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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  All good for 40,000 but one thing - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By hampton - December 22 - 10:00 am

  GREAT SUV

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  Toyota MR2 Spyder - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Some1 - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Very fun and fast car to drive. The interior is not too roomy, but if you care for looks get this car. Not much cargo space either. Mazda Miata is the compteter of this car. This car is better thought because of its middle engine rear whell drive layout. This is used in most racing cars.

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  Best car ever - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By echoer - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I wouldnt give up for a Cadilac. It is however not real comfortable for extended amounts of time. I use it just as a to and from town/work car. For that purpose it is the best Ive ever driven. Its terrible in snow, sleet, rain, especially wind. But those days are few and far between. I would recommend this car to most anyone. Maybe not a teenager.

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  Not just another small sedan - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Stan - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Love the car!! Not because of price,but for exellent mpg,confort,use of space and fun to drive.Someone told me it looked like a spaceship!I said cool! Tired of the same old styles,i like it,kinda grows on you.Rides nice and quiet and has more than enough power for country and city driving.Toyota did a great job useing what interior space could be provided with its small size.Seems to have as much space or more than some bigger cars ive owned.Great view in the drivers seat! sits higher than most small cars.Dont be afriaid to try something different!! you may really like it,like i did.PS this is the first non american car i ever owned. Great Car.

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  Not just another small sedan - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By stan - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Love the car!! Not because of price,but for exellent mpg,confort,use of space and fun to drive.Someone told me it looked like a spaceship!I said cool! Tired of the same old styles,i like it,kinda grows on you.Rides nice and quiet and has more than enough power for country and city driving.Toyota did a great job useing what interior space could be provided with its small size.Seems to have as much space or more than some bigger cars ive owned.Great view in the drivers seat! sits higher than most small cars.Dont be afriaid to try something different!! you may really like it,like i did.PS this is the first non american car i ever owned. Great Car.

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  the best car besides a supra - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By cheech adn chong - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This is my first car and i am excited i have researched and found out i can turm my moms old family car into a storty sadan. I am only 14 but i have a crazy admeration for toyota because of how well they performe and the outstanding miles i will put on it. I have already started paying it off and putting money into it to make it nicer than it is. i have big plans for it and i know that it is a reliable car and a very good first. My goal is someday to have a Supra twin turbo V6 becoause it has broken all the rules for a car its perfect and its Toyota.

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  Better than any american made truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By monk - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I have had a few chevys and a ford and none of them came close to the comfort and solid feel of my Tundra. Those fancy new silveradoes, f150s and rams will be money pits in 6 years. That is the real test of a truck, not how it is new, but how it with 100k miles on it. I have no doubt about the tundra. The motor is made to last over 200k. Look at any of the high mileage landcruisers. If you are looking for a compact/full size this is by far the best thing on the market.

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  Im hooked and for good reason!!!!!! - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Linda Sullivan - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I must say that after driving a lincoln for many years. I am loving the ride and style of my Avalon and it compares to the lincoln quality in every way and the price could not be any better.I would recommend this car to every one I know and even those I do not.My friends are shocked at all the interior room of the Avalon and the smooth and quiet ride it has. So much so that two of them are going to purchase one for themselves.

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  Some comprimise - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By L. Y. - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Choosing looks over power is a comprimise you have to be willing to make.

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  A first version and need improvement. - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Biz - December 22 - 10:00 am

  In general, the car is great, nice looking, good handling, comfortable and a lot of room even in the back seat for the new generation giant kids. I own also a Volkswagen Jetta and I must confess that Toyota really impressed me with this new (Lexus made) Corolla 2003 it is finally reaching a step ahead its competitors. GOOD WORK!...