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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  Great Value - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By davek49 - August 7 - 4:36 pm

  I chose the 4Runner Sport V6 RWD based on reliability and looks despite the RAV4 Sport V6 getting better gas mileage and sports-car like performance. This is my first SUV (on my 9th car in 17 years of driving) and I am getting used to sitting high up and the car with more of a truck-like feel (Tacoma versus the RAV4). Keep in mind my view is based on previously driving an Audi A3 and BMW 3. The Galactic Gray Mica is beautiful and I get compliments (brighter with blue sparkle than most dull grays). The V6 has plenty of power for urban driving and I get a respectable 22mpg hwy (19.5 mpg mixed). The X-REAS suspension works very well, providing for a comfortable ride on twisty roads.

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  tacoma - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By Daniel - August 7 - 2:46 pm

  My mom bought this truck brand new in 1998. She gave it to me my freshman yr of high school which was 2000. I have put 90,000 miles since i got it, and now it has 150,000 and the engine has never been touched. I have added lift and performance parts and accessories and it looks sharp. I tow my boat and cattle trailers with ease. I recommend this pick up to everyone.

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  High tire pressure ride problems. - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By poorthingflint - August 7 - 2:20 pm

  Recently bought this fine vehicle and almost didnt because of harsh suspension response when impacting large road patches and other road irregularities. Drove another car before the one I took home for the little woman to see and drive. Both cars had 18" Michelins and were disappointing in the way they reacted to serious road imperfections. Driving the car I ultimately bought decided to check the tire air pressure. All tires checked just a little shy of 40lbs. Obviously being over inflated by at least 6lbs will cause the ride problems I noticed. With the correct tire pressure the over all ride improved drastically. I would suggest before you road test one check the air pressure.

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  Much better than expected - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By norque83 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Performs well; has excelent payload capabilty; best-in-class ground clearance; gas mileage isnt bad for a 4WD truck; the 4-cyl performs like a V6; the brakes are great; however, the handling is slightly ponderous at times and the seats can get uncomfortable during long trips

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  great all around vehicle - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By marc northrup - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I find my 2000 Tundra Limited just an all around quality vehicle. I have owned Ford and Chevy trucks and I am pleased to state the Tundra is by far a better vehicle in all ways. The quality and fit and finish are excellent. The ride is much like a full sized acr, not the hard choppy ride of most 4 wheel drive pick-ups. The one area I hope Toyota has addressed and improved upon are the brakes. They seem to be poor and inadequate for this big vehicle.

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  RAV4 - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By cindym1 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  this is the best toyota ive owned. i have had a camry and a corolla

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  Slamming SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Eric F - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this SUV on 4/28/03. I was in serious negotion at the Lexus dealership for the GX. The GX was more SUV than I needed and the RX was built on a camry frame and wasnt as versatile. I drove the 4 Runner and loved it. I had an Infiniti G35 and totalled it. I feel so much safer and to tell you the truth, this SUV drives smoother than the G35. (more weight holding it down I guess). I got the base model and figure that the money that I saved, I could invest in a cobra kit car later :) .

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  Love my baby Lexus - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By BabyLex - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Bought a 03 Corolla for my wife in January. Love that car so much, I bought one for me in March. Build quality is excellent, its quiet, smooth, refined. The engine is peppy, Im getting 28MPG in the city and its not even broken in yet. Not enough can be said about its exterior styling...I turn heads everywhere I go, people are shocked to learn its a base model Toyota. The steering is precise, the brakes are excellent, and there is a ton of trunk space. Im not that tall, but theres plenty of leg room, both front and back. The dash and controls are well laid out, very logical. Overall I am SUPER happy with these cars!

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  an extremally everage car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By sasha - August 7 - 10:00 am

  bought it used with 18k.The very second week took it to a dealer to fix as i found out collapsed chaircoal canister.Two month later couldt start it and again my dealer fixed problem with engine oil flooding sparkplugs.When loaded (2-3 people inside)the car hits speedbumps with its buttom. Horrible bodyroll, jerky acceleration, average braking power and totaly looses traction and stability when driven over uneven pavement. This car was a dissssapointment.

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  Love My Black Walnut SE - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Sears - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Camry SE a short time ago and am thrilled. I went shopping for the best 4 cylinder vehicle on the market and found it! Smooth, strong, quiet, powerful engine. Silken transmission. Great sport suspension and leather steering wheel. My wife and teen son love the interior and the JBL stereo. I love the color--BLACK WALNUT-- a manly, rare, underrated hue. All this, plus ABS, aluminum wheels, 24 mpg, and monster trunk, for less than $21,000. Booyah! Drove the Accord, RSX and others first; then bought the right car. I sit tall in my Camry at 61"; great view fore and aft. A rip racer that doubles as a sedan. Go get one!