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:

• 

  Sequoia 2003 - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By spcp1230 - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Recently purchased, Very pleased so Far.

• 

  98 TACOMA 4X4 - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By DAVID - November 24 - 10:00 am

  THIS TRUCK IS BUILT TOUGH AND HAS NEVER GIVVEN ME ANY PROBLEMS. IT GET 300 MILES PER TANK IN THE CITY AND 400 ON THE HIGHWAY. WE HAVE 3 TOYOTA TRUCKS IN THE FAMILY AND ALL OF THEM HAVE BEEN GREAT. DO THE PROPER MAINTANCE AND WOU WILL GET 300K.

• 

  Excellent All Around - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By drdave - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I have put 36000 miles on my Echo in under 2 years, driving it 3,000 across country and 1,600 miles every month on long distance hauls up the I-5 corridor on the West Coast. The fuel efficiency is excellent, the acceleration is among the best I have experienced and it is reliable and roomy. I wish I would have sprung for the power locks but other then that it is great.

• 

  Y2K cruiser - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By mapconsultant - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Almost 3 years of ownership. Total reliability. Never a problem. Use mostly for long trips and the cruiser is very comfortable for long distance driving. Fuel economy is just what you must expect of a vechile of this size,roughly 15 to 16 MPG on the open road at 75 MPH. Bullet proof quality.

• 

  6 years later - still strong - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By RRP - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for over 6 years now. Unfortunately, I will need to part with it as the kids are older and dont fit comfortably in it any longer. I have only changed the tires on my car, nothing else. I change the oil of course. I loved this car and am sorry that I must part with it.

• 

  AWESOME! - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By SilvaCelicaGTS - November 24 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST CAR I EVER HAD! IT IS VERY RELIABLE AND I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH IT AT ALL. I PICKED THIS CAR OVER THE MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE, DODGE AVENGER, MERCURY COUGAR AND ACURA INTEGRA. I DROVE ALL OF THEM BUT THE CELICA WAS JUST A BETTER CAR.

• 

  Vehicle that fits the bill and need - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By ADjaye - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Very satisfactory driving this vehicle. I am impressed at the performance and functionality overall. Fuel consumption has been great. I am geeting slightly better than advertized. So far it has been a great buy

• 

  usual toy. excellence - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By meo56k - November 24 - 10:00 am

  My 3rd toy ever., all way superior to Amer./euro equivalents. Why pay $30k more for a beemer,volvo etc. sport wagon? the matrix is a sweet cornering, nice engine response, tough looking pocket rocket. Ive gotten 38 m.pg. (epa 29-36), I can fit 4 6 footers into it( large headroom and legrm). the only negative Ive had with itis the parking brake being too close to console. Otherwise its a solid solid vehicle.

• 

  Sleek Mountain Goat - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Trippin Tom - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Not only does this vehicle pass all others, going up hill at 10,000 feet, but does so at the speed limit and then some. Then you can go off road and make all the big bumps on the 4wd roads seem smooth. no problem.! Downhill assist comes in handy for sustained downhill slow speed. Transmission very smooth and torque is strong. Brakes are even and have good feel.

• 

  Very Happy with my 4Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Karl_27376 - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 4Runner for 600 miles, and I couldnt be happier. I test drove a 2002 model last year, and what an improvement - in all areas. I stepped up from a 94 Toyota pickup, and even though it is not a "fair" to compare the two, I feel like I got a luxury car. Im happy with most everything, but especially the gas mileage, the comfort and ride. One other reviewer mentioned a clicking sound - Ive heard it too - and Im waiting for a fix from Toyota.