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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  Lovin our Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Texas YapYap - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Wife did her time in a worn 95 Volvo 850 wagon (now with 106K miles). With three kids that are no longer babies, we needed room for them and friends. She loves this car. I think the thing we love the most is how the car rides. Its just very, very comfortable.

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  hello dudes - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By vicki - April 7 - 2:00 am

  i love this vehicle

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  UNDER POWERED BIG TIME - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By stargazer32 - April 7 - 2:00 am

  This SUV has been reliable the gas milage varies 21-25 avg. It is very noisy when the engines revs high going up hills the trans works hard with many down shifts as the engine comes within a 100 RPMs of redline, very under powered.

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  toyota tundra 4x4 ltd acess cab- - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By bigdoggie - April 7 - 2:00 am

  MY 2002 tundra LTD access cab 4x4 seemed solid . The vehicle developed a pronounced vibration in front axle. This would vibrate floor boards and control pedals. The vibration would go away after vehicle was driven for 10 minutes or if 4 wheel drive was engaged. The dealer said problem was tires (bf goodrich rugged trail265/70/16). I told him to replace tires , he said this would not help- huh? The vehicle would wander all over the highway at 60mph and over! The seats were very uncomfortable (leather captains chairs) little or no lumbar support. The fold down armrests were too short - my arm kept falling off.

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  Great Small Car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By bing22 - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a 2003 Corolla CE, and so far I love this car. It feels solid, the ride is excellent and gas mileage is superb. The interior ergonomics are second to none. The controls are easy to reach and laid out well. The high seating position gives the driver a good field of vision. The engine is peppy and has enough power for the average driver. The exterior design is not cutting edge but it is modern. The car handles well except in high winds. But if you have driven an SUV the wind issue wont be a big deal. the ride is smooth and quiet. I would recommend the 2003 Corolla to anyone that wants a high quality inexpensive compact car.

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  Well worth the investment - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Kevin Sheldrick - April 7 - 12:36 am

  I purchased my Yaris hatchback in April 07. Have put 7500 miles on it already. Have had four people in it comfortably. Love it. My wife cannot wait for the Toyota Ractis, a very similar car to the Yaris, to be offered in the U.S.

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  Not what I hoped for - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By dan b. - April 6 - 9:30 pm

  Ive heard a lot about the fabled design and quality manufacturing of Toyota vehicles so I hoped for something better than I got with my old F-150. I was pretty disappointed. Im only 53" so Im not the typical driver but this is the most uncomfortable vehicle Ive ever driven. The wheel is too far away, the seat is uncomfortable and the headrest is of an incredibly awkward design. As far as build quality, the radio turns on by itself, one of the speaker grills rattles and the dashboard cup holder pops open occasionally. Id never buy another Toyota.

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  Love my 04 Rav4 4ever - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By MayDay - April 6 - 8:05 pm

  This was my first car purchase ever. I knew I wanted an SUV, but not a giant gas guzzler. I love that I can for the most part fit into most parking spaces. It does drive like a car. This car now has 130,000 miles and still going strong. I wish Toyota made them convertibles at that time bc then this would be my car forever. Ive always wanted a convertible SUV, which there is one available now, that I am considering getting. But I am so attached to my Rav. Good thing my brother is going to buy it from me, bc it definitely deserves a good home. It actually has good sound too. I sure am going to miss my Rav if I do end up selling it. Im fighting back tears as I write this review...sniff sniff.

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  2002 Rav4 AWD - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Sean Allio - April 6 - 5:30 pm

  An overall good vehicle. Disappointed with Toyotas decline in quality. Not what it was 10-15 years ago. Had no major problems just small ones. The power door locks went out around 50k miles. Hatch door latch pin broke. Weather stripping pulled loose on window. Very noisy engine. Gets good gas mileage if you are on top of pre-maintenance.

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  Outstanding Vehicle - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By SY - April 6 - 3:00 pm

  This Camry has been top-notch. It has saved my life twice in desperate situations by its agility and power, and kept me out of many potential situations. Its required only normal maintenance, with the exception of the axle boots. These tore, probably from one of the desperation moves. If you have a shimmy (between 50mph and 55, and widening with time) thats hard to diagnose, and the front end is tight, look to the boots. This car should make it to 300,000 now.