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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  Everyone should drive a Prius! - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By Pheebie - December 29 - 10:00 am

  I love my Prius. I average 49 mpg and can zip anywhere (and no, I never have to "plug in"... this must be the biggest misconception about hybrid cards). And its FAST! I once got a ticket for going 90+. Not that I endorse that... but it proves the Prius is peppy. Not to mention, Toyota pays for ALL regular maintenence. I havent had to put an extra dime into my car. Do one for the planet. Buy a Prius!!

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  Loving it - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Jaycee - December 29 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car!!! I have searched long and hard to find an affordable, reliable, and stylish car to fit my needs. The search is over. Im able to zip (and I mean zip)around inexpesively with three friends and my two German Shepherds and still have room!

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  reliable fun - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Ben Morales - December 29 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have had this car for about a year now. This is the fifth new car we have purchase since 1991 and is by far the one that never makes me wish I bought something else. Gas milage is great, looks are awsome, and the fun factor is always there. Even when the weather was bad, the snowstorms in the northeast, this car never felt like it was out of its element. My Matrix is truly reliable fun on wheels!

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  rav - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By hadi - December 29 - 10:00 am

  Its my wifes car,but i drive it sometimes she loves it. I think its not a bad car it drives good. I mean its toyota.

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  Fresh of the Lot - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Snugs - December 29 - 10:00 am

  Purchased 2003 2wd 4runner last night. Our research all came to an abrupt halt after seeing the new 4runner bodystyle. This is the PERFECT mid-sized SUV. While the highlander has nearly the exact same sized interior/cargo space, the wimpy V6 and mushy brakes and less-solid feel kept it from being a contender. The Sequoia is just too frickin big for inner-city use. With our first baby on the way, the 4runner fits the bill. The fit and finish of the leather limited model cockpit is as good as a lex or mercedes.

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  toyota 4runner review - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By mattallica0 - December 29 - 10:00 am

  We love our forerunner, it looks great and drives beautifully. The perfect vechicle for a growing family.

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  Fun Truck -Sharp - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By BWsTacoma - December 29 - 10:00 am

  I went to an auto show in Dallas and loved the Tacoma the most out of all the trucks there. I went and bought one a month later and have been very impressed with it. It is very tight, sturdy and fun to drive. I love pretty much everything about this truck.

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  Corolla vs Civic - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By steph - December 29 - 10:00 am

  My sister bought a Civic a month ago and I bought a Corolla a few days ago. If you look at the body of a Corolla vs a Civic, by far, the Corolla is better. It also steers a lot better than the 2003 Civic. Civics are a good, solid car, but to get the "biggest bang for the buck" I would buy a Corolla even though it is 1500 more than a Civic. Great Car!

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  Great style - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By ARMANDO GONZALEZ - December 29 - 7:53 am

  This car is an excellent for city travel, good interior style, very confortable, great interior space, very secure drive, excellent vision for all angles.

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  A Mom and 2 Teens - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By DonnaJ - December 29 - 1:26 am

  I Love my Sequoia!!. In the snow, I feel safe because I am confident that I can control the car as long as I drive appropriate for conditions. I taught 2 teens to drive it. We moved across the country with the car loaded with "stuff" and 2 dogs and still had room to stretch out and sleep. Changed the oil every 3K miles and serviced the car per recommendations and it still performs great at 90K miles. To date, the only problems weve had is the latch on the tailgate and the cd player had to be replaced. I wish the gas mileage was better with the price of gas rising but Im not trading it in yet! Getting to the 3rd row of seats isnt very easy.