance company. My father started me out in the family Toyota in 1971. Enjoy LLL

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  My Corrolla - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Daunch - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I love my corrolla ~ It is comfortable and roomy for myself, husband and two kids! We also have enough room for the stroller and stuff you have to drag around when you have kids in the trunk.

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  Minivan Rebel Turned Believer - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By A true convert - August 14 - 10:00 am

  This is for a 2004. This vehicle handles well in different weather conditions. It has excellent environment control. I like the sharper pick-up for quick response. I am short and my husband is tall, but this minivan fits both of our needs well. I highly recommend it after comparing it to the new Quest and the Oddyssy. You cant go wrong with the new design and the reputation of Toyota.

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  Best Car Ive ever owned - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By wgolembusk - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Although its a mini van, its the best car Ive ever owned. I purchased the higher end interior package. I love the leather seats, the look of the interior with the wood grain dash board. The radio controls are on the steering wheel. The interior is very spacious. Plenty of room for lots of cargo. Excellent car for those who show dogs. We carry three golden retrievers, grandpa, and my husband and I along with whatever luggage or gear to the beach. The fold up second row and the fold down third row make it very convenient to go back and forth between cargo and passengers.

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  Get your own - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Stuman - August 14 - 8:13 am

  As we see more and more of these on the road it is no wonder. These are fantasic vehicles that handle great as well as ride excellent, get great mileage and has outstanding looks. We all love it!!

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  "Irresistible" - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Bruce - August 14 - 4:06 am

  I have two one for me and my wife. This is the best car I have ever owned. Ive had the cars for ten months and average from 41 to 45 mpg in the winter and 46 to 51 in the warmer weather. Its comfortable, has good pickup and I really enjoy driving this car. I love the GPS system and although that was not a priority for me I am glad I have it and will never buy a car without it. What is surprising about this car is the amount of interior room. at 175 inches in length 3 inches shorter than a Nissan Sentra with much more interior space. In fact the exterior dimension, this car falls into the small car class and the interior has about the same amount of space as a mid-size car.

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  Smooth but FUN! - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By TTSSN - August 14 - 2:06 am

  Upgrading from a 2002 Toyota Corolla S. Toyota has served me well so why wander away: No more Celica or MRS, dont want a Scion, Solaras arent the prettiest of things...Lets get a Camry SE! My Corolla had a decent aftermarket suspension setup, and my new Camry SE handles better through the canyon roads with more power to boot! Driving to/from work, the drive is smooth and relaxed. JBL sound system with the sun roof open is great driving down the coastline. Havent taken it on a long (50+ miles) drive yet. For now Id say the the interior is very comfortable. Plenty of room for four adults. The exterior is gorgeous. Even had local police comment on it at an intersection!

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  gets the job done perfectly - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By Joe - August 12 - 9:40 pm

  This car is great. It goes forever on a tank of gas and has enough room for all of my hockey gear. I can pick 3 of my smaller friends and bring them with me anywhere. Sometimes I wish the engine was a little bit more sporty, but it has got enough juice to make a pass without a problem, but it wont win any races. It has lots of little pieces that rattle, like the door locks and window crank.

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  Great Run About - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By MP - August 12 - 6:23 pm

  Get the Sport model

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  Loss of engine oil with no warning light - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Angry owner - August 12 - 11:46 am

  I purchased my car almost 3 yrs ago, everything was great until it reached 33000 miles; suddenly the engine produced loud noise, it was a complete loss of engine oil with no warning light in the dashboard. The dealer was very familiar with the problem before I even spoke. He asked me if it was the loss of engine oil. I would like Toyota to look into this problem. Otherwise the car is great and I love it.