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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  Fun to drive - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Trisha424 - April 13 - 7:23 pm

  This is the best car I have EVER owned. I love it. Its all around great car. Its extremely reliable & dependable. I just wish the rear seats had air conditioning instead of heat. I live in Arizona so air condition is more of a necessity.

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  From Access cab to Double cab - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Bob Jordan - April 13 - 11:36 am

  In July 2003 we traded an 02 Accord EX-L for an 03 Tundra Access cab. Our children in car seats would just barely fit and the back of the rear seat was almost straight up. Last July the 4X4 03 had 5500 miles and listed for $30,300. We traded for a 2X2 04 double cab that listed for $29,600 and paid $4100 out the door. The dealer put about $24,000 in our old truck and so far still has it on their lot (over 5 months) So far I do not miss the 4X4 and could not be better satisfied. The truck is quiet, smooth and tough. There is plenty of bed space as well as rear seat room. The windshield wiper motor is too loud and the air direction controls seem kinda clunky. Otherwise no complaints.

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  Affordable, Reliable, Economical... - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By Dinorah - April 13 - 11:16 am

  When we first purchased the car, it was for my son to use to get to and from school. Rising insurance and gas prices have pushed me to utilize the vehicle more often. Ive seen that in the past few months I have been using our Corolla more than my son! The car is a perfect, not overdone or underdone, combination of performance, value, and comfort. It just works! Id recommend this car for anyone.

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  Love the truck - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Kenny - April 13 - 5:10 am

  Have enjoyed many long trips, 1k miles, spend most of my day in it, always comfortable, easy to change settings.

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  Better than expected - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By r.a.russell - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Although the fuel economy leaves much to be desired. The overall quality of the Land Crusier is better than my Mercedes ML and my previous 500 SEL. The truck is very solid and responsive and goes like a donkey while off road. I would recommend this truck to both the luxury buyer and also one to have fun with. The best SUV that I test drove, and I test drove most of them.

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  184,000 miles and still going - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By plano-chuck - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Camry V6 LE new in 1993. After 184,000 miles, its still going strong. Other than routine maintenance and replacement of normal wear & tear components, everything is still original in my car like muffler, radiator, CV boots, etc. Drove this car in northeast snow days and Texas summer heat; no problems.

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  Capable Family 4wd - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By jbg4wd - April 13 - 2:00 am

  After months of research, we traded our Extra Cab Tacoma for a loaded SR5 Sequoia. I am convinced that this truck offers the best value and capability in a true off-road 7 pass. vehicle. If you have the mini-van heebeegeebees, check out the sequoia, if you have a growing family, but do not want to give up your off road adventures, check out the Sequoia.

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  Evaluation - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By J. Bell - April 13 - 2:00 am

  The truck rides like as SUV - very smooth. I have done no repair on it yet - there has been no need. This is a great highway and offroad truck.

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  GREAT CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Daniel L - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my Solara and I love it! It is a fun car to drive for the price. I was amazed at the quality of the vehicle. I have owned many Toyotas and this is the most well made car for the price!

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  Solara: Toyota or Lexus? - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By J. L. Mackey - April 13 - 2:00 am

  This automobile has been outstanding since the first day. My wife and I have owned eight or so Toyotas and they have all been very reliable and of high quality. This one however, exceeds all previous autos. It,s a hoot to drive, has power to spare and looks like a design for the future (not some outdated style from the last ten years). Great value for the money. Go test drive one!