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 Toyota - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By AquariusGrrl - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I was hesitant to consider the Toyota Echo when I was car shopping, because they were so ugly in the past. I was determined to find an inexpensive practical car didnt feel " cheap". I was surprised and delighted to find that the 2003 Echos had been "restyled", as the Echo brochure proudly pointed out! The new Echos look like small Corollas instead of a squashed looking version of a car. With a spoiler, it looks zippy, and of course it drives great. I am very happy with my choice.

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  My 1999 TOY SIENNA Van - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By Leo D. - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I sometimes I drive 590 - 625 miles in a day From Paso Robles to Los Angeles and then some. I enjoy the way I have control of my Toy in the city and Highways.

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  Happy owner - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By larry barton - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Best Van I have had, and I have had most

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  Fun & Sporty - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By rktect - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I own two RAV4s and I have yet to have any problems with them. The "L" series is very fun to drive and its handling is pretty good for a 4 cylinder. I have yet to get trapped in the 2+ feet of snow in the winter time. All the interior features are very easy to operate and are all in hands reach. This SUV gets two thimbs up!!

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  Great truck! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By jkeyser - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I love my 4 Runner. The ride is as smooth as many sedans. Rough pavement is barely noticeable. Road and wind noise are almost non-existent. It has very good acceleration and low end torque. Toyota has definitely solved the perennial problem of 4 Runners being under-powered. I dont see why anybody would need a V-8 except for towing a heavy trailer. I tow a 15 aluminum boat and it handles it great except going uphill at altitudes above about 5,000 feet. Off road performance is great, too, just take off the running boards before doing anything too rough. The downhill assist is a very nice feature and the granny gear has GREAT torque.

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  The Perfect First Car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Rider916 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Being only 17 and buying my first car is a difficult and dangerous decision to make. I knew though that Toyotas are very good cars that will last a long time without having to be serviced if kept in good condition. My 2004 Corolla has to be the best little car that I have driven. The only thing that I dont like about the Toyota Corollas new look is the Box shape that makes the car look smaller than it really is. Even though Leg room is sufficent, many people judge the size of the interior space based on the looks of the outside. Other than that, the car drives smooth and is easy to handle. I plan on keeping this car for the next 10-15 years.

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  The Car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Walter Lau - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Have a awsome time with this car and i really like it.

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  Awesome Car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By SJess - April 29 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome. I think it is fun to drive and looks great too! The interior is beautiful...I have dark gray interior and I love it. Plus, the chrome accents in the car make it look very sophisticated. The sound system is fabulous also...cd/cass/am/fm radio.

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  Great Vehicle! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By alleycat - April 29 - 10:00 am

  The car really is roomy for its class-my 62" boyfriend had more room in the Corolla than he did in many of the midsize cars we drove. It is true though that a tall person has difficulty reaching the controls once the seat is back.The only real problem I have had is a tough time trying to clean the bug remains off the front bumper and mirrors. Also, there is a large blindspot in the back on each side between the rear and back door window. Gas mileage has been wonderful-30 mpg, but it is summer. Has a lot of pick-me-up, it really doesnt seem like it has anyless power that the previous V-6 I had.

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  I love the car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Akash - April 29 - 10:00 am

  i like the car