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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  Average SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By p1 - January 29 - 9:50 am

  This vehicle is underpowered, and in my opinion, was designed primarily for soccer moms transporting kids to and from the field/mall. It was not designed for trailer towing. We tow a 4000# trailer in the warmer months and the vehicle has a very hard time doing it. In trying to pass a slow moving vehicle let alone just accelerate, the engine makes a lot of noise but nothing happens. We are well within the towing limits of the vehicle given trailer weight, passenger/cargo weights etc. We already get bad gas mileage so having a larger engine really wouldnt change things; we would just get more power out.

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  2002 Toyota Camry LE - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By amarone1973 - January 29 - 7:56 am

  I have owned many cars at many price points (eg Chrys 300M, BMW 325I, Cadi STS, VW Passat) most brand new, this is by far the BEST value for your buck. I have owned this car from the start, no problems what so ever NONE. Original tires went 90KM, everything else is 100% original and have well over 150km (95Miles) and not a penny spent. Change my fluids, and treat the car normal. I expect well over 400KM like a friend has. I totally would re-buy again. See you in another 5-10 years Toyota!!

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  great van - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By moonbeam - January 29 - 2:00 am

  great van to own-comfortable,luxury, value

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  Highlander Hybrid Excels - 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By jjdrvr - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Recently purchased 2011 Highlander Hybrid limited after owning 2006 same model. Hugh improvement in driving/riding experience. Also transition from gas to hybrid a lot smoother and less noticeable than previous car. Really like few changes made to car appearance although wasnt initially sure about limited grill (like it now). Hope reliability will be as great as my 2006.

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  Falling apart - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Timothy - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in August of 2001. Already, this car has been plagued with problems. Ive had to replace a CV boot, the leather stitching is coming undone, it thumps around turns, the interior rips or snaps while installing aftermarket speakers, the paint peels off on the hubs, and burns oil like the taliban to the American flag. I will have to sell it soon, because it fails emissions.

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  toyota - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By grh - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned several 4wd ext cabs in the past this is by far the most enjoyable and best built of them all. Could use a little bigger back seat , and for the price should have abs standard. Excellent vehicle .

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  I Love This Car! - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rachel - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This is my first car, Im 16 years old, and I love it! It handles incredibly well, is fun to drive, and has an especially good driving position. Its not too small, just big enough, a perfect car for anyone. Kind of a gas guzzler, but still, a great car. I highly recommend it to anyone!

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  Sienna -- Perfect moving appliance - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By TIPSTER - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Love the mini van -- can not go wrong. May not have the excitment of others but so what. I want a family car that is reliable, safe to drive and is decent in every other area. I know the design of the Toyota is a little dated and it can not fit a 4x8 wood sheet in the back, but when was the last time you needed to haul whole plywood sheets around. It has plenty of use for 99% of the time. We tested the Chryler and it had a plusher ride but came up way short in many other area.

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  Beachcomber Review - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Beachcomber - January 29 - 2:00 am

  - Excellent craftsmanship and performance for the money. - Handles like a dream and is fun to drive. Hugs the road. - Very roomy interior, much like a larger vehicle. Well placed interior - easy to reach. - Great gas mileage! - Excellent safety features.

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  christines Matrix - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By bunnyma - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I love it