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 SUV, needs better tow hitch - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Ed - October 21 - 1:23 am

  I have the V-6 with tow package and factory 3500 lb hitch installed. A standard length tow bar will not work because of the rear mounted tire and even if the tire was not there, the hitch is recessed quite a bit from the end of the bumper.

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  Super satisfied - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Frog - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Drove it 4300 miles in six days after 9/11 ferrying emergency personel for government organization. Averaged over 700 miles a day. Stopped only to change oil. Never a problem. This is fifth Toyota in our family since 1968. Wife still drives 1988 Corolla and swears by it.

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  The limo of SUVs - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By C. Elliott - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Yes it is a nice ride. For the size of the vehicle, the feul economy is ok (still is better than the Tahoe, Suburban, Excursion, and Expedition) but the rest so far has been excellent. Fun and comfortable to drive too.

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  Wow - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By John Quinton - October 20 - 10:00 am

  THis car was an excellent vehicle. It rode well, handled all roads well that Ive been on... I would give this car an A plus for its price and its dealing.

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  An Excellent Choice - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pequot - October 20 - 10:00 am

  It was a little pricey, but I have found it to live up to my expectations.

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  The Best - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By David3427 - October 20 - 10:00 am

  The best, most complete vehicle I have ever purchased.

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  One Tough Truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Natphog - October 20 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Tacoma. Traded in 2001 extra cab for double cab as I needed more room, which I love. Toyotas reliability and fact that I had no problems on 2001 with over 35000 miles on it was main reason for trading. Dealer made an offer that was much better than I expected. I considered other trucks and some SUVs, but Toyotas quality and chance of fewer problems was deciding factor.

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  Better than the rest - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By steven davis - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Compared to sentra and civic,The Corolla wins hands down.Bigger more powerful engine,Roomier,Larger stance and tires.Timing chain opposed to civics belt is why I purchased it.A freind has a sentra he popped his hood We compared engines My corolla engine was simple to look at.His sentra was a mess of hoses and wires.We couldnt even find the oil filter!

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  CANT SAY ENOUGH GOOD THINGS - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By JOHNNY NEWELL - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I CANNOT SAY ENOUGH GOOD THINGS ABOUT OUR 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA LE. SO FAR NO PROBLEMS AT ALL. THE CAR GETS GREAT GAS MILAGE, HAS A COMFORTABLE, QUIET RIDE AND MY WIFE AND I LOVE THE NEW STYLING. FROM THE TIME THE 2003 COROLLA CAME OUT I WANTED ONE, SO IN AUGUST 2002 I BOUGHT ONE AND I DONT REGRET IT AT ALL.

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  do they get any better, just a bit - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By sleeper - October 20 - 10:00 am

  when i bought this van my big concern was cargo room behind third row seats, and this toy has that in spades. when i went to buy i took four vans out for a drive; the pontiac, the toyota, the dodge grand and the honda. on the twisty road that i chose to drive none could stack up to the toy. the dipstick tube however left a brown gritty deposit on the end of the dipstick, i had the toyota people replace the tube but the new tube left the same deposits. i was assured that this substance was not rust and was nothing to worry abought...i dont know. my other beef is that when i bought it the fitted rubber floor mats were not availible.