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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  Awsome family vehicle - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By Jimtsr - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Really wanted to get a SUV, but wife insisted on the functionality of a mini van. Now that we have it, I am converted to the world of mini van fans. The Sienna XLE is a very well designed vehicle that offers practicallity and luxury at the same time.

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  Perfect Car - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By luvsfastcars - September 11 - 10:00 am

  This car would be great for anyone who loves fast, performance cars with out the MSRP of a Porsche. A Bonus: Several people have commented that they like my "Boxter."

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  A True Keeper - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By KMW - September 11 - 10:00 am

  We purchase our first Toyota last year, and wish we would have done it sooner!!!!! We couldnt ask for a better vehicle. The reviews say "truck- like ride", they are so wrong, and we would know we also have a F-250; now that is a truck ride. The only drawback is the seats are a little small, but not too uncomfortable. Toyota has found a loyal consumer in us!!!!!!!!

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  Land Cruiser #1 - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By jcoulter - September 11 - 10:00 am

  This is an outstanding vehicle in every respect. It is quiet, comfortable, reliable, safe, roomy and a pleasure to drive. I have not had a single maintenance problem since I bought it. The build quality is second to none. If you are looking for one of the best vehicles made, look no further than the Land Cruiser,

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  Great Ride - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Steve M - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for two years and it is great fun and a great ride. The mileage is acceptable at 20 or so. It has smooth acceleration, good power, comfortable leather seats, good visibility with the roof down and excellent suspension and steering. I am only able to keep the top down 6 months of the year, but it is a pleasure to drive in the winter too. With the roof down, it is still quiet and very fun to drive! The only thing I do not like is the cover for the roof. It is hard to put on and the one I got with the car broke fairly quickly, but I got it replaced on warranty. This is overall the smoothest, nicest, funnest car I have owned!

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  Love the Rav! - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By oneknightonly - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Great handling - I love being up a little higher that in a car but yet still having the "drive" of a car. It is extremly well built - love the looks and would definetly recommend it to everyone!

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  a mans ride - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By w.t. - September 11 - 10:00 am

  if the worst thing i can say about my truck is that they put the clock in the wrong place. then it must be great. the thing that suprised me was how much room it has. i am a large person and i dont like to put a car or truck on like a pair of pants. if you like the convience of a truck and the ride of a car then check this one out. it truly is is a mans truck.

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  Very Good - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By vasant123 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love with SUV and finally it made to buy it. It is wonderful.

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  Finally - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By NotoriousBUB - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I searched and searched for a 5spd and was told I could have one in 2 weeks. Needless to say 34 days later my car arrived. It is everything I hoped it would be. We included some upgrades like custom sport leather interior (aftermarket) and the available cruise control and power package. And though I test drove every car on the market in this price range, the Corolla S puts them all to shame. Ford really needs to step up there build quality and Honda (Civic)though an excellent buy is certainly due for a makeover. The Corolla S 5spd If you can find one is a great DEAL.

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  Camry Hybrid has impressed me - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Laugh007 - September 11 - 3:26 am

  I purchased this car last week and absolutely love it. Smooth as silk CVT, very quiet, and I am getting 42.1 mpg in combined driving. Plenty of storage space. I have difficulty stretching my legs and have back pain from riding in most cars, but this one has been exceptional.