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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  Really good, solid car - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By michelito - September 30 - 4:10 am

  I drive it everyday as my commute car, but have taken it on long trips (more than 3000 miles) and it is a great car. Have been in dirt roads and drives well. Feels almost like a car, but you are higher.

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  Sienna Symphony worth the ride! - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By net2tech - September 29 - 10:00 am

  We looked at quite a few minivans and finally selected three, Honda, Mazda MPV and Toyota Sienna. Honda was little too big, tough to park and noisy at highways. Pluses were the Honda reputation and engine. minus were Honda sales guys. Mazda MPV is a great van. has a very steady car like ride, crisp handling and great price. We didnt go for it because of the third row, which is not really comfortable during long rides. So finally we looked at Toyota Sienna..We were pleasently surprised. The ride is smooth. The inside is very quiet especially with a sleeping baby.

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  4Runner is solid - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By mort - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a 2000 Explorer after the steering rack and rear wiper motor broke. The rotors needed servicing at 20k as well and then the whole tire thing... Its been a while but I suspect my nephews Big Wheel rides better than that Ford XLT. Found a 98 4Runner SR5 with 25k miles on it, I expect to keep it 10 years. Other makes have more power and features, but these toyotas just plain last.

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  Great Car!! - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jitenbm - September 29 - 10:00 am

  A really fun car to drive. And very reliable, comfortable and safe. But for the economy (what do u expect from a V6?!), a great buy.

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  A Real Pleasure - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Morton - September 29 - 10:00 am

  This is my third lease. In 7 years I have not lost a days work because of mechanical reasons. Reliability is a 10 in my book. Great over all vehicle.

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  Niosey Rav4 ... - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Vernie - September 29 - 10:00 am

  The SUV has been a good vehicle up to this point( I only have 12,000 miles on it). However the NOISE factor is annoying. Specifically, the BUZZ thats somewhere in the dash that the dealer cant find. Ive had it in the shop twice and they couldnt find, let alone repair the problem. Intrestingly, when they told me it was fixed and ready to go the second time the BUZZ (not a rattle) was as alive and well as before it was "repaired". At that point I knew that it would be pointless to take it in again for this problem.

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  Waiting for 2003 - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By 132 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  My 2001 has 37000 miles and Im waiting to buy a new 2003 as soon as they are out. After having my GMC Yukons and Suburbans lose half their value in a year, Im happy to see the current resale values. My only problems are like many others -- handling in the wind and the snow, excessive tire wear and the goofy Traction system. I have had no other complaints, I really enjoy driving this SUV.

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  A total new impression of boring Toyota - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By lnc - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I testdrove both V6 and 2.4 4cyl models, it showed the difference on a demanding hills, but Toyota did a good job tuning this 2.4l engine, it roars a bit louder, but the power does not drain out at all. So I went ahead and bought the cheaper model. The cabin is impressively quiet crusing on the road, the interior is roomy, nicely designed with a lot of useful storage rooms, and the comfortable driving position is easily found with every button easily reached.

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  Great vehicle for the price! - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By d. raffey - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely loved this vehicle when I first drove it. I got a year end blow out deal from the dealer so I paid a good price for this upper class SUV. Great performance and handling as well as build quality. Excellent reliability. The only knocks I can see are the fuel economy (ave. 23mpg) and the poorly located and impractical cupholders between the two front seats. But all in all the best vehicle that I have ever owned. Will defnitely purchase one again!

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  My 2nd Land Cruiser - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Tex Reed - September 28 - 9:43 am

  These SUVs are incredible to drive, well-made and free of mechanical problems. Ive never even had a shake, rattle, or roll in the two (new) Ive owned. I cant say that about my past ownership of (new) Porsches, Corvettes, Mercedes, Fords, Chevys, VWs, Chryslers, or Pontiacs.