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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  GREAT TRUCK!!! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By HPOOH - June 11 - 10:00 am

  XREAS is great!!! Ride quality is above par, quiet and powerful V6 engine. Camry has 5-speed auto on the V6.... why not the 4runner? Gas milage is somewhat bad... i am getting about 16mpg

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  Only one complaint - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Blairnative - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I like this truck, I like it a lot. If this truck does not last me for 15 years I will be surprised. Just traded in my 1990 Toyota for the 2003. Love the rear differential lock, love the improved console. Why on earth they couldnt move the damned clock is beyond me. Its the only weak link in the whole damned thing.

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  fabulous - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By cgn49 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  wonderful car; should have been in camrys from the getgo, Purchased my first this past weekend. rides like lexus; quiet as any car ever ridden. Le 4 cylc has surprisingly nice zip to it. Im only sorry that i wasted so much time and money staying with Ford garbage for so long(Taurus)

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  Good car albeit a little steep in price - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By L Hill - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought the 2002 LE model. Its was kind of pricey compared to some of its competitors, however this is more a function of market timing as in the recent months there have been better incentives offered mainly with the list of standard features like power drivers seat and power locks (I paid extra for) growing over previous years. Overall, good quality as with the first year of a model there are squeaks and rattles that need refinement. Handles well though especially on the interstate with good pickup.

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  TOYOYA 2003 - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By DAVID AUSTIN - June 11 - 10:00 am

  A GOOD EXPERIENCE FROM THE DEALERSHIP TO THE ROAD. PLENTY OF ROOM VERY QUITE SURE FOOTED WITH EXCELANCE GAS CONSUMPTION. GREAT CAR FOR CAMPING AS WELL AS NORMAL USE. ENGINEERING VALUE AHEAD OF ITS COMPETITORS.

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  Very Good Minivan - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By eduardoc - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the new Sienna two weeks ago. Considered the new Quest and the Hondas. The Sienna has a very responsive engine. Lots of storage compartments. 8 seater is a plus when relatives visit us. It replaces a Windstar we had. Much better vehicle than Fords.

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  Prius running strong - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Pilot - June 11 - 9:33 am

  If you can tolerate slow acceleration, the Prius is a great car. In warmer weather mine can get 50+ mpg on a tank of gas after 117,000 miles. I have only replaced a water pump and tires during regular 5K service intervals. I have driven 400 averaging 60 mph and it still gets 43 mpg! The Prius struggles in very hilly areas but if you are patient you can make up for it on the downhill. It even handles well with the set of Michelins that are on it now.

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  Best Investment - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By BRIAN - June 11 - 8:53 am

  It looks and drives like a luxury truck but it really is a work truck. I can use it during the week to haul heavy loads or use it at a construction site and on the weekends, go to a wedding or nice outings all in the same truck. Its got power and class. The best vehicle I ever owned.

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  Toyota Avalon Limited - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By John - June 11 - 5:23 am

  This car is a joy to own and drive. It is well-appointed both inside and out. My passengers rave about the roomy, comfortable back seat. The only complaint I have about it is that I have a difficult time entering destinations into the navigation system. The buttons are overly sensitive and respond to inputs that I feel that I am not making.

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  Lexus LS at 50% discount - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Mark - June 10 - 7:26 pm

  Previous car was the Lexus LS.I commute 90 miles daily and didnt want to put that many miles on a Lexus. So I got the Avalon and bought a Honda S2000 convertible with the savings. The Avalon is very, very close to Lexus levels of luxury and refinement. No better value anywhere.