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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  Best little SUV out there! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By anselmo1 - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Test drove all the competition and settled on the 2003 RAV 4 L with all the pptions. Interior is well layed out and the seating is quite comfortable. It rides like a car on the road and is very easy to drive.

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  Dont buy a 1999 Camery - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Suckered by toyota - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought a certified used 1999 Camery XLS 6 months ago. So far Ive had to replace the brakes, fuel injectors, and a value spring. This car has been in the shop 6 times trying to get theses problems fix. After $1,800 in repairs Im going to try and get rid of this car.

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  Best I have ever owned - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By lumboll@aol.com - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 7 differant Sport Utility vehicles from BMW to Land Rover, nothing even comes close to this toyota

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  Toyota Camry Le - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By gmcyukonc1500 2wd - September 18 - 2:00 am

  When i bought my car in 2000, i was also looking at a Accord Special Edition. The car didnt have enough room so i bought the Camry Le. My car is very comfy, although it wouldnt kill Toyota to put more padding in the seats. The dash is so easy to use and work with. The radio is GREAT!!!!!.

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  Perfect Mix - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By BetterPrice - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I studied SUV options for a few months and only one was on EVERY list I made. Price, Reliability, Re-sell value, Looks, Insurance, Reviews, Performance, Options...etc. I am a Honda guy, but I just couldnt justify the extra $5000+ for essentially the same ride in the Pilot. The Highlander is an awesome value for what you getting. Great job Toyota! Im extremely pleased and impressed.

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  2002 camry XLE (4cyl) - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By REV4 - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I like this car alot. Quality. Comfort. Quiet. Performance. Audio System. Climate Control. Fuel. Exterior. Interior. Just one thing I dont like: rear visibility (made worse by a spoiler) is not good. Otherwise: GREAT

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  A Hit for Toyota - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By d2scion - September 17 - 6:26 pm

  Love the vehicle. I bought it for my wife but I am kind of jealous of her now. This vehicle has the Lexus quality without the price.

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  I love my Rav4! - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By kate66 - September 17 - 10:33 am

  I bought my Rav4 used in 2006 with 34,000 miles. I have had absolutely no problems with it beyond normal maintenance. I have made multiple cross-country trips in it and have found it to be very comfortable even on long car rides. People can not believe how old my car is when they look at it. It still has its original paint, and people think its brand new. I love the way it drive. It has a lot of road noise, but I knew that going into it. At 90,600, its still going strong. I think I am one of the only people I know who not only loves my car but actually doesnt want a new one.

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  Toyota Sienna 2004 - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Lexus - September 17 - 9:40 am

  The car drives smoothly without any notice to shifting. The turning radius is outstanding and the van is extremely comfortable, luxurious, and functional for a family of five. We love it.

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  Most basic truck - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By dexyuen - September 17 - 9:34 am

  Maybe my truck is just having its time and I probably would have rated higher if I had it earlier but Its been Ok truck I bought it with 237,000 miles and I have 320,000 on it since Ive owned it I replaced the radiator, dropped a K&N filter in replaced the transmission gasket (I have an auto), the electrical, tires, ball joints, bearings, front calipers, CV boots, alternator, this all happened within 3 months of owning it so @ about 250,000 I replaced all this and lasted to 320,000 I hope it just last now I did most of the work myself so it was some what worth it. I love parking this thing in the city though when Im working out there.