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 perfect tool for fun - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By nippononly - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car mainly as a daily commuter, but find myself looking for canyons to drive through just to enjoy the drive! This car has awesome reliability, gas mileage (over 35 consistently), handling, and brakes. Plus it has a fantastic look - at a time when almost every other car on the road looks like everything else in its class or by its manufacturer, the celica stands out as completely unique.

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  Great overall vehicle - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By czolt - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this car exactly one year ago used with only 3,000 miles. It is the GTS model with the 6 speed manual. I love the looks both inside and out. The hatchback is a very useful feature not found on many cars. Handling is superb and steering precise. But the O.E.M. tires are not all season and wear very fast. Performance is great along with fuel economy. Shifter is smooth most of time. Stereo is remarkably good with great bass! Had no problems yet.

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  Great Car- People Impressed! - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By erika - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Everyone is impressed with the interior of the car- it is very roomy and sleek and tall men fit in the front and/ or the back comfortably! Pretty car- with a nice quiet engine- but fast and fun to drive. Good safety features. Luxury car at an affordable price!

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  Best Car Ive Driven - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By symsthree - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I drove an Audi A4 for a few years and thought buying a toyota would be a little bit of a drop in class. I was wrong this car is sportier and a great buy. It is perfect for the modern working person, fun to drive and I would recommend that anyone intrested in a fun sport car that wont set you back $30,000 to try this Matrix you will love it.

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  Shangrila - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By John Martin - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Great for the Kids and the wife. Had a Caravan before, that I could not wait to get rid of. We worth the price. Not an off the shelf suburbon or expedition. This car is so nice and smooth. I feel very safe.

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  Modified to out tow and power most V8s - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By dentalrepairs - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I get lots of looks when I drive my truck. Great appearance and everybody knows the reliability of Toyota Trucks. Not just that, but when people ride my truck, they know theres lots of horsies powering this baby.

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  Best in its class - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By jekir - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This is simply the best mid size 4 door car for the money. I travel alot and get approx. 30 mpg w. a 6 cyl. Seats arent very comfortable but car handles great w/ a smooth ride. No problems except original tires wore out quickly and local Dallas dealership was a jerk. Wont buy from them again.

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  Its a Toyota - no mistake - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Toyo Fans - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Its definitely a Toyota. Very comfortable, car-like SUV. Great visibility. Smooth V-6, roomy interior (look small on the outside, extremely roomy inside, especially the rear leg room. Easy fold down rear seats (60/40). Two dislikes (suggest improvement) 1) High speed wind noise at rear seating area and when windows open, 2) and stereo system, sound is too soft for rear passengers, but to using the fader can correct problem and provide even sound front & back passengers.

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  I love this car! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By bobby1425 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I just traded my 99 ford escort se sport for the LE w/leather package. I never knew such a small car could be so refined, it feels like an avalon or ES300 on the inside. I have not been over 55 mph yet because of break in, but at 55 the interior is extremely quiet, especially for such a tall vehicle. The exterior is not the greatest, but if you value interior ambiance, performance, reliabiity, and resale value, this is your vehicle. If not, try a focus

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  Great commuter vehicle - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Bob - November 28 - 4:43 am

  I purchased this vehicle in March 2008. I really liked the Prius after renting one from Hertz for a week. MPG ranged from 44 lowest to 59 the highest. I purchased model 1224-base with Package#2 and factory installed leather-LA90 option. The leather seats offer great support, and are very comfortable. The car has good pick-up especially when merging on the interstate. Im sorry I waited so long to make the purchase, even though I was able to buy under MSRP.