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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  LOVED BUT LOST - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By CRANFIELD - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I LIKE THIS CAR ALOT, BUT WHEN I REARENDED ANOTHER CAR IT WAS TOTALED. LOOKED LIKE THE SLOPPED FRONT END OF THE CAR WENT UNDER THE REAR END OF THE OTHER CAR. MESSED UP THE RADATOR, AND FAN. AIR BAGS CAME OUT --- IT DID NOT LOOK LIKE THE BUMPER WAS OF ANY USE. I WAS NOT GOING THAT FAST AND NOW THE CAR IS TOTALED.

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  The best buy not the best car - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By Rivera - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The Celica 2002 in my opinion is the best buy available on sporty coupes, but if you compare speed with the Subaru impreza and the Acura RSX youll see they do better. Anyway, the car is just great and amazing is a great value and it has it all for less, moonroof great music, excellent performance, awesome breaks, great seats, the best look of all sporty coupes, great warranty,and the best realiability and resale value, remember is a Toyota.

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  Great except for Brakes and seats - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Toyota in Tucson - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Im a Realtor and drive constantly. Between 25-30K a year. Love the car except Ive had to replace the brakes about every 10,000 miles. Ive talked with 3 brake stores and all say that is a problem on this year and model. Something to do with the brake caliper not releasing all the way and constantly rubbing. I just take it back every few months for my new pads (under lifetime warranty) new calipers to fix it are around $1,000. Seats for sure and uncomfortable. Terrible adjustments. Other than the brakes I run this car in the ground and it just keeps going.

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  Smooth - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By JGH - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has lots of room and comfort inside, more than other comparable vehicles. It had two small defects when delivered and the dealer took care of them promptly.

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  My 2nd yota - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By NAD - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Decent power for a 4-banger, although I wish the V6 was offered at this trim level. Comfortable ride quality, superb ergonomics, solid build, and Toyota finally put some 15" rims on its 2WD trucks. Handles great with a load in the back, no noticeable change to braking characteristics. Transmission very solid, this thing feels like it could easily handle a V8. Second gear is way too high, especially compared to the fairly low-geared first. You can tell that the build quality is much cheaper on the 2002 compared to my 1986 yota, yet it is still very solid compared to anything else. Gas mileage a bit lower than expected, 21 mpg street, 23 mpg highway. Nice truck, worth the money.

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  Smooth SUV - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By cal1951 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Great first SUV. If you want security of 4WD, but not the rough ride or truck like feel of most of the SUVs on the market, this is the vehicle to test drive. Both my wife & I are comfortable driving and riding in it. Not as much interior storage as some of the other SUVs, but nicely laid out and finished.

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  My new Baby! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By dacia - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I just upgraded from a 2000 honda civic and I have ne regrets. It sits much higher and is easier to get in and out of. I really need that since I just had knee surgery 6 months ago and it was so hard to get in and out of my civic. I love the new body style and it rides great.

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  Just got it & lovin it - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Tammie - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I read EDMUND reviews before buying the 2003 Corolla and saw all the comments about the sun visor hitting the mirror. FYI - there is nothing wrong with the sun visor hitting the mirror. The mirror has 2 joints you can adjust. One attaches mirror to arm and arm to windshield. Move the arm of the mirror 1/4 inch to the right and you are good to go! Hope this helps!

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  Toyota Camry XLE Owner - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By prl - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The new body design and larger interior feeling have been done just right. This is a great riding, comfortable car with all the "nice to have" features at a very reasonable price. A lot of improvements have been made since my previous 1999 Camry. Things that I thought could be improved have been. We are very happy with our decision to buy another Camry.

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  We love our Camry! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Fireman - July 30 - 10:00 am

  They really have made a very good car better for 2002.