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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  Superb SUV - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By lovemytoyotas - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Bought used with every possible option. Just love it. Beautiful to look at; fun to drive. Very comfortable; back never gets tired. Good mileage for SUV; over 22 mpg on long hauls from sea-level to over 8000 and at 80+ mph. with a load. Only problem so far is the sectional antenna stopped working. Extremely reliable. My only complaint is that my wife confiscated it on the way home from the dealership, and claims its HER car!

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  Easy Decision - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By KZ - March 31 - 10:00 am

  After attending the 2002 Auto Show here in town and seeing the Sebring and Solara convertibles on the same floor, I realized there was not comparison. For the same money, the Solara ragtop was the only choice. The Sebring seemed "flimsy" by comparison. This is indeed a rare car. When I tell my friends what I bought half of them have no idea what Im talking about.

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  The Best of the Minivans - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By HeatherH. - March 31 - 10:00 am

  After a horrible sales experience, the greatness of our Sienna quickly overpowered it. I think they are the best looking of the minivans out there, although I dont think minivans will ever make parents feel sexy driving them. Not a single problem and love all the cup holders and storage compartments in the back. I like the realibility of the Toyota name but the thing that sold me on it was the crash test ratings. Nothing feels better than knowing that your family is the safest it can be and knowing that youve made an informed decision by checking all your facts first.

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  Great new truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By krumps - March 31 - 10:00 am

  My 6 cyclinder Tundra has way more power than similar Chevy trucks I tested. Load hauling is great, even up hills! Should have bought this truck before I bought my last Chevy.

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  Only 500 miles on it so far - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By echowrangler - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt be happier - Have an XR with both sport packages, moonroof, in white. Very nice car - not as squishy comfortable as a full-size American sedan, but not bad. Lots of room, Im 6, 250# and theres plenty of headroom and legroom. I like the way the cargo area configures with the back seats folded down.

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  2001 Tacoma Extended Cab Limited Edition - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Smitty - March 31 - 10:00 am

  This is a great truck, I had always wanted one and now I got it. I looked at a Dodge and a Chevy too but neither one matched the track record of a Toyota, not to mention the bang for the buck. It has a ton of Power for a V6, big bed, very roomy interior that is comfortable and quiet and it handles great in the snow! I liked it so much my best friend bought one too, and he loves it more than I do. Buy one, you wont be dissappointed!

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  COROLLA S - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By KEITH - March 31 - 10:00 am

  THE COROLLA IS GREAT THIS YEAR,,,THE NEW BODY IS REALLY NICE...I BOUGHT THE S HOOKED UP WITH RIMS AND SUNROOF THAT IS THE WAY TO GO POWER PACKAGE ALL THE ADD ONS YOU CAN GET IT CAME OUT TO $18,200 NOT BAD YOU WOULD THINK THE CAR WA WORTH ABOUT $30,000 WHEN YOU SEE IT .............SO IF YOU GO COROLLA GO WIT THE S MODEL....AND IF YOU HAVE EVER OWNED A COROLLA YOU GET WHAT YOU EXPECT AND MORE JUST TO BAD THE SEATS DONT GO FURTHER BACK

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  Great Car - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By aaammgb - March 31 - 2:00 am

  This car is great! I previously had a Volvo 850 Turbo and traded it in for the Avalon. Ive found the Avalon to be far superior in every aspect except acceleration, but that is only because the Volvo had a turbo engine. The avalon is bigger on the inside and the trunk is also bigger, which I didnt think could be possible. Great car for the money!

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  Just drive it - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By whitelightning60706 - March 31 - 2:00 am

  A test drive convinced us both that this was our next car. Our Prius has 50% more horsepower than the Fiero it replaced (when needed, the 44 HP of the electric motor assist the 90 HP of the gas engine.) At 110 miles we are already getting 43 MPG, even in stop and go traffic. This car is both twice as clean pollution-wise as most new cars, and twice as efficient in use of gas, plus doesnt need special gas. The hybrid technology and batteries are covered essentially for life. If it fails, the risk is Toyotas. It is surprisingly roomy inside. Contrary to some reviews, Prius includes Traction Control. The car was delivered defect-free except for under-inflated tires.

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  A slice of life - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Wanless - March 31 - 2:00 am

  The 7th gen Celica is certainly a welcome change from the previous model. Following the recent trend, new high-revving, powerful, yet efficient (excellent fuel economy!)engines have made this car a blast. My GT is pretty quick, but the Celicas selling point has never been its speed alone - its the handling! This car handles like a go cart! Whats great is that you get all of this with Toyotas typical reliability and quality attributes.