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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  Is my gas gauge stuck?? - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Bill-KY - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Before purchasing the 04 Corolla, I test drove a 04 Honda Civic. I was totally amazed of how easy it was to get in/out of the Corolla, The center console on the Corolla was much larger than the Civic. The Corolla also was a much more smoother riding than the Civic. I chose the Corolla because it has a "timing chain" in the engine (which is alittle more engine noise compared to timing belts which are quieter.) Also, the gas mileage is unreal!! Im getting 37-38 mpg driving an average of 65 mph and about 100 miles daily, 80% highway miles. I find the power of the engine to be very satisfactory to get in/out of highways and local streets.

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  Magnifique! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Oh What a Feeling! - November 5 - 2:00 am

  We wouldnt trade this van for any vehicle. The power is noticeable, the ride is smooth and responsive and the interior space is phenomenal. Its no exaggeration to say this, our first minivan, has improved our quality of everyday life. Its well worth the price, even at MSRP. We looked closely at all the new models, and the Sienna fit our needs more comprehensively than any other. The Nissan was cute, the Honda functional ... but the Sienna combined the best of all worlds.

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  Gret Car! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Ladyeight - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I am very satisfied with my car. It is very fun to drive, and has great features. The trunk has so much space and I love that it has a full size spare tire.

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  Luxury ride at budget price - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By repleo - November 5 - 2:00 am

  After 6 months I am still amazed at how smooth this car is every time I get into it. I only got this car because I needed a reliable car for low payments and Toyota was runnung a lease special. Even the most basic model is equipped and drives like a luxury car costing twice the price. Dont know how they get the performance they do out a 4 cyl 2.4L engine. The only problem - my wife and I argue who is going to get it every morning. Solution - looking at a Highlander to replace Taurus wagon.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Had - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Bernadette - November 4 - 10:00 am

  After well over 90,000 miles, my Camry rides and looks like a new car. The only thing Ive replaced are tires. Reliability is the #1 thing I look for in a car and the Camry has it. I recommend it for anyone and will purchase another. I like the newly designed 2002 or 2003 Camry. I owned a Corolla before the Camry. Too small and uncomfortable for long rides, but it was still a very reliable Toyota product.

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  LUXURY/SPORTS CAR CROSSOVER - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By INDYCAR - November 4 - 10:00 am

  GREAT CAR! THINKS ITS A LEXUS. THE SOLARA DEFINITELY HAS LEXUS SOUND DEADENING WHICH RESULTS IN LOW WIND/ROAD NOISE. THE V-6 HAS ENOUGH UMPH TO BREAK OUT OF A STANDING STOP WITH A MONTE CARLO BUT A FEW MORE HP WOULDNT HURT. LIKE OTHERS, IT SEEMS TO DING EASILY ON THE SIDES. I CHOSE THE SOLARA OVER THE ACCORD, PASSAT, AND THE MAXIMA. THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS IN THEIR CLASS AND PRICE RANGE. WHEN IM READY TO GIVE UP THE SPORTS CAR SIDE OF ME, I WOULD CONSIDER THE AVALON.

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  The best. I should know. - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By TommyBright - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Retired pro cycle racer, driven everything but a Lamburger-Weenie in 800,000 accident-free miles. Weve bought 4 more Toyotas since my first went 407,000 miles (my new Chevy was junky), but we are astounded how perfect this one is: Our finest, tightest, best-laid-out car ever. Quieter at 70 than a new Eldo. Just finished a 1,000-miler with 4 aboard. Seats, cupholders, instruments just right, kept us alert for the word and encyclopedia games that helped the miles roll past. Now, Burbans and Expos are just wannabes. I believe Toyota engineers are respected and paid attention to --- nowhere have we found slapdash design or build compromises.

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  Best Small Pick-Up on the Market - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By jreid - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I test drove Fords, Mazdas Nissans, & Dodge. I kept coming back to the Toyota. Best value for the money. Most dependable and reliable small pick on the market. You get what you pay for.

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  Family Guy - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By The New Father - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Pass a highlander on the road and it caught my attention! Showed one to the wife and she said she hated the look. We started to look at jeeps (Grand Cherokee). After talking with the Jeep Dealer, I convinced the wife to test drive the highlander anyway. To make a long story short, we purchase the highlander. The one we purchased we reserved before it it was delivered to the dealer. This was after the Jeep dealer had done a dealer trade for the exact jeep that we requested.

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  Love the car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By JB13 - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I researched many cars for months before I went and bought my Corolla and I am glad I did. Although I have no power window and had power locks installed after market. The car is great to drive. I just wish they made this car in a V6 then I would consider getting another one next year when I trade this one in.