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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  One Happy Owner - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Curtis Thompson - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I am so totally pleased with this vehicle. Why would anyone ever consider some other brand.

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  Cant Go Wrong! - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Larry d - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Its hard to kill a Corolla of any year!

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  RAV is the way to go - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By R. Gary - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I an very happy with my RAV4. My husband and I like to go off road and it has done better in some areas then his Jeep Comanche does. I have gone places in just the AWD that he has had to put his in four wheel for. Granted that it doesnt have the clearance that a truck has, but it is so much CUTER!!!

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  Reliable workhorse - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Max the Happy Camper - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle has never left me stranded and that is what I expect when I buy Toyotas. Still holding together great, no rattles and this truck is used "like a truck". No problems pulling a 20 fiberglass boat and handles commuting chores with ease. Comfortable ride.

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  Super without counting dealer! - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By peterfl - August 6 - 10:00 am

  It is super luxurious and you wont ever like to drive a rental car, not even luxury class, after having driven this. Maintenance is minimal. The dealer is awful. Does not stick to appointed times for maintenance (had to wait 1 hour on drop off and 1 hour on pick up!). At 30,000 mile service dealer did not check everything (did not notice that trunk button does not open trunk anymore) and that tires were bald.

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  Matrix XRS: Sportscar for the Pragmatist - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By bkcohen - August 6 - 10:00 am

  The 6-speed Manual XRS is a kick to drive. Good blend of a sports car with a practical small wagon. Nice interior design: red backlit guages, intuitive placement of all controls and dials, cupholders within reach but never in the way. Seats--especially front ones-- are very comfortable. (My wife has arthritis and has never found the seats in my cars comfortable. She says these are.) The car also has lots of big places to store stuff up front: change compartment to left of steering wheel, "secret" compartment centered under the shifter and the cavernous storage under the armrest.

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  "Close To Perfect" - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Benelli - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Excellent running and build quality, silky smooth powerful V-8. This truck looks great and priced very well into similar market. I am not sure why anyone is buying other 150 type 4X4 extended cab. A few more mpgs and you have "Perfection".

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  If I had to do over, I would - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Kev - August 6 - 10:00 am

  This is the first truck that Ive even owned and I love it. Father had a 87 with over 300K and I got tired of borrowing it. (excuse I gave the wife) Saw the 4 door and fell in love. Last one on the lot, test drove it, came back and asked where do I sign.

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  toyota - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By bob dole - August 6 - 10:00 am

  very good. a excellent choice for anyone who wants a very good used car that is automatic.

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  I love my 4Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By KHoerner - August 6 - 10:00 am

  My husband gave me a 50K allowance on a new car. I saw the 32K Sport Edition V8 4Runner, took a test drive ... and fell in love. I have driven it from TX to CA twice, all round TX and in the LA traffic - this car is a joy to own, fun to drive, has tons of pep but is very safe and reliable since I am starting a new family. It has a fun classy exterior, comfortable interior - and it is so so very quiet!