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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  2001 GT-S 6-speed manual - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By daschtick - July 22 - 2:00 am

  This car offers a good deal of performance, style, fuel economy, and reliability on a budget. The engine, although peaky, offers a lot of performance for a 1.8 naturally aspirated engine. It is fun to keep the revs up and drive hard once you learn how this car NEEDS to be driven. Calm, relaxed, cell-phone yakking, adreniline deprived people need not apply! This car causes you to remember how much fun it can be to really drive! The engine is only the half of it though. The steering is tight and very responsive, and the suspension does a fantastic job on soaking up the harshness of the road, yet allows for impressive handling. Also, the brakes are amoung the best....ANYWHERE

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  You have to see this! - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By go go - July 22 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car you have to get one!

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  Love this car - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Byron49er - July 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is the most resonably price luxery, sports coupe on the market. Similar to the Accord but rare.

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  Toyota Rocks! - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By balpreet - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Really solid build quality. Very smooth engine.

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  GreatNewSUV - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By DrivingHIGHlander - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I spent months looking for a new car & drove every SUV out there! Borrom line- its hard to beat the Toyota reliability & the amount of vehicle I could purchase for the price! Broguht my Highlander home & it seemed like I owned it forever. Controls are so functional --its just layed out logically. The ride is incredibly smooth , handling is great, and front seats are very comfortable. I drive the AWD 4 cyl- and the motor is not undersized as I thought it might be. Its got plenty of oommph when I need it. Great attention to detail! Vast amounts of cargo space in this one! Three adults fit great in the back seat too.

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  Buy a Highlander!! - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Dewey - July 22 - 2:00 am

  This car in the most comfortable and fun to drive automobile I have ever owned. All features are within easy reach.

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  Smitten by a baby Lexus - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Earl2003 - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I first saw this car on the street, and I thought Lexus had come out with small car similar to the ES300. Believe me I know the ES300 since I had considered buying one. I was shocked to find out it was a Toyota Corolla. I test drove it and was smittened, performance wise, and the interior has a better feel to me than the Camry. I bought a LE with cruise control, and a moon roof for well under $17,000, and I feel like Ive committed the Brinks robbery. Believe me this a lot of car, an unbelievable car for this price. Thank God the salesperson didnt know it, but I would have been willing to pay more for such a substantial car.

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  excited corolla owner - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By ericmed - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I finally got my car in this month after waiting for the color and options that I chose. I have had the car for only five days now but I am looking for to keeping it for a while. It is quite, fairly nimble, and makes you foget that you are driving a small car. I expect that the realiability will be great, nothing less than what is expected of a toyota.

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  Camry XLE2002 - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By deb - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I have been very pleased with my new Camry. I thought it was a boring car until I test drove and fell in love. I traded in a 1997 Infinite J30 and must say I have enjoyed the Camry more. I would recommend this car.

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  Life is Good - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By LittleRedRidingHood - July 22 - 12:53 am

  Purchased a 2001 Red/black Spyder in the summer of 2003. Its not for everyone, but if youre single with no kids, this is the car for you. It handles flawlessly, can be parked anywhere, and leaves every other car in the dust. I used to travel by plane, but now I refuse to fly anywhere within a 3-state radius. The only problem I have encountered is excessive tire wear - and Im not sure I can blame the car for that. Im embarrased to admit I smile everytime I see my car. Just to balance my glowing review: my brother is 62" and refuses to drive my car anywhere. He thinks it is terribly uncomfortable, totally impractical, and hates the non-stop attention it receives. To each his/her own.