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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  205,000 miles still rolling - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By JAS - October 17 - 8:00 am

  I bought this new from a dealership in 1999 trading in my 1996 Tacoma with 300,000}+ miles on it (should have kept it as back up it was still running great but was STD cab) This truck has been through 2 front end collisions one costing over $16,000 in damages, two side hits and one roll down a hill! It has spent many months in body shops. Regardles of how hard I beat it to death it still keeps going. Ive had to replace the clutch at 200k which was the first major part excluding parts replaced in accidents. All in all I will never buy another make or model. Hopefully Toyota will see this and send me one for my family of 5. Its a bit cramped! Ill drive it to death & then try to buy another

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  A good SUV with a few flaws - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Scatterax - October 17 - 6:23 am

  Had it for 6 months. Previous cars include Accord, Nissan Quest. Good power, comfortable and solid. Handles nicely. Quiet when windows are closed. Performs well in snow/ice. I truly enjoy driving it. Music system is excellent, NAV is very confusing and appears less capable than the Honda Pilots. Susceptible to easy scratching inside and out. Wind noise is bad, but the low frequency reverberations when the back windows are open or sometimes when the moonroof is open by itself produce intolerable discomfort. A tolerable ride with moonroof or windows open without too much noise requires continuous adjustment of the windows depending on the speed.

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  Sequoia - One Year Later - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By alans727 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This has been a wonderful vehicle. Very solid, plenty of room and a great road car. Only wish it would get better mileage.

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  great vehicle - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By myvette - October 16 - 10:00 am

  a very fine vehicle....best in its class the safest suv in crash test.. side & curtain air bags a great affordable option very worth the $$$.

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  suv heaven - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By godevco - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Good performance and reliability. Fun to drive. Only major problem was the transmission had to be replaced at 85,000 miles. Regular maintenance is a bit pricey but necessary for optimum performance.

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  Only car Ive liked after two years - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By Jess of Waco - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive had a Merecedes roadster, a couple of Volvos, several Buicks, Oldses, and other comfy cars but this 96 Avalon is the best. The suspension has had strut problems, but otherwise, at 122K, its a fine-running, easy on the body kinda car. And although it has a "Cashmere Beige" stodgy exterior, it has surprising performance and can really scoot when you need it to. If you can find an Avalon at a good price, BUY IT!

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  Maintenance free - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Fawwaz - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the echo with deep concern at first. The reason for the purchase was to save money on the long drive from Los Angeles to Victorville, 200 miles round trip every day. Two years, with 45 thousand on the instrument cage the echo still running like a loyal dog. The only maintenance required is oil change and an alignment. This vehicle is recommended for single men and women. If you are looking for an economical vehicle, Echo is highly recommended.

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  Red Matrix - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Fast Matrix - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I truely enjoy my Matrix. My VW Passat wagon finally died and was looking for a replacement. A new Passat was out of the question(price). My search took me to Toyota. First impression,wierd. My wife didnt like it. Since the car was for me,that was a good thing. Well,as time goes by the car has grown on her. I tend to go for something different. I like the fact that the roads are not full of them yet. It still attracts attention.

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  Great Comfort and Power - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By GoVols - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This car has great acceleration speed and provides superb comfort. I considered the Camry; however, the comfort level of the Avalon is leaps and bounds above it. There is an abundance of leg room in the rear passenger seats. Good handling ability. Large trunk. Fuel mileage in city driving rarely exceeds 21 mpg.

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  I love it!! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By tr10x - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned and driven around all the other styles of 4runners over the years and this one is simply the best....there is no comparison to the difference in power and the smoother ride that all the previous year models had....I Love it!!! Great job Toyota!!