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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  Love a Hybrid - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By earth - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I chose the Prius over the Honda Civic Hybrid after much homework and I am glad I selected the Prius.Currently,I have 5,000 miles on it,just returnilg from a trip to the Ozarks and the Smokies;the car handled very well on the interstate mountains,even at 85 m.p.h.--had to keep up with the semis.I am exceeding the m.p.g.rating,averaging around 51 combination city and highway-- most miles are interstate.The 04 model sounds even better;I do not think that I will ever buy another car unless it is a hybrid,so clean and economical.I love to drive by the service stations!

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  Good value - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By ilovemycorolla - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Great fuel economy, reliable,looks good,great car and a comfortable ride.

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  Love my corolla - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By Dee Bee - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I think it is the most fuel efficient, reliable and hassle free compact car I could own for a competent price that too. I am glad I decided to buy it.

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  Very happy with mine - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By compguy - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Now has 40K. Perfect size for me and my outdoor activities. I wouldnt want to be 6+ in the drivers seat. We take 2 kids camping with adequate room for kids and gear. Firm suspension but I wanted something to take 4 wheelin in the back country in Colorado - excellent there. Drives nice to me on the highway. Rarely need to use FWD in snow storms in the mountains. About 23 MPG from Grand Junction to Denver OVER the rockies / 19-20 around town - great for an SUV. I asked my mechanic about Toyotas before I bought one. Said I wouldnt see him much any more but when I do it will cost me. Good fit and finish, hasnt needed anything but oil changes in 40K.

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  This is a Great Car ! - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By BOBA - May 2 - 10:00 am

  The car overall has preformed Great. We have not had any problems.

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  Nice little car. - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By zeusjuice - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I totalled my precious 1997 Geo Prizm Lsi in April and bought the 2003 Corolla LE shortly thereafter. I have been happy with the car in the two months Ive owned it. I have to agree with most of the comments in previous reviews. The comments made about it in the wind are all valid, it does seem to be affected a lot by a strong gust. However, so do a lot of other cars out there. A bigger engine option would be nice without having to go to the ugly Matrix. So far Ive gotten the sticker gas mileage or better, which is nice. Overall, I am very satisfied with the car. If you want a small car that is inexpensive but doesnt feel cheap, try Corolla.

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  Drives like a car - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By mlm - May 2 - 10:00 am

  New Sienna is 2 days old and its amazing how quiet the engine is !!! Drives just like a car and the steering wheels are so easy to handle. MSRP is what I paid and although there werent any dealer incentives since its brand new and its more expensive than some other minivans out there in the market, I found COMPLETE satisfaction in the Sienna.

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  This is the van every family should have - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Chanh - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I am lucky that I had to wait for only 2 weeks to get my new van. It is silver with LE (7 seats) with Package 7. The ride is so smooth. Sienna 2004 is the best right now.

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  Room to spare - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Harvey - May 2 - 5:23 am

  After extensive research I replaced my BMW with what I considered a perfect alternative to driving fun. My wife needed hip surgery and a new car. Try falling into the abyss of a ground level 325is front seat. I considered the 2006 Avalon; roomy, peppy and feature packed... Dont forget the reliability. Then the 2007 Camry arrived. Enough research! She loves it. Its red, looks great and shes comfortable. Best of all she smiles when driving it. I close my eyes make engine noises and pretend I spent $15,000 more on a new 525. Occasionally the Nav system and convenience filter into my consiousness and I smile too.

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  167,000 miles bought at auction - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Dana - May 2 - 2:33 am

  I bought this car at a auction with 130,000 miles. I have driven from SC to FL and SC to VA countless times. Now with 167,000 miles still runs great no problems at all! Very roomy, and fun to drive, looks great inside/outside. Im sold on toyota! I really dont want to sell it but with a baby I really need an SUV or sedan.