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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  New Celica - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By Ladypug - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I have only had it for a day but love it so far.

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  I Love My Tacoma - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By RotiEatter - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I love my truck. I drive a 92 Civic with a motor swap and such...its a nice truck though...wish I had gotten the V6 though...:(

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  good review - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By tammylee - January 11 - 2:00 am

  No major problems with the corolla.

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  love it second wife - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By TITO - January 11 - 2:00 am

  its fun to drive and the power when it hits 6000 rpm and all the aftermarket stuff wow have fun matrixs onwers!! PS HONDA EAT YOUR HEART OUT WITH THIS CAR

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  3 TUNDRAS - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By JIM C. - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I OWN A 2000/ 2001 AND NOW A 2003 TUNDRA 2 WHEEL AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE. THEY HAVE BEEN TROUBLE FREE EXCELLENT VEHICLES. TIME IN THE SHOP HAS ONLY BEEN FOR THE $19.95 OIL AND FILTER CHANGE IN 20 MINUTES AT OUR LOCAL DEALER.

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  2003 4Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By rstebie - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Great improvement over the 97 I traded in. Love the V8. Wonderful features inside. This car is loaded with goodies I didnt know it had until I had it a few days. The price was about the same as the 97 and it is three times the truck. I hate to call it a truck it has such a great ride. Cant beat the Toyota, Ive had 8 Toyotas sence 1989 and the trade in value cant be beat

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  Best Buy By Far - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By childr - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I drove every mid-size SUV on the market and none could really compete up to the level of the 4 Runner. Great looks and the muscle of a full-size SUV. Im not real fond of the dash, the Highlander and Montero have a much nicer look, but it stops right there. The ride and handling cannot be beat. Very comfortable around the city or on a long drive. Power that WILL put you back in your seat. If your looking for a mid-size SUV this one cant be beat!

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  Excellent! - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Pat_Camry - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I have a 91 camry and it is at 302,000 and still running great. My other car is a 2000 camry and Im hoping that it will treat me the same as the 91!! A great car to count on!!

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  My new XSE - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Harry Winters - January 11 - 1:32 am

  This is my second Camry. I have always owned Fords prior to my first Camry and will probably never go back. My first Camry was an XLE and my wife loved it. I wanted one a little more sporty so got the XSE model and it delivers. I looks great and handles like a dream. The V6 is powerful enough to get you out of any situation you may encounter. I love the new instrumentation. It is better then the XLE I had. The XM radio is as good as any I have ever had. The fuel economy is within reason of other cars in its class. The only thing I can say I dont like is the road noise on the interstate at 70-80mph. It seems a little loud in the cabin when trying to listen to the radio or have a conversation. It is within reason though because I drove a Cadillac before getting the XSE and the Caddy was just as noisy and a lot more money. The seats in the XSE are a little more restrictive then the previous XLE but I chalked that up to the sport package. I also chauffer two grand children around and the back seat room is great for them. All in all the Camry is a good deal for the money.

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  Erratic behavior - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Robert Borden - January 11 - 1:20 am

  Toyota may have computerized the engine and transmission to get better gas mileage but the very best I can get is 25 mpg on the highway. My 1999 Camry got 30 mpg on the highway. While in cruise control and going up a slight incline the transmission is constantly shifting and the rpm goes up and down by as much as 1500 rpm. While driving on a straight and level road at about 40 mph the transmission is changing gears. I have been to the dealer a number of times and the response is "that is the way it was designed". I feel uncomfortable driving this car and will get rid of it.