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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  Oh What A Not So Good Truck ! - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By ToyOfDallas - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Like others I bought this truck with high anticipations based on that Toyota reputation. Over 7 services trips concerning my squeaky clutch, suspension, and faulty paint. The passenger seat is uncomfortable and even it squeaks. Im very disappointed. I love the body style and solid feel, but there isnt much else to brag about.

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  my blue car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By amberpi - May 29 - 2:00 am

  The prius is quicker and brakes better than my camry. It had no defects on delivery and the gas mileage is as promised. The display screen is a distraction while driving and I suggest that you use it gradually. This is a great car and it came with a $2000 tax deduction too.

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  2004 Prius - A Joy to drive - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Mel &Gladys Roseman - May 29 - 2:00 am

  As a 74 year old adult who has always considered cars as tools to get from one place to the next as quickly and painlessly as possible, I have fallen in love with my 2004 Prius. I now look for any possible excuse to get in it and drive somewhere -- anywhere. This is a new, exciting experience for me late in life.

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  Best Car Yet - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Brennan - May 29 - 2:00 am

  It is not a car, it is a personal transportation pod. Built in phone, GPS, 6 CD changer, start button, touchscreen everything. Plenty of room, nice cargo layout. What more is there?

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  The Crazy Car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Justin Shaw - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This car is a very good and reliable car. Only problem is that is is so low to the ground, which scapes up the bottom bumbers.

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  Tundra Access Cab Limited - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Steve H.S. - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Overall its an excellent vehicle, with mileage a bit low but expected to be such (averaging 16 mpg). After 15,000 miles, Ive had no maintenance problems. Smooth ride, great brakes. The bed is plenty big, but the back seat is too cramped for anyone to ride in.

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  2004 Tacoma sr5 with the TRD package - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By ChefNeil - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought the 2004 Tacoma, fully loaded, extended cab, for $24,000. When researching the compact pickups, I had read the ride was horriable in the tacoma. The ride infact is better than any pickup I have ever been in, and similar to a car. We just got 8" of snow, and the 4x4 handling was outstanding. When i want the truck to get up and go, s

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  High Lander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Leader - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Both it with 12,500 miles. Could not be more happy. Quality, interior room, drives like a car, very smooth. It is really a solid vehicle. It inspires reliability bumper to bumper. My is dark blue (navy blue) and brings sun roof & Privacy Glass giving the appearance of semi luxury and cool fresh look to fit everywhere I go.

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  Love this SUV!!! - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By malibulady - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I am so impressed with the way the Highlander handles and rides like a car. The AWD is definitely the way to go. I feel very secure in the Highlander.

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  Steering wheel from hell - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Bioman - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Love the car except for only one item. Poor steering wheel placement. My knees hit the wheel if I have to break as it does not adjust out to the driver. It is also a very small steering wheel. What was Toyota thinking about? I bought the car as I was in love with the fuel economy and reliability. Now I am not sure it was worth it.