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:

• 

  benchmark vehicle - 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By douge - November 30 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Land Cruiser...purchased after owning a GMC Suburban for a year. The ride, handling and build quality is superb. The new V-8 provides more than enough power and I get the same 15 MPG as I did with the 6-cylinder. This car is as comfortable on vacation as it is at the theatre. And, the folding third seats should be standard on every SUV. Like my previous Land Cruiser, it is the best car Ive owned - just regular oil changes and brake pads to enjoy maintenance-free driving. At 3 years old, it looks brand new, inside and out...and I couldnt say the same for my one year old GM product. Ill be trading for another when my lease expires.

• 

  great vlaue - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By webegong - November 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is a beauty. On top of that, its engine has got a lot of pep, especially for a 4 cylinder. I was surprised at the amount of trunk space, but the back seat space was as cramped as expected. A great commuting car.

• 

  New Avalon - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Castelli - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Very smooth quiet ride. Love all of the loaded features this car has to offer. Roomy interior and large trunk. Good safety and reliability ratings is a couple of the reasons I looked at this car. Needs to improve Driver frontal crash rating.

• 

  Watch out for minor annoyances - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By T_Sport - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Problems: The 3-spoke steering wheel doesnt move down nearly enough to get a comfortable grip. If you like to drive, holding one hand or both on the bottom spokes, you will NOT like the Rav4 steering wheel. The other major flaw with the car is the pathetically weak factory stereo. My car had the upgraded stereo which results in two more useless paper tweeter speakers. Unfortunately, at this time, Crutchfield doesnt support the 2002/2001 Rav4, so speaker upgrades are tough. I replaced the factory head unit with a Sony unit which resulted in more power but ZERO bass, and distortion above 30% power. If you love good music, buy a Nissan.

• 

  Flawless after 4 years - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By gello - November 30 - 10:00 am

  We have now logged 82000 miles on our Camry. It still drives as smooth as the day driven off the dealrship lot ( maybe even better after replacing original tires with Michelins). Still on original set of brakes. This is a great family sedan with plenty of room for 5 adults. Huge trunk! This car is a testament to Toyotas commitment to building quality vehicles that will run forever. Toyota has earned my business for many years to come.

• 

  Wicked Ride! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By WickedChick - November 30 - 10:00 am

  I just love this SUV. There is no other vehicle like it on the road for ease and fun of driving. It is perfect for the carpool, especially with the add-on DVD/TV Console. After 35000 miles it rides like a dream. We have only had to change the oil!!!! The cargo area is easy to manipulate and my 5 year old son can move the 3rd row seats. After years of Toyota(MR2 and 4-runner) and Jeep(Cherokee Limited) ownership - Toyota Sequoia RULES!

• 

  cars - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tanner Williams - November 30 - 10:00 am

  It was very nice

• 

  Best car/SUV I have owned - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By WLF - November 30 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I absolutely love our Highlander. It is the best vehicle that we have owned. It is peppy, fun to drive and has the feel of a car not a truck. I also own a Honda Accord and the handling and feel of the Highlander seems the same. It is an excellent cross-over vehicle. I highly recommend it!

• 

  my car - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Vladbph - November 30 - 10:00 am

  This is really very well built car. Car not truck. Just took it to camping on rough road - very good for family treveling.

• 

  Moved UP to the FOUR - Great choice - 2016 Toyota Prius c
  By Marian Chiara - November 29 - 8:54 pm

  If you are looking for a strong engine, this is not the car for you, but if you want improved style, easy on the wallet, great gas mileage, and excellent technology - go with the Prius c 4. So happy with the daily drive now. The view of the electronics is perfectly placed, no more peeking around the steering wheel to see whats up. I would prefer a leather seat, but the current interior is easy to maintain and the seat warmers are lovely on a cold morning.