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:

• 

  Just picked it up. - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By sneuman - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I purchased because of the great lease from Chase Bank on this car for 39 months. Check it out. Slower then my Radio but some nicer features such as sliding rear window, nicer leather, and more room. Warranty needs to be longer. Tons of room. Easy to use controls. My 2nd Toyota, I could fit my first one into the back.

• 

  Great car, but not perfect - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By CelicaAgain - April 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my 4th Toyota that I have owned, and it is my 2nd Celica. My first Celica was a 1989, and the memory of it was somewhat responsible for me going back to a Celica. This model is much more stylish in my opinion. It performs and handles much better than its predecesor as well. I guess my major complaint about this model is the lack of comfort on longer road trips. After about an hour in this car, my back is in noticable pain and I cannot wait for my drive to be completed. Mechanically, I expect this car to be as good as my earlier version, which is exceptional. The price was right for what you get on this model, I just wish that Toyota had put more thought into seat comfort.

• 

  Nervous Handler - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By dxxb2000 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  It has been reliable for the most part-some strange electrical issues. The handling and braking have been dangerously sub-par, requiring that I upgrade tires and brakes. Ive driven many cars and although its been a great econo daily driver, I have been disappointed with its driveability.

• 

  Celica - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By Didi - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Great little car. 40,000 miles and not a problem at all. Excellent car for going to and from work in style.

• 

  Ill keep this car forever. - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By Speedball9 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Celica in March 2000 and I have enjoyed it every day since. Despite a few minor flaws (plastic interior molding near seats scratches easily and the powerband is too high), this is an incredible car. The sound of the engine (especially after adding a Rod Millen air intake) is by far my favorite feature. The layout of the inside was very well done. Having all of the controls in reach while still keeping your hands on the wheel and stick is very helpful. I definitely plan on keeping this car for a long time.

• 

  1996 TOYOTA CAMRY - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By petch22 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  VERY RELIABLE AND WORTH EVERY PENNY !!!!

• 

  Nothing but trouble - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Big Allen - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Had nothing but trouble. Went back to dealership 3 times. Looking at lemon law now.

• 

  2 Sets of Brakes - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By HBR - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Overall pleased with the vehicle after one year, but have been through one set of brakes and routers and are having problems again. A friend of mine is having the same problem with his LandCruiser. This was not covered by warranty as it was deemed "normal wear and tear" despite the fact that the car only had 15,000 miles. Dealer said they had them in at 9,000 miles before. Otherwise very pleased with vehicle.

• 

  1999 Toyota 4Runner - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Dgaines - April 25 - 10:00 am

  A rough yet elegant SUV! Plenty of cargo space and a nice smooth ride! Great all around vehicle! My dream machine…I love it!

• 

  GOOD BUY - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By REDSOLARA - April 25 - 10:00 am

  GREAT CAR FOR THE PRICE. THOUGHT ABOUT BUYING THE ACURA 3.2 TYPE S, BUT THE TOYOTA WAS A MUCH BETTER DEAL. TOYOTA OF ORLANDO GAVE A GOOD PRICE DUE TO VOLUME SALES. DRIVES GOOD, COMFORTABLE INTERIOR, NICE MOONROOF, GOOD JBL SOUND, COMFORTABLE PERF. LEATHER.