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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  Why buy Ody?? - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought this vehicle for my wife. Originally thought toyota was too high ($$). Dealer made us a better deal than GM dealers - even including the 3K (GM) rebate. Bought it for the implied reliability. Saved over 6K against Honda Ody. My wife thinks its very sporty.

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  I Love My Corolla - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Mrs. Coldone - May 2 - 10:00 am

  We bought a 2003 after two years with an 01. What a difference. I really liked my 5spd 01, but the 03 is roomier, and the seats are so much higher! A plus when you are over 30!!! I have driven an array of cars and the Corolla line is my favorite. They are dependable, fun to drive, look good, and just an overall great car. Price is a little higher, but they look good longer. I definetely recommend the Corollas.

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  pros and cons - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Tags - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Great car. excellent fuel economy. Has a better looking exterior and interior design then any car in its class, and some of the higher classes too. excellent reliability. great car for its class.

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  Corolla 03 - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Billy - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car 6 weeks ago, better than I thought it would be. I got a great deal at $15,100 with options. I also own a 01 Honda civic. I give the Corolla the edge in ride and comfort.

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  A beautiful car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Rod M. - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This is just one of the nicest looking cars out there (IMHO) One of the things that sold me on this car is how its passengers can literally whisper to each other at 65 mph and thats pretty impressive with a 4cyl.This car is used mostly for commute but incredible for a car this size and with its many standard features that it costs way below $20k, taxes, title and all, included By the way, this vehicle was made in Japan which sold me the car even more. This can be determined by the first letter of the VIN. A car made in Japan will start with the letter J..

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  Flies Like An Eagle. - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Chan Man - May 2 - 5:50 am

  Two trips to Las Vegas and back, did not suffer from driver fatigue nearly as bad as the last car that I owned. The car actually got 31.1 m.p.g. at the speed of 82 m.p.h. with a slight tail wind. Very stable passing tractor trailers. The electric seats adjust to fit your favorite position. The stereo system is really killer great. Minimal wind noise, some road noise. Lots of people wanted to know more about it. I burned 87 octane gas. When you burn gasohol, you get fewer m.p.g., but you keep our dependence on foreign oil down. I, personally do not want to go back to Iraq. The other boys I work with like it and want to drive it. My wife likes it, too. Although it is lacking on trunk space.

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  I wish I could Buy one new. - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Specter - May 2 - 3:36 am

  I bought my dark blue 2000 Toyota celica brand new in 2000. I was lucky to find a promotional car with no sunroof. This is the only way my 6foot 5 inch frame would fit. I fit perfectly. Plenty of leg, head and shoulder room. One of the few modern Japanese small cars I can fit in. This car was completely trouble free for the first 80,000 miles. I just changed and flushed the fluids and replaced the stock tires every 50,000 miles. Replaced the breaks and spark plugs every 100,000 miles. At 200,000 miles I replaced the struts and the clutch. The only problem I have had has been a check engine light that came on at 80k. That light would come and go over the next 100k then never come on again.

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  Good deal - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Mago - May 2 - 2:16 am

  It is fun to drive. However drivers seat (manual) is hard to adjust compared to my Camry power seat.

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  Love my Toyota! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Pappas - May 1 - 7:30 pm

  We leased this Toyota without doing much research and we are glad we went with a Toyota! Its an impressive vehicle on the outside and decent on the inside. We love the temp. controls and rear air. The ride is amazing!!!! It doesnt feel like we are driving a truck by any means. I have driven many different cars and SUVs and this one drives the best by far! My husband and I argue over who will take the 4 runner. The air is freezing and it has auto temp. control which we love. The seats are comfortable and the interior is roomy for an SUV in its class.

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  Best Decision - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By shubbs - May 1 - 7:14 pm

  I traded my Camry Hybrid in for my FJ and have no regrets. My decision was simply because I needed something that can tote hockey gear one weekend, camping the next, take the dogs and boys to the beach and than a nice trip antique shopping. Wish I had my FJ when my boys were younger and spilling their red slushes and smashing food on the floor. They are a little older now and dont care climbing in and out of the back seat. We have a 4runner, z71 and a cj5 and the FJ is the one we take for family outtings. I was learning towards a Sequoia at first, but found it to be too fancy and I wanted something that can get dirty and clean up easy.