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 owner - V6 AWD Base HL - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By fvp - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Could not be more pleased with this purchase. The Highlander is our second Toyota purchase this year [we bought a Sienna in February] and glad we went with the HL. We considered many other vehicles: Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder and the Outback wagon to name a few. None stacked up to the Highlander, plus we got it at invoice.

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  Unknow Defect - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By TJ Chin - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I would like to say I really enjoy my Highlander and it is really a pleasure to drive in all types of weather. I was truly impressed when I tried to make it go out of control on an icy patch of road in a parking lot no matter how hard I tried it had a mind of its own not to let me. The CSV is your Co-pilot and really assist to maintain control at all times.Traction? all of those Hummers and 4x4s look out this one will keep up with you.

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  wonderful - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By amb6891 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  This is an amazing car --- I would be happy if my kids were to get one of these some day!!

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  Love it - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Sheberry22 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I love my car, it is wonderful and the best little car to drive.

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  Back for More - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Shirley B. - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I am very pleased with my new Camry. I previously owned a 91 Camry with a V-6 engine and all the "bells and whistles". This car is every bit as enjoyable as the last. I really like the power of the 4 cyl. compared with my old 6 cyl. and think anyone except a race car driver would too. The higher placement of the controls for the sound system is a big improvement over the older Camrys. We test-drove the Accord, since this is a new model year for it. However, we were not as pleased with the brakes and the interior color selection as the Camry. We also test- drove the Infiniti G-35, but the brakes grabbed too much.

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  love my car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By kirby - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I am so very pleased with my Camry. I get excellent gas milage on trips and around town. I also like the body style and the comfortable interior. It is a pleasure to drive.

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  Camry - Best - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By floridadad - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Have had the Camry for 3 months. Everything Is of surperior Quality,Except,the paint. it seems to be a bit too fragil. I recieved a gouge on the left rear bumper cover at the dealers lot but I am not sure.My wife backed it up to a wooden curb and the paint cracked on the lower rear bumper.

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  Johnnys Toyota Experience - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By JohnnyT03 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  We took our first trip to Pa from Fl; and were really pleasaed with the economy and comfort of it. Got 32 mpg for the trip and it just purred lioke a kitten.

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  I love my car! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By lophil - April 1 - 10:00 am

  This is the fourth Toyota I have purchased, three Corrolas and a Toyota. I wanted more room and more power and had always dreamed of having a Camry. I have not been disappointed. It is so roomy and so comfortable. It has the pick-up I want and need since I have done a lot of distance driving. I know I am safe in a Toyota. The inner frame protected me from a front and rear end collision (at the same time) due to hydroplaining. I wanted a safe relaible, loe-maintence car, and I got it. Thanks Toyota.

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  I love my Camry! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Haycowgirl87 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  The Camry is the best car Ive ever had. Seriously.