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 rav4 - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By d whyte - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV. This SUV is fun to drive. Great gas mileage. Toyota dealers were willing to reduce price below invoice.

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  Comfort - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By mokhan - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Very quiet engine and smooth transmission

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  disappointing - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By chicophitau - December 7 - 10:00 am

  This was my first new truck purchase and I was very disappointed. This truck spent more time in the shop than any other used vehicle I have ever owned. I have had to go to the dealer 4 seperate times to have fender flare seals replaced. I had to have a 4 brakes rebuilt because of warpage problems. Another time was for a clutch return spring that broke. A mud flap fell off and also was replaced...another visit to the dealer. Now there is a constant rattle under the dashboard. Luckily this appeared before the warranty ran out..again a return to the dealer. This truck is only one year old, too young to be having so many problems.

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  What a truck! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Forerunner - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I owned the previous model for 6.5 years and cannot believe the difference in comfort, power and refinement. If it turns out as reliable as the previous one, this time around will be even better!

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  4 Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By dtry - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I have the Limited V8 and love it. It has a lot of power and for a V8 is not that bad on the MPG. I got 23 going on a trip from NJ to VA. I am also getting 18 for my every day driving. The insides of the 4 Runner is just great. It was well thought out and has all of the things a person could want in a SUV.

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  Love my 4Runner! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By ashmomma - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I have always wanted a 4Runner as long as I can remember. Until this year, the pricing always seemed just out of reach.

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  Outstanding Value - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By chestersz - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased the vehicle three weeks ago. Best decision I have ever made. Quality exudes from every part of the truck. Even plastic items are of high quality.

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  Monies Worth - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By TerribleTrouble - December 7 - 10:00 am

  This is one truck worth its money. You get what you pay for, yes you have to pay a lot, but it is as strong as a horse, always runs, snow rain or shine, and can haul. Good suspension, and really good clearance. Powerful engine.

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  Go Toyota!-CMVDA - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By JambaJuiceChris - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Corolla! This car was sooooo affordable yet sooo fun to drive. Ever sice I was a child I wanted a Toyota Corolla S! I love this car. Everything is great about this car, not one flaux! The acceleration is good for the class and I love the seat comfort and outward visibility. The car preformed wonderfully on my drive up north. This car is wonderful and I recommend this car to everyone!

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  Best car for money - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Bushnell - December 7 - 10:00 am

  This car reigns. Its really like a mini-Lexus. The doors shut with a muffled thud, the leather seats are comfortable, and the dash is assembled with airtight spacing between panels. I didnt like the S model side panels and rear spoiler. But the LE looks like a mini-Camry and drives like a mini-Lexus. Road/wind noise is really really low for a car in this class. Great ride. Most of my friends cant believe this is a Corolla. And they cant believe I got all features, ABS, leather, power moonroof, cruise control, power everything for $16K + tax.