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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  delightful inside, simple outside - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By vinnievideo - April 14 - 4:56 pm

  Have enjoyed driving this honey of a car. It looks ordinary outside, but once you step inside it is roomy, comfortable, and elegant. I am 69" and fit into this one nicely. Enjoying every minute behind the wheel

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  Only OK -- Wouldnt Buy it Again - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Travelpro0104 - April 14 - 4:56 pm

  After the leaky roof was fixed two times and I still have to fix the hesitation with excelleration, its an okay car. The tires for life deal is a scam since it requires oil changes every 3,500 miles or the warranty is voided. The car looks great, but I want more than "a looker" to keep me happy.

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  Slipping Transmission in My Tar - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Missing Idaho - April 14 - 12:40 pm

  I have an SR5 model; wanted base model, but only exists in the brochure. Toyota was no help to locate one. I have seen this type of truck referred to as a Tar (Truck Car Mix). Gas mileage good (as good as my 93 4 cyl pick-up). Spongy brakes. Yes, freaky radio (turns on all by itself) and poor reception for some reason. The hunting transmission drives me crazy. Sensation like youre spinning your wheels on ice. Bed liner is slippery, but like tie down rails. Why cant Toyota start making what we want - manual 5 spd. Hope this is half the truck my previous 93 & 81 models were. I would have purchased American if someone made the extended bed.

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  Back for more - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By MontyDog - April 14 - 10:00 am

  After owning a 2000 Toyota Tundra, I was sold on the 4.7 V8 powertrain, but had numerous problems with the braking system. Needless to say, I thought Id give Toyota another try. I purchased this Sequoia for my wife to drive and she loves it. We bought the SR5 with leather & the works (A value when compared to Ford, Chevy or GMC. My confidence in the brakes is still not good as we only have 4,000 miles on the vehicle and I am taking it back in for brake noise.

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  mr2 fun to drive - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By rainman1 - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Great car to drive to and from work if you go it alone. Gas mileage is great. If you have to lug a lot of stuff around or take clients out; this is not the car for you. If you love the wind in your hair and riding on rails then youll love the mr2

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  60000 miles and still running like new - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By macknannie - April 14 - 10:00 am

  This girl is 3 years old now with over 60,000 miles and still running as good as the day I bought her. She got some new tires and the spoiler needed tightened. A squeeky belt was replaced. Pretty good, considering I always used to dump my Fords at 50,000 miles because thats when they started costing an arm and leg to maintain. She still hugs the road, she still looks good, and she will be with me for another 3 years at least.

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  Fun to Drive and Economical Too!!! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By sbasgall - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I have not enjoyed owning and driving a car as much since I had to give up driving my Celica 12 years ago. This car zips through the Vermont ice and snow without any effort and takes the mud season without a thought! Its a great car to drive and very, very comfortable. It has lots of space in the back seat for sitting and holds a lot also when I am hauling things.

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  Highlander 03 Denv - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By victoyo03 - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchase this vehicle because I heard of its great quality and that it is built on a Camry body frame that makes it ride very smooth. So far I am not disappointed except for one thing that has failed or is not working properly is the cruise control. However the dealership will take care of this. I bought the Limited Edition 4 Wheel Drive V6 3.0 litter fully loaded. It has the power to pull you out of an emergency i.e passing other cars or semi trucks. The only part I did not rate very well was in the gas mileage. It supposes to do 21 MPG city and 24 MPG Hwy. Instead does about 19 city 22 to 23 HWY. ItÂ’s spacious, drives like a car and looks great too.

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  LOVE MY CAR - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By MGR2727 - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE MY CAR.

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  Comfortable, Powerful and Practical - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Joe Jones - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Toyota offers the best suspension and transmission (silky smooth), most interior cargo room, quietest ride, smallest turning radius (easy to hang a u-turn on a tight street), best mileage, and most safety features. I have owned many Honda and Toyota products in the past. Dont be fooled by Hondas higher horsepower ratings. I personally, have always found that the Honda moves faster but needs to be pushed. Toyota horsepower is always within a more usable band on the RPM range. In other words, you dont need to make the engine scream to obtain acceleration. They really thought this car out. Well worth the money.