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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  Small - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Dave - November 19 - 11:26 am

  My wife loved the Rav4 but I found it too small,the drivers seat would not go back far enough for my long legs. I am 63". Also the door panel and parking brake were in my way and the center console is too low. Interior needs a redesign. With only 4000 miles on it the dealers offered $10,000 less than I paid for it, o much for Toyota holding there value better than other makes. Traded for a Chevy Traverse and lost only $3500.

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  What a blast!!! - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By bmerton - November 19 - 10:00 am

  FredWirts review is way off the mark. As a matter of fact, I doubt he owns one (Cruise wasnt even available on the 2000! If he has it, it is aftermarket.) His problems are far out of the ordinary. Get the real story on the Spyder at www.spyderchat.com and ask the enthusiasts there. As for the guy with the 10K-15K tires...okay...sure. You can replace your tires with some excellent ones for less than $400 and pocket the difference between that and the extra $10-12K on the S2000. Dont know what kind of tires you had, but thats no reason to rate the car a 2-3 overall! :)

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  Cheap and Reliable town commuting - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By lostfido - November 19 - 10:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for two years now. Its not a bad little car overall. Im a chronically single computer geek, so the embarrassment in front of potential in-laws clause doesnt apply to me. :) I like my life. I dont have issues with the styling, so Im not going to comment on it. When I bought this car, my objectives were to get the cheapest possible car vs. potential durability. I like to think I achieved that by getting the cheapest model from a very reputable car maker. The basic model was sufficient for me: no cd player, no side-beam air bags, and etc. Besides its great for a fat person on a budget (like me!).

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  What youll get BUYING a USED Tundra - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By 1/2Tondra - November 19 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking to buy a Tundra I hope sharing my experience of two years with my 4X4 can help you. First, the 32 valve V8 is a powerful. Its not the biggest but it will take off like a rocket. Also, its better than owning a V6 and mileage is comparable... Best Hwy trip 20mpg. Average 17 to 18 mpg in town. I also tow my 5,000 pound camping trailer with ease. Thus, you will really be glad you got the V8 when pulling a boat or something. You will also smile everyday as you dominate most everyone else in daily driving.

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  Very Good Van - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By uskeatings - November 19 - 10:00 am

  We got our Sienna in 1999 when the new Honda van just came out. We couldnt even find one to test drive. We looked at the Sienna and the Villager and it was a no contest. This van is good to drive, allows flexible seating and storage, and is extremely durable. We just paid it off and are looking forward to driving it for another four years.

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  As Advertised - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By bearcrkrd - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Bought new, Thanksgiving weekend 2000. The reviews at that time of CR and Edmunds, especially Edmunds, were very accurate for the base model, 5spd, regular cab. I had a cold start problem about a month after purchase. Had it happen again about a year later. Learned to hold gas pedal down all the way while turning engine over. It starts about 10+ seconds later, sputters and smells for maybe 20 seconds, with small amount of light colored smoke just after starting. Then runs like nothing happened. These two incidents are it. The vehicle is mechanically new, with very little cosmetic damage.

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  CE 4cyl 5spd - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By bearcrkrd - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Bought new at the end of July, 01. Live in Seattle area, park outside, with some evergreens in the area. Keep car washed and waxed, and havent burned out on that, yet! Drive alone most of the time, 70% freeway, some stop and go. Had one cold start sputter a few months after purchase, which lasted about 15 seconds. No repeats since. Have had no mechanical problems with car. Is basically same as the day it came off the showroom floor. If I had a garage, it would be just like new. It is not a sports car, and if I drove it like one, I may not be as happy as I am.

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  Happy with my Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By BrianF - November 19 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is Great. Lots of room, the 4cyl has pep and gets great milage. Handles great and can make a U turn in half the space of the MAXIMA I traded in.

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By CBar - November 19 - 10:00 am

  its fun to drive . Toyota is good car. Its reliable .for a longtime

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  goooooooooood - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By ayman - November 19 - 10:00 am

  the best car i had ever seen