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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  Best SUV Out There - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By toyota lover - August 2 - 2:00 am

  We hunted high and low for an SUV that was big enough to hold kids and dogs but that was not too big to take up too much room in the garage. We found it in the Toyota Sequoia!

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  What a wonderful truck! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By East - August 2 - 2:00 am

  If you are in the market to purchase a truck this is the one to consider. This truck as a 2wd had done everything and more of a 4wd. It goes off road with great gas mileage and on road (stop and go) with great gas mileage. Our truck is mainly used in the city. It is comfortable in stop and go and highway driving. Comfort and design of this truck is superior. We have cloth interior, with a green exterior. No bell and whistles on it because it didnt need it. Reliablity, what can I say other than it is a Toyota.

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  Great vehicle!!! - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By DaveZ - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I am in sales. I bought this vehicle for my job because of perceived reliability. I have not been disappointed. This SUV has NEVER been back to the dealer for anything other than normal service work. I love it and would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone with SUV needs/wants and with a requirement for undying reliability. For several 000s less than a Lexus you can have all the same basic features, more room and the confidence that you are driving one of the best SUVs ever built. This is the best vehicle I have ever owned for my job. I drive over 30,000 miles/yr. through all kinds of weather and I have never been let down... BUY IT!

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  love it! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By court811 - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This is the fourth toyota I have purchased and my second 4 runner. the improvements over the old 4 runner are HUGE! the ride is as smooth as the 2002 Highlander I had before and the gas mileage is just as good. I love this car!!

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  Toyota 4 Runner 2004 - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Tinerbell - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Have 5000 miles to date an have enjoyed it very much. Solid firm ride,great in snow & reasonably quiet.

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  2003 Toyota Corolla CE - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Tigga454 - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I have always owned American made cars my whole life. I bought my Corolla almost 10 months ago, and I still love to drive it. I drive almost 100 miles a day and the car is so comfortable and handles great. I will never buy another American car again.

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  Prius Gen 2 - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By poolpaul - August 2 - 12:33 am

  Great car! Its a little sluggish on two lane passing, but other than that it has great handling. Mileage drops a lot in the winter. Better engine compartment insulation would undoubtedly help this as the engine runs a lot just to provide heat.

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  Great truck - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By MrAdaMrAda - August 1 - 8:26 pm

  This is a great truck, could stand to have more power. Overall I think it is a winner.

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  great car with some flaws - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By yskesa - August 1 - 7:46 pm

  Fun to drive. Used to drive Honda. Changed to prius. Main reason to buy, fuel economy. But I am getting only 42 I have driven only 1000 miles till now. Trip meter shows 45 but I am getting only 42 when doing maths. But over all good car. May be fuel will improve with some more driving

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  310K and still going!!!! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Sylvia - August 1 - 5:57 pm

  My car is on its last limb!! But...As long as you have the required maintenance performed on this car it will definitely give you your moneys worth!! My only dislike is the interior door handles. The material peeled off!! But other than that I love this car!!