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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  The best small non-hybrid car going - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By PuffyC - August 26 - 3:36 am

  I wanted a fuel efficient small car and after comparing the new Corolla to the Civic, Cobalt, Fusion, Caliber and Sentra, the Corolla was a clear winner. It has great room, awesome fuel economy and overall is very well refined. The 1.8l engine couldnt be called fast but its peppy enough and acceleration is good. Coming from BMWs and a Lexus its a little noisier on the highway but other than that it has very few downsides.

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  Still a lot to work on - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By eshifrin - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Car is OK overall. Few problems: 1. Front window is crap (5 scratches on it in 2 years) 2. Losing all power if you put regular gas. 3. Hard to reach front display. 4. No alarm on XLS Style 5. Brake shose must be replased after 25k (should be after 40k)

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  Excellent: SAME AS 2001 - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Jimjohn - August 26 - 2:00 am

  dealer gets confused with reaction of braking when checking and keeps replacing the front rotors for free! Convinced they were fine. Great service and courtesy

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  THE GREATEST HYBRID CAR YOU COULD OWN - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By hellourself - August 26 - 2:00 am

  THE TOYOTA PRIUS WAS SO FUN TO DRIVE AND KNOWING THAT IT WAS HELPING THE ECONOMY, IT WAS EVEN MORE FUN. THE SEATS ARE PERFECT AND EVERYTHING ELSE ABOUT IT IS GREAT!

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  Make a difference - Buy this car! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By racatalano - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This is truly a car of the future. It a fun car to drive and a unique driving experienc. It very well made with great high tech features (hybrid engine, keyless entry, voice activated navigation). It is a bargain for the money.

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  Very Satisfying - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Brian Gillingham - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I only have this car because I was unhappy with my previous (new 2004 Corolla). I have always been environmentally conscious, so this car is the perfect car for me. I am also quite a geek -- so this also fits that bill.

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  Great Car! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By ToyotaNewbe - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Test drive the Solara! Thats all it took! There are very few negatives about this car! I bought the SE with the V-6 (I added the moonroof and comfort package.) The Solara has the comfortable, classy feel, combined with sporty looks and tons of power. The shift positions of the Automatic/manual overide takes some getting used to. Im not sure how well the plastic light covers will hold up....the salesman swore by them. The worse problem I have is there is a large blind spot behind the car (with my seat down low, I can not see for more than 10 feet behind...even with the mirrors!) CarMax and Autobytel were the best prices.

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  looking good - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By jimml - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Engine and performance better than my old Ford 150 V-8. Better everything, and reliability is why I bought this truck, as well as the fact that it is the best looking compact out there. Good to know it can tow up to 5000 lbs. when Ill need it this summer. Couldnt find the clock for the first few days - placed in awkward place. Interior could use an upgrade.

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  The Bullseye - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By unbiased-a - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car for the beginning family. It accomodates taller individuals well. However, I do find the driving position akward at times. A telescoping steering wheel would solve this problem. If you are looking for a well rounded car with a great reliability recorded stop looking. If your looking for spice and performance go else where.

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  I like it! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By josiwhales - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought in Sept. 03, have over 4,000 miles with no problems. Fold down seats are a big plus. So much more room all around than the 96 for door SUV we traded in. Vehicle handled great in snow and ice condtions experienced in November trip.