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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  Back to a Toyota - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Carl - June 11 - 10:30 am

  Bought my 2000 4Runner XR5 in 2009 with a little over 100,000 miles on it. After "experimenting" with a Ford Expedition (Junk) and Chevy Suburban (actually not a bad vehicle), I am glad to be back to Toyota. Styling is timeless and it runs like a top. My only complaint is that it is underpowered. Although it has a 5000 lb tow rating, it labors to pull my 2,500 lb boat, especially going up hills. Other than that, it has been a great vehicle.

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  excellent suv - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By jay saini - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I love the ride. Very confortable

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  My 2 day review of my 1996 4-runner - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By hypnosisracing - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 4-Runner just 2 days ago, and already i have to agree with many here that this is quite possibly the nicest SUV on the market for the price. With 108,000 miles on the odometer i payed just above $10,000 for mine (a steal thanks to my brothers car lot and team). This truck is just a dream come true...interior is awesome, exterior is awesome and over all...this thing is amazing, perfect for my needs, as i haul my track civic around to various locations for show and races, this thing in the last 2 days has sold me again and again.

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  The Landcruiser Rocks! - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By M A S - June 11 - 10:00 am

  When we were looking for our next truck we like at several vehicles including the Lincoln Navigator, Cadillac Esclade, Hummer H2, and the Land Rover Range Rover. The Landcruiser offered the best of everything and is the most depend and reliable vehicle we have ever owned. This truck gives you an abosoulte sense of security. I have driven down streets with 3ft of snow (unplowed) without have to use any of the differentials or low-range settings of the Landcruiser. This is the best vehicle you could own, its almost like a Japanese Hummer!

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  Lemon? - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Mason1024 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I love her, but shes on her third transmission and second engine. Informal research shows that 2002+ models are more reliable. Very fun, impractical car. If only she were as solid as Toyotas are supposed to be, I would gladly put a couple hundred thousand miles on her.

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  93 Camry OK - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Boris Povo - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is Very good for a 1993 car. It is very powerful and does not brake down too much

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  Spyder Seq Man Tran - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Woger - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This is one fun little pocket rocket. Where else can you get this much performance, handling, and satisfaction for your $. I love the style and the "hey what was that" looks that we get from other drivers. The car is unique and gathers looks wherever we go. The six speed SMT may not be as quick as the full manual five speed, but it is suprisely nimble. This car likes to run in the high revs, corners like a cheetah, and makes the weekend drives a whole lotta fun. The car is solid and tight, a near perfect suspension.

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  What happened to Toyota reliability? - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By Christopher Reynolds - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This is the worst @#%#@$ SUV I have ever bought! I love Toyotas and currently own a Lexus LS400 but this truck has cause me nothing but grief. Lets see ... 10K transmission slips, knocking in engine like a gremlin with a ball peen hammer! Air conditioning works when it wants to. premature brake wear on the front rotors (Toyota mechanic confirmed this)

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  Nice Car - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Richard Bernard - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great car to Own. We have 4 months of winter, yet we use this as a winter car also. It handles great. We replaced our Audi 200 Quattro with this car. It does not have the great winter handling, since it does not have 4 wheel drive, but with snow tires on, it does very well with the traction control. The Boot that came with the car looks great, but is hard to put on, and has broken at the joint. Ive had to rivit it to use it.

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  4-Runner Nothing Else Will Do - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By AAJoe - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my favorite SUV I have ever owned. (99 Tahoe, 92 K-5 Blazer, 87 Cherokee, 82 CJ7) I tested the 2003 Tahoe, Discovery, Trailblaizer & Durango and I would have paid a $5000 premium for the powertrain and handling of the 4-Runner. New for 2003 increased size and V-8 option won me over. The best of the "real" 4x4 SUVs if you dont have a large family.