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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  Great Car - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By kramtrebor - January 13 - 5:20 pm

  Weve had the Prius for a month and love it. I am a big guy, but I feel I have room without cramping space. Mileage has been about 40 for the first 600 miles. I cant seem to get more than that. Most of my driving is local stop-and-go.

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  Versatile sporty car 2003 XRS 2wd - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By matthewinaz - January 13 - 12:19 pm

  I purchased used from a friend with 90k miles and now has 160k miles and not one problem with it. There is so much room in this car. When it was 150K miles I did preventative maintance on it myself(saves money). Front struts, radiator hoses, spark plugs, all fluids, serpintine belt and tentioner

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  Best Yet - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Big Pebble - January 13 - 11:53 am

  With a new house I wanted a pre-runner so I could haul things for projects, but it wouldnt fit in my garage so I went with the RAV4 and Ive never regretted it. Yeah I cant haul 4x8 sheets of plywood around, but just about everything else. Its been a lot of fun to drive on vacation and business trips (especially with XM on board). From the moment I bought this I knew it was the right vehicle for me. And with gas prices soaring, its 29 MPG is smart.

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  This Just Might be the Perfect Car - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By bobbybob - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car with 29K and so far I am very impressed. The same stopping distance from 60 MPH as a Porsche GT3 a $99K car. Very quick and corners like its on rails. 34 MPG is great. Its a Toyota so it is going to be reliable.

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  A timely choice - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By gretchen - January 13 - 10:00 am

  We pay (today, 4/21/04) $2.35.9 per gallon of regular gas. Our old car (94 Jeep Grand Cherokee), which we had loved, got at 14 mpg. Our 04 Prius is satisfactory in every aspect. Fun to drive, frisky, great on hills, roomier than the Jeep (yes!), and the gas mileage is great - averaging about 45 mpg on our (mostly short) trips. WE JUST LOVE IT!

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  Excellent Auto - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Robert E. Wozna - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the 2004 Prius since October, 2003. Since then, have delighted in driving it. Live in Central NY State and took it to Florida. Drove 5 miles above speed limit (up to 75 MPH) and had absolutely no trouble. My in-laws live in the Adirondack Mountains of NY State. Have visited there in January,2003 and February, 2004. Car started there in temperatures of minus 36 and minus 31, respectively. No problem.

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  Greatest SUV,tried all noother as good - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By dsj - January 13 - 10:00 am

  The Sequoia 4WD Limited is an awesome SUV. It drives like a car. Handles like a car and has unbeleivable horsepower. Everytime you look down you are going 90. Cruise control is a good thing. The ONLY complaint is the blind spot in the drivers mirror. Other than that it is just the greatest. We test drove all the SUVs VW toureg, Posrche cayenne, Chevrolet tahoe & suburban. Money was not an issue comfort, horsepower and room were. And the best thing is it IS USA made, USA parts & USA manufactured.

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  Abbys Review - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By meikasmom - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I have two young children and used to own a 1999 Tahoe. After my Husband died in August 2003 I decided to trade in that truck for the Sequoia. It is a beautiful and comfortable ride. It is large yet it is just right for my femininity. I put rims on it and spoiled it out a little. It is truly an eye catcher.

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  Excellence - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By James Beran - January 13 - 10:00 am

  What can I say? Everything works like a charm. There are no leaks, pops, squeeks...you name it. The mileage increases dramatically when you get real gasoline outside of the city. Crusing at 69 mph for two hours gave me an average economy of 30.4. A15 minute drive in the city gave me 28. That drops with reformulated gasoline in the city so far to make me concerned. But it is the gasoline and not the car.

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  Good Buy - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Kea - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This car does not have the best pickup but it rides smoothly and maneuvers well.