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 car for the money - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By KatD1Kat - October 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car for the money. Its a combination of an SUV/Sport Sedan vehicle. Interior is very sporty (XR MODEL) and very spacious given its size. Engine has a lot of pep, its kicken 180 horses and its only a 4 cylinder. Engine is very quiet as well. As for reliability, all I can say is that "its a Toyota.

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  I look at it out the window all day.... - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4Runner - October 30 - 2:00 am

  The looks of this vehicle first attracted me, but the test drive SOLD me! Warning - do not test drive this vehicle unless you have the money to purchase...! (Hint - if you are planning to purchase a Yukon - do NOT test drive the 4Runner....you will be disappointed!!!

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  2003 4Runner SR5 V8 - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Pocketcam - October 30 - 2:00 am

  First "foreign car" in 25 years. One month of ownership, 1100 miles: Overall an excellent design. Powerful, nimble and fun to drive. Ample cargo capacity contrary to what you may have heard or read. Behaves predictably and sure-footed off-road. Surprisingly quiet and smooth ride.

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  Its good to be back with Toyota - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pierceu2 - October 30 - 2:00 am

  The last toyota I owned, a 1983 pick up had over a quarter of a million miles on it when I sold it , and was in about the same shape as the 2000 nissan I bought to replace it with after only 60,000 miles. I strayed away for a cheaper price in 1999 and wound up payed the price in the long run. Its good to be back in a solid riding vehicle again that I can drive and drive with no worries.

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  THE BEST SUV! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By conson - October 30 - 2:00 am

  TOO NOISY WHEN WINDOWS DOWN AT HIGHWAY SPEED.

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  this the best yet - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By ln - October 30 - 2:00 am

  love the rid efit and finish there is no better quality than toyota

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  GREAT CAR - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By James B - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I lvoe my Camry. I have had probs with it, but that lies with teh dealership, Toyota 101. But the car is excellent. I like how it has 8 speakers,especially the ones on the top dashboard. Music quality is good with JBL. Overall this is a great car. It smoother than my other car, a 840ci BMW. This is a great car. I love it and would recommend it. The new design is a lot better than the old 2001 version. Rides like a luxary car and cant be any better. Truely the best camry yet!

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  Happy Avalon Owner! - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Rick S. - October 29 - 2:03 pm

  After having rented the Avalon 3 times for trips that each exceeded 1100 miles, for me, it was a no brainer to purchase this car. In April I choose the the 2007 Avalon Limited w/Navigation. Pros: roomy interior, comfortable ride and build fit and finish. Cons: replace joy-stick navigation with the touch screen interface. (Our 2005 Camry XLE has the touch screen nav and it is much easier to use.) Overall: the fact that every Avalon I rented performed flawlessly was the first sign this was probably going to be a great car to own. So far I have had nothing change my mind.

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  simply amazing - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Mike - October 28 - 9:20 pm

  This was my very first purchase of a Toyota vehicle and I am simply amazed...by everything from the friendly and cooperative salesmen to the overall quality and value of this car. I was so impressed with this vehicle I actually found myself trying to find something not to like. I Thought to myself well this car cant be that good, can it? Well that is just nutty. This is the perfect car for me, in fact I look at it as a gift. I know that may sound a little strange or perhaps sappy but that is exactly how I feel, like it or not. Assuming Toyota continues with this level of quality and affordability, I will be a customer for life.

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  Great truck - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ricky - October 28 - 1:16 pm

  I have had this truck for two years now. Great truck. Very comfortable to drive. Good power when pulling boat. Had to have windshield trim replaced. About 20mpg. Very happy with this truck.