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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  Sorry I didnt buy one sooner - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Toyo-lover - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Bought the V6-XLE used in 2000 with 88,000 mi., now has 122,000. The V6 is strong, smooth, and effortless. The ride is very comfortable & smooth. It handles just the way you want it to. This is my first Toyota, and based on my experience with this one, it wont be my last!

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  Im still alive! - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Johnman - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought my MR2 at the end of July 2003. August 14 2003 an individual ran a red light "at a high rate of speed" sais the police report and tore the front of my new car off. I walked away. Bruise on my knee, some pain in my chest and my left wrist hurts a bit but I walked away. Ive ordered another one. Hopefully that one will see more than 912 miles.

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  Pretty reliable - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By chrisc - March 14 - 10:00 am

  The Camry is at the top in overall reliability. I love ours. We have had few problems with ours. I have replaced one CV joint and one CV boot, and probably should replace the oil pan gasket within the year. The car is not a sporty model, but is so reliable and pleasurable to drive that you dont mind.

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  Lexus pickup... - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By doghousedub - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Like driving a luxury car with a bed. All I move around is my music gear, and the occasional trip to Lowes. This truck is perfect for me. After owning nothing but Hondas and one Ford, I think Ill stick with Toyota. Everything feels extremely solid, and the engine and transmission are smooth as silk

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  Good little car - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By Georgia girl - March 14 - 10:00 am

  It is an economical car. It rides smoothly. There is not enough leg room in front or back!! The seats get uncomfortable on long drives. Could be slightly wider and longer!

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  My Fourth Camry - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Suppo56 - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Have owned an 86,90,93(now owned by daughter w/153K miles) and now a 98.Im sold on Camrys!!Estimated total mileage on those cars is 400,000+ I could not ask for better reliability.I laugh to myself when I hear the "I buy only American cars!" crowd bemoan the failure of major components after low milege. Ive "sold" lots of folks on Camrys. Little known fact, the name comes from the Japanese words Kam Murri meaning "Crown" Bought 98 with 91K miles on it and have driven 25K trouble free miles in a year.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By kaiserboy - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Great handling and very stable on the road. Would have liked a rear bumper, but that can be purchased aftermarket fairly cheap.

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  Tried Something New - Good and True - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Grammar Girl - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Ride is smooth and secure. Tires are huge! Road noise is minimal on highway compared to Camry I had previously. Large storage compartments up front are handy.

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  the best in its class - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By corolla2004 - March 14 - 10:00 am

  this car is one of the best to drive in its class, room, compfort, great gss mileage, better features than corollas past

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  Bang for ya Buck - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By bmurph2112 - March 14 - 10:00 am

  reliable, just could use some more engine power.