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 Truck - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By TSH - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I have had excellent luck with this truck. It is my third 4x4, and frankly it blows away the both the Ford and Jeep I had before. It pulls like a tractor and is fun to drive. The 6 offers plenty of power and it handles well even at highway speeds. One upgrade that paid off big was sound insulation. If youre into stereo, the dynamat is a must...

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  Its a Toyota - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By odelrio - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Excellent truck, sturdier and more power than the Nissan and Ford counterparts. 6 yrs and 68k miles later, I have no regrets spending a little more for a Toyota. I expect this truck to be in the family for years to come. If I were to find flaw in anything it would be the stock goodyear tires (rear traction in the wet was very difficult) and the ride is a bit too harsh for my liking (typical truck ride).

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  my car - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By angelbunn13@aol.com - September 12 - 10:00 am

  my experience in this car is amazing. ever since i was in high school i have wanted this car and so far im very pleased w/ what i have gotten.

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  Love my Prius - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Kevin Schwartz - September 12 - 10:00 am

  If youre looking for a solid 4-door sedan in the $20,000 range, I dont think there is any other "moral" choice these days than to get a Prius. It is roomy, handles reasonably well, and at 45 - 50 mpg, it cant be beat! The only thing to watch out for is how it handles in snow. Since we live in the San Fran area, we havent had to try that.

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  Great car! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By swooshman - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Very fun to drive! Real eye opener.

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  Awesome in deep snow - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By BF - September 12 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is an absolute blast to drive. I recently took it up to Trinity with another friend of mine who just purchsed a new Explorer. It snowed about 16-18 inches when we got there to we both decided to do a little snow 4-wheeling. The 4runner handled deep snow with little or no problems. During the few times that I did lose traction, the automatic skid control feature kicked in and controlled the skid before it actually became one. It also had plenty of torque to pull out my friends Explorer from getting stuck. Everyone needs to purchase one and experience this. An absolute blast!

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  wow - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By dafny - September 12 - 10:00 am

  great, awesome, cool, TOYOTA, 4Runner, Sport, V8, Rad, Nardly, OffRoad, Powerful, Sweet, strong, big, fast

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  Watch the wind. - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Davkuy - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a Toyota in the past, and felt comfortable buying another, after having owned a 99 Neon. I bought a stylish looking 03 Corolla, and was not disapointed... Until I drove it home. I commute 164 miles a day round trip on a highway that is quite windy year round. I hit a wind gust of about 35 and it blew me a lane over. Holding onto the wheel (which could be a foot closer to the driver) was a white knucled affair. Ordinarily this wouldnt be a problem, but putting 50000 miles a year on it, I need it to feel right. Unfortunately I had to return it and get my old car back. The car is just too tall for its wheelbase.

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  LOVE IT! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Teresa - September 12 - 10:00 am

  We bought the 2004 XLE model because of the third row fold flat into the floor seats, the ability to open the center windows, the spacious interior, the leather seats that dont look cheap, power doors and liftgate, middle bench seats easily fold or move together. We had a 2002 model that did not have these features and wanted to upgrade. I am so glad we did because I am so happy with this van. We test drove the Mazda and Honda, but the ride quality could not compare. We love the reliability that all our Toyota vehicles have demonstrated.

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  This is only my view - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By krissy - September 12 - 1:43 am

  Performance and Reliability are perfect and it looks great, but I have found the Interior Design to be poor, the color is very light, the seating is not at all comfortable, the sound system vibrates in the seats when turned up. If youre packing to go away and you fill up the back, it blocks the radio reception because the antenna is on the back side window, so bring some CDs. Some more of the things I have found not to like is on the stick shift, 3rd is next to drive (same link) so you have to always remember to push it into drive or youll always drive in third. Finally the third row of seating has no floor space for your feet, it is flat. Other then that its Fun to Drive.