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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  Fun, useful car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By ed6061 - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is exactly what I was looking for - something to haul friends and stuff in - including filthy mountain bikes - without the hastle of a roof-rack. Interior stowage is plentiful and clever. The seat and driving position is great. Price is great. Wish it had more power (read torque - the 180hp engine has no more torque) Handles very well.

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  One Fine Automobile - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By sayu - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This has got to be the sleeper sedan of all. Hard to find any articles or data, beyond what we owners write, about this vehicle. I tried to uncover something, anything, on this model, before I went shopping. Looked at many sedans. Our objective was to find one with lots of room, yet would be easy for around town mobility. We love room and comfort while on the road, and this car delivers in spades. Totally satisfied with this car. It has it all, if you can live with a spirited 6 cylinder, for half the price of some competitors.

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  Rav4 - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Dick Nelson - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Love the car....quick..starts at -20 and I even like the Stereo. Dislikes: Dash Squeaks and rattles and wind noise. Never owned a vehicle with such dash rattles. I have not yet had to dealer to correct rattles....

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  2002 Tacoma - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By marc golden - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Traded in my 95 F-150 4x4 for this truck and that was the worst mistake I ever made... Within in the first 2000 miles I had that great dash rattle, door panel loose and other annoying sounds coming from the interior. Had the rear brakes replaced at 3000 miles b/c I was getting a vibration through the steering wheel. The truck is terrible when there is any kind of wind blowing, feels like your gonna be blown off the road. This is also one of the worst trucks I have ever driven in the snow. First and last

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  Smooth Rider - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Scotty W Sly - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Have had this car for 1 year at this point. Ride is exceptionally smooth-I like it better than the BMW it replaced. Reliability has been top notch (unlike the BMW!). Drivers view is commanding and broad. Space utilization is great. I wish stereo was a bit finer like my wifes Acura MDX (another winner, by the way). Looks are not great-but , hey its a wagon-like SUV-so who really cares!

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  good car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By bconn - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This is my third corrolla. Excellent car with hardly any repairs. Only get 30 mpg. 2003 corolla is much improved.

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  great car in need of minor adjustments - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By allboutme0280 - January 24 - 2:00 am

  i have had a great time with my new corolla. it is a great car. it looks like the much more expensive sister car the lexus is 300 but substantially less expensive.overall i would recommend this car to consumers.

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  2002 Camry V6 XLE - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By wlbrown - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is both comfortable and reliable. I didnt see any car less than $30k that was anywhere close.

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  Great car for the money - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By tom - January 24 - 1:23 am

  This is a great car for the money. I traded in my Durango for an LE specifically for gas mileage. My first tank averaged about 37 miles per gallon. The interior is roomy and comfortable. Its pretty nice looking for an inexpensive car.

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  Great little car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By barb - January 23 - 9:20 pm

  I have had this car for four months, great buy, love the mpg. Like the small car payment. Easy and comfortable to drive. Love the stereo system and the dash.