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 ride. - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By EDK - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I seriously love the thing. I owned a 1988 Cadillac Sedan deVille before this one, and the Solara feels much nicer than the Caddy. The acceleration is OK (for a 4-banger) and has been praised by a Trans-Am owner as "having balls" (again, for a 4-banger). Mileage is great, ride is as smooth as the old Caddy, and the stock audio system isnt too bad. Its a royal pain in the butt to change the rear speakers, however. The vehicle itself is quite sexy. Very reliable as well. Ive recommended it to many people already :)

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  Tundra - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By ames - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Best Truck Ever - Its like owning a sports car with 4 wheel drive. Strong power, silky smooth shifting, great looks and tough reliability. Over the past few months we have had a lot of rain, and lots of mud. Its new, but its now broken in. Handles the off road quite well. Will be going with the Super Charger soon!

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  Great Suv - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By jgold95 - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 4 runner for a month and i love it. only one problem which seems to be a growing problem on the V6 according to the dealer which is the fan makes a loud squeeling noise when its cold and then goes away once the truck is warm, no fix as of yet but toyota is working on it, atleast they are aware of the issue. Otherwise i still love it and am very happy with it.

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  The Perfect Truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rl Bickley - June 1 - 2:00 am

  It has been an all around great truck. It is wonderful on the gas mileage, and since my previous truck was a Tahoe, that means a lot. Also, it has near perfect build quality that I have never seen in a truck before. I would give this truck with the TRD pkg a serious look.

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  Corolla S - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Kirt - June 1 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is very solid and very responsive

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  Great Car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Mark, NJ - June 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my first non-American car, and I am extremely pleased. The 2.5L four is very smooth and quiet and suprisingly peppy. The interior layout is simple, logical and comfortable. Great rear seat and trunk. The car has a very smooth quiet ride. Standard stereo is decent. Handling is decent, but dont expect sports car performance. If your looking for all around good transportation, this is it.

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  Superb minivan on the earth - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Israel Thavasikani - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I have driven Honda odessy & Ford Winstar. But this minivan Sienna is excellent to drive & saftey & feeling. there is no other minivan available to compare. Very Smooth riding. Excellent sound proof.It has Best features of all minivans available.

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  Proud and Happy owner!!! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By mvh_888 - June 1 - 1:40 am

  ever since I got my 4runner, ive never enjoyed driving as much as i have. Its the best suv so far and its from toyota.As a 27yr old prof. female, the 4runner is my ever reliable friend day or night!

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  Car of the future...now - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Bassman10463 - May 31 - 8:03 pm

  I purchased my 2010 Prius 10 days ago. Id looked at a Fusion Hybrid and a Camry Hybrid, but the small trunks on each turned me away. As my first Hybrid experience, the Prius took a little getting used to (engine shutting off at lights, starting silently, watching the MPG gauge while driving) but once I got used to it, I found that my previous gas-conscious habits worked well here too. The Prius is comfortable on the road and quiet (for a hatchback); there is feedback from the front wheels (something reviews of the prior model complained about), and the engine and drive-train are sufficient, if not overly powerful (the Ford Fusion clearly beats it).

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  Im waiting for it to die - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By luvmyyaris - May 31 - 12:22 pm

  I have my eyes on the 2012 Audi A6, but I cant conscionably take the leap when my 2006/2007 Yaris just refuses to die! I have 113K miles (7.5 years) and its running like a champ. Sure I cant beat all the Audis and the BMWs off the green light, but I can zip and zoom around everyone else, and only pay $26 every 5K miles for servicing. No repairs whatsoever, other than new tires every 50K, and a belt change at mile 100K. I have a feeling the little Yaris is going to hang on for another 7.5 years, but deep down Im hoping that it wont because Im itching to get into a nice car that doesnt "rattle" when traveling at 80 mph.