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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  Fun Way to be Eco-Friendly - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Whirling - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I recently bought my Prius, after test driving both it and the new Honda Civic Hybrid. I opted for the Prius because it seemed to have a little more "spunk," it has the reliability of a not-first-model-year Toyota, , the toyota is a SULEV, while the Civic is only a ULEV, and the turning circle is incredible. So far, the gas mileage has been between 45 and 48 mpg. The mileage varies a lot based on how fast one drives. Toyota charges a huge amount for either the CD player option. If possible, get these when you buy the car, because they are more expensive later.

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  Got Lift? - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By JonIndianaPA - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Wow, I love my 2002 Celica GTS! The sound of the engine and exhaust is music to my ears. Talk about driver/road interfacing, this car is amazing. Even for the automatic (sport shifters on the wheel), the power is pretty good. But the handling and control is its gem. I hit lift all the time, when I really need it. Unlike some V6/8s which use gas all the time, you can get good mpg if you drive it lightly, but if you feel a little wild and open her up, your mpg will degrade. The car is very sytlish and is unique. The GTS trim is rare, and the leather seats give the car a more lux appearance. I love the wheels of the GTS too! This is a great car!

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  I love it! - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Carol Farrar - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I used to own a Jimmy and a Jeep, test drove an Explorer and Rodeo, by far the Toyoda is the best driving SUV. If I ever buy another SUV it will a newer 4 Runner.

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  2001 TOYOTA TUNDRA SR5 ACCESS CAB 4X2 V8 - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By FL_BODACIOUS - August 7 - 10:00 am

  PERSONALLY, MY TRUCK GETS LESS THAN 14 MILES PER GALLON AROUND TOWN WITH THE A/C ON OR OFF. WITH A 5 YEAR LEASE AT $489.19 PER MONTH, $70.24 PER MONTH FOR "NATIONWIDE INSURANCE" (WITHOUT POINTS ON LICENSE) AND $111.36 FOR 4 TANKS OF GAS TO DRIVE 750 MILES(APRIL 2002, GAS PRICES EAST CENTRAL COAST OF FL) THIS TOYOTA TUNDRA SR5 ACCESS CAB 4X2 V8 IS A VERY EXPENSIVE RIDE AT $8,049.48 PER YEAR TO LEASE, INSURE AND FUEL!!! NEXT TIME ILL BUY A USED VEHICLE, NOT BE STUCK IN A LEASE AND INVEST IN FLORIDA REAL ESTATE!!! LOL WHICH IN SAINT LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA, WHERE I, LIVE, HAS APPRECIATED AT 8 PERCENT IN THE PAST YEAR I, READ!

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  A Fun Ride - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Mr. Man - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought it because I loved the exterior and the amount of room inside. Performance is about par for this class. No slouch but no burner either. The interior is more hit or miss. The instrumentation can be hard to see in bright sunlight or if the lights are turned on during the day. Fabrics and plastics are pretty good and the seats are comfortable. At the end of the day, I still find myself admiring its looks.

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  After 4 Days - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By BigBeav - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Disapointed on some simple features missing I expected to be in this price range of a vehicle. Being my first Toyota I expected some features found in lower costing vehicles. My bigest dissapoinments were the inside lights having no switch on the dashboard to turn them on to look back at night to see if the kids are okay. My wife is upset no vanity lights were on the visors Will post again in 6 months once I am more familure of the vehicle.

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  Love the camry - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By jmc - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I love driving this car. Perfect for small families. Drives well in rain, sleet, snow, and ice. Has a good deal of pickup for those "need to merge NOW" occassions. Very roomy and comfortable interior with plenty of seating for 5 adults.

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  Another Toyota Winner - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Harry - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I was a little apprehensive about the Highlander at first - but after 6 months of driving this vehicle is a real winner! I know its a SUV that that will never see more than a dirt road but it doesnt need too. The majority of the SUV buyers over pay for off-road capabilities that they never use. Stop pretending and save some money.

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  Wish is car was better - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By George D - August 7 - 10:00 am

  The car is good looking. The visibility is a little on the poor side, we remover the rear head rest to inprove the vision out the rear window. The ride is not the best, it is rough and one feels every bump. If I had tested the ride a bit more, I would not have purchased the car. It rides like an old truck. There are also blind spots looking towards the passenger side. A driver must be extra careful. I reduced the tire pressure down from 30psi to 28 to try to help the ride. Not much gained.

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  3 recalls and counting - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Martha - August 7 - 9:56 am

  My car has had 3 recalls and a TSB. In the 14 months Ive had the car, it has been in the shop 6 times. The steering still isnt great after the TSB. Toyota has assigned me a different first name from day one, and after many phone calls and faxes, I still cant get it corrected. Calling TOYOTA headquarters in Torrance, CA. IS A BIG WASTE OF TIME. I only drive this car around town and would be too scared to take it on a road trip. I owned a Subaru before my Corolla and drove it for 19 years. I would get rid of my Corolla tomorrow if I could afford to.