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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  Reliable but dull - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By SeanM - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Its like a lifted corolla. Safe, reliable but dull. Looks OK but has the power of a hair dryer.

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  jim - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jfarrell - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Runs terrific with good pick-up and handleing. Front wheel drive.

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  A dream car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Bhaight - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Though we have only had our Prius for a month, we are completely sold on it. It is fun to drive, has a sharp turning radius and corners well, and is easy to park. We plan to order a second one soon, knowing that delivery will be maybe almost two years away. We keep finding little extras like the light that shows one where they are stepping as they exit in the dark. Our overall mpg at this time is over fifty on the highway and over sixty in town for an average of 53.6 mpg.

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  the best i ever had - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By cat20032 - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I love my avalon it is the best i have ever driven.

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  glt - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By chucknbarb - October 21 - 10:00 am

  the toyota tacoma double cab is all you expect and more.more interior room than the similiar dodge dakota,more pickup than the nissan and ford and chevy are so far behind the curve-oh well.the truck interior wears well with the driver and passengers as it rides like a car with all the comfort and more room of most cars its size.you could go on and on about this vehicle but i believe a movie statement from MIB says it all--the best of the best of the best,sir.....

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  Sublime Car - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Toyotafan_2004 - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Just owned the car for 2 weeks. Compared with ES330 and thought would buy ES but finally bought Solara SLE V6 with Nav. The ride feel is very much like ES but has no transmission issues reported by ES owners. Engine is the same as the ES. When comparing with Camry XLE V6, one can immediately tell the difference. XLE does not have the luxury ride feel as the SLE does. Plus SLE is a 2-year newer design with audio control buttons on the steering wheel, compared with ES and XLE.

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  love this truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By brianinvegas - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I got an accident settlement and was looking for a while and test drove the prerunner and knew this is the truck, I like the handling, suspension on the trd interior and body style has good accerlation and decent fuel economy for a v6

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  Solid Built Vehicle - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Obadiah - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Our second Toyota. Previous Toyota had 154k miles on it with NO significant repairs whatsoever; car would have easily gone another 100k. The 4Runner clearly has the same quality build feel to it. Seating is very comfortable. Ride and handling is pleasant. Good looks, both inside and out. When you plunk down 30k for a vehicle you better do your homework! With the 4Runner you get a solid, all- around vehicle with minimal risk.

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  I named her - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By ChristineGJohnson - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I initially wanted a converible and it was a toss-up between the Solara and the Sebring. "The Hulk" was on the show room floor and I fell in love.

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  Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By bmix - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I am what most consider a loyal Toyota owner, having owned over 5 Toyotas. All of which I have driven over 200,000 miles a piece. My second car, which I still own, is a Camry with 354,000 miles and still looks/runs like new. This is the main reason for our selection of the Sienna as reliability and quality is of utmost importance to us. Atlas, Sienna did not disappoint us! After 30,000 miles with two trips to Florida, and uncountable trips to NY, some of which included towing a trailer....it has convinced me that I made a wise decision once again to purchase a Toyota for my growing family. In addition, the dealer treats me as if I am king!