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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  a true keeper - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By praiznhym4ever - September 4 - 7:26 pm

  I bought my 94 corolla DX back in 07, my aunt was going to buy a brand new camery and the dealership was only going to give her $1,400 on trade for her corolla. me at the time was driving a 99 kia sportage wich when i bought it i really thought it was a very nice looking suv. but thats all that was good about my sportage. it was a money pit! so I bought this corroalla from my aunt wich she had bought this car brand new. it only had like 104,000 miles on it and like 14 yrs old at the time. and @187,000 and no plans of trade in no leaks uses no oil how ever i did change the oil from reg. 10-30 to 10-30 synthetic blend. great car not afraid to take it anywhere.

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  OUT-FREAKING-STANDING - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By t - September 4 - 7:20 pm

  I love this van. I have never been one to drive a van, but this sucker is GREAT!!! It has accommodated me and my family to the fullest extent. Dependable and long lasting. Buy yours today!!!

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  Dont buy a Totota Tundra!!! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By ll liveoak - September 4 - 5:40 pm

  Do not make the same mistake that I made! My pickup has been in the shop for 3 months of the 10 months that I have owned it. At present Toyota is replacing the airbag sensors and the 6 speed transmission. Also, I now understand that the tailgate will need to be replaced due to design errors. Toyota has never built a full size pickup before and it may be years before they get it right. Dont take the chance like I did or you may fegret it. Also, they do not hold their value because Toyota is now discounting them to get rid of them. Leonard Liveoak

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  Good Commuter car - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By barc77 - September 4 - 2:33 pm

  Have owned this Corolla S for 7 years, purchased new. The car is very reliable, always starts, and runs good with 76,000 miles. Only had scheduled maintenance done so far, except for a broken vent (covered under warranty). The car eats brakes, they have always felt soft, and the rear drums never seemed to self adjust. It also eats tires, and always pulls left even after being aligned. Gas mileage is 25-30 MPG city, and gets close to the advertised 40 MPG straight highway driving. It does well with a small amount of snow 1-3 inches. Not a lot of power, especially with A/C on, and no room in the rear seat. Overall a very good, reliable commuter car. I would buy from Toyota again.

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  Simply The Best - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By budzkie - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Toyota reliability is top notch. This SUV is better than its more expensive cousins. The style is timeless. Handling is as good as a car. I get 18MPG on this, better than its lower priced cousins.

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  Fun to Drive - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By fanatic - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Great family vehicle for urban adventure. Good vehicle size. Great fit and finish. Comfortable ride for a truck platform based SUV. Great paint. Fair sound system. Love the dual AC with climate control. Sturdy well- built. Topnotch quality. Safe vehicle. But not perfect. See improvement suggestions.

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  I love what you do for me - TOYOTA - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Joyce Camardo - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my spyder yesterday- and love it. I am 54- and finally have the sports car of my dreams!!!!!!!!

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  My Celica - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By Leopardchik18 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  This car is perfect for the people that love sporty cars. By adding the action package, youll increase the stares that you get from other drivers. Its a great Car!

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  the 2003 1.8 liter gts celica - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By tony/jyz125s - September 4 - 10:00 am

  fast great proformance good shift time and clutch ,got the stock cd player and the factory speakers really sound good for being factory

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  Identity Crisis - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By redpill - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Basically I love my new Matrix, will you? Who knows! I can say that you will at least love a few things that it does, and maybe even hate a few. It does almost everything you would like a car to do and more. Not a bad deal for 20,000!