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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  Love my Camry! - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By KyleeAnn - December 23 - 12:56 pm

  Could not have chosen anything better at this point. Feels safe, drives beautifully, and looks like a Lexus GS. This is a great car!

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  My Baby - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Wraith - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I love my Toyota Camry ... Shes my first car and I would never let her go... But, I have modify her to the tilt. I have currently 153,3381 miles on her. And did an engine swap for more power and no the car is totally different...

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  a blast, but watch the rain - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By BoBo - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I had longed to have the new MR-2 Sypder ever since I spied my first one. It is a blast to drive, and very economical. I have yet to get less than 30 mpg, and have gotten as high as 35 mpg. However, it rains a lot in my area and the tire hold is marginal in the wet. It needs 225s in the back.

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  Great car - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By shah - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Had it almost six years. things dont break often but cost some money to repair. almost 10yrs old, 160000 miles so getting old. Engine sounds great but has lost power. some days feels new or feels as sluggish as a corrolla. Transmition very rarely doesnt want to go into overdrive when first started but eventually does. ive ragged this car(probably why losing power) and its not burning oil. Body style is ten years old but it still looks, sounds, and rides like a new car. very reliable, in shop less than neighbors 2000 impala, always starts unlike their 1995 monte carlo, and never squeeks like my other neighbors 2000 suburban does every few months.

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  my rav - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By chash - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Rav4 in 1999 brand new and I fell in love with it. I have never had any problems with it and right now it has right around 47,000mi. My only prob with this sport ute is the inside space I want Toyota to make nicer arm rests on this car and also come on little more room for those back seat drivers that get their dirty shoes on the backs of my seats..Otherwise wonderfull car I love it. oh the best part it is the mistic teal mica I have the only one around.. Which also makes it pretty unique...

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  graduation present :D - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By xulong - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Two weeks ago, I was driving a 97 corolla. It is slow and ugly and lacks the decent luxury features (intermitent wiper, didnt even come with a tape player - only radio, etc). Last weekend, my dad gave me a Celica. The car is a joy to drive. The only bad things about the car is the torque numbers and the lack of a rear seat. Whats good? Everything else.

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  fun to beat on - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By artie - December 23 - 10:00 am

  very good truck. fun to beat on. looks good and easy to pimp out.

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  2000 Toyota Avalon Good but not Perfect - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Della - December 23 - 10:00 am

  The 2000 Toyota Avalon XLS is good but not perfect. I like the slightly boxy design. The fit and finish was almost perfect with the exception of one flaw. One of the trims pieces on the roof seam was dented when I tool delivery. On a car of this caliber, I would have liked to seen a better paint job since I began noticing chips in the paint almost right away. The interior is room and the trunk is downright spacious. The car currently has 33,000 miles and was just diagnosed with a defective ignition cylinder. One doesnt feel real confident when the key wont turn in the ignition. I hope that this will be an isolated incidence no more suprises.

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  A great fun driving SUV - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By fanman - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Sequoia since November 2001. It is a pleasure to drive and I believe ahead of the pack fit and finish. Its a swee truck!

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  Better than I thought - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By mrfoam - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I had done extensive research, so I was ready for a fight at the dealership. Since I went through Costcos website, I got the car for $600 over dealer cost. The salesman actually quoted a lower price than I was expecting. I bought the car for my wife, but I find myself driving it all the time. The best surprise is the height. No longer do we have to pull ourselves out of the car (like with our 94 Corolla). There is also much more room in the back seat - it really does seat 5 people. I heard one salesman refer to this car as the "The Little Camry". Great Looking - Great Comfort - Great Gas Mileage