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:

• 

  Good Truck - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By kcowboy - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in 06/2001, havent had any problems at all. I got 41,500 miles on it and it runs just as good. The brakes do squeal a little when backing up but Ive heard thats do to brake dust. The gas mileage is better when I keep my foot out of it but then again, its a truck with a V8 not a compact.

• 

  Very happy 1st time Toyota buyer! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By R. Cox - April 13 - 2:00 am

  This is my very first "foreign" vehicle and I truly love it! The ride is out of this world, the ride is what sold us. We test drove many mid-sized SUVs and for just a little more money than the higher end mid-sized SUV, you get alot more room and alot nicer ride in the Sequoia. Weve had it less than a year and we are very happy with it!

• 

  Capable Family 4wd - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By jbg4wd - April 13 - 2:00 am

  After months of research, we traded our Extra Cab Tacoma for a loaded SR5 Sequoia. I am convinced that this truck offers the best value and capability in a true off-road 7 pass. vehicle. If you have the mini-van heebeegeebees, check out the sequoia, if you have a growing family, but do not want to give up your off road adventures, check out the Sequoia.

• 

  Its a Toyota--enough said - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By dwagner - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Great truck. The transmission is incredible. Good fuel economy with plenty of power. Great all-purpose truck. I test drove every other truck and the engine+tranny won me over. Its also a very safe truck; check out the crash ratings--especially if you have little ones.

• 

  Evaluation - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By J. Bell - April 13 - 2:00 am

  The truck rides like as SUV - very smooth. I have done no repair on it yet - there has been no need. This is a great highway and offroad truck.

• 

  GREAT CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Daniel L - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my Solara and I love it! It is a fun car to drive for the price. I was amazed at the quality of the vehicle. I have owned many Toyotas and this is the most well made car for the price!

• 

  Solara: Toyota or Lexus? - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By J. L. Mackey - April 13 - 2:00 am

  This automobile has been outstanding since the first day. My wife and I have owned eight or so Toyotas and they have all been very reliable and of high quality. This one however, exceeds all previous autos. It,s a hoot to drive, has power to spare and looks like a design for the future (not some outdated style from the last ten years). Great value for the money. Go test drive one!

• 

  great overall crossover - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By bishop05 - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I love this SUV, it has power to spare and spacious front and rear seating. It also handels great in deep snow and in rain

• 

  my camry - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By sugarplum - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I love my Camry! I have the XLE V6, and I cannot tell you enough how great it is! Its sporty, its roomy, and its FAST!

• 

  Overall good value - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By fredslane - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought the 4 and have been very satisfied with the engine power. Great mileage at 30 consistently. Huge trunk. A few issues: even with power drivers seat it is tough to find a comfy position; needs the telescoping & tilting wheel of the Sienna. Its difficult to read odometer in daylight (had dealer examine what I presumed was a defect, only to be told thats the way it is made!). With sunglasses it is impossible to read. Radio/cd sound is terrible and Im no audiophile. Brakes are also on soft side as others have opined. But smooth, strong, quiet acceleration makes for nice ride. Paid 20M out the door incl ABS, NY sales tax (8.5%).