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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  Its a GoKart with Kick - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Spyder Man - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my MR2 Spyder since they first were released back in 6/00 and I was impressed with the exotic look of the body design and for the fact that it is a convertable. The car drives and makes turns like it was riding a rails. I have heard through rumors only that toyota might be making one with a Super Charger in it as well they should to enhance the performance of this Sports Car the way God had intended Sports Cars to be

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  Better than a Ford - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By prevaly - October 25 - 10:00 am

  This car is the most reliable car out there. I had this car for a long time. It never gave me any problem. I did not have to change anything on this car. I had the car oil change every 4,000 miles and it still run smoothly. I had a 98 ford before and it gave me nothing but problem. if you want reliable car pick a toyota.

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  Perfect on gas - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By Husam - October 25 - 10:00 am

  My first new car, after months of research. Accesstoyota is the best system, straight forward, excellent milage, I recommend to everyone.

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  V8 SR5 4Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mountain Man - October 25 - 10:00 am

  V8 has excellent acceleration for both city and highway driving but have experienced less than 13 mpg in normal city driving. Automatic transmission is so smooth you never notice it. Good handling and traction when in 4x4H in steep, deep muddy mountain roads and deep snow. Quick,smooth stopping brakes. Handling/cornering in city and highway driving has been suprisingly good for a true offroad capable vehicle. Basic stereo and CD system sounds great and you get to keep the handy cargo area back-up mirrors. Rear cargo space, while not generous, has proved to be adequate. Quality, fit & finish has lived up to its reputation - exceptional!

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  Very Good... but some problems. - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By ballin4runna - October 25 - 10:00 am

  just got my 03 4runner.It is extremely quiet inside, very powerful V6,good ride quality.But I had a squeaking noise coming from the engine. It started at about 1100 miles. The noise got louder when i accelerate and goes away as i decelerate. I spent 6 hours at the dealership trying to fix. And now the noise is back. Its like driving a huge freight train.Im having mixed feelings about toyota now. Its ridiculous for 1200 miles to have such a problem. Ive heard that it was a problem on all 03 V6s. And there isnt a solution yet.If anyone has this problem please respond!

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  longevity - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By single female - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I am in the process of buying another toyota. I bought my first one in 1985. At that time it was just called Extracab. Unfortunately I was in an accident April of this year and my truck was totaled with a 430,000 miles. I changed the oil every 3,000 miles, myself. I still was getting 25MPG and drove it about 500 miles per week. All this from a single female, not bad, huh?

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  Camry - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By genesmith - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car. Full featured. Looks and feels like a Lexus.

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  Taco - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Warren Sparrow - October 25 - 4:54 am

  Great truck for light hauling and towing,, good in snow up to about a foot

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  Awesome!! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By whitney - October 25 - 3:50 am

  I did a lot of research before buying, looked at all the players in the full size truck market and decided on the Tundra. The others couldnt touch the styling and reliability of Toyota. Getting 15 mpg so far but only on the second tank of gas. This truck drives and handles great, excellent comfort and no road noise. I love this truck!!

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  Great reliable car! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Chris - October 25 - 2:43 am

  Great reliable car, especially a car for your first. Great fuel economy of the manual transmission (which I have) of highway of 40 mpg. It is comfortable. Have had no problems with it. I have S model, so it looks nice with sport package.