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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  Excellent - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By kevinae102 - July 24 - 10:00 am

  BUY IT !!!!. This is the best vehicle that I have ever owned. I absolutely recommend this truck to anyone.

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  2001 Toyota RAV4 - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Rob Ryan - July 24 - 10:00 am

  Acceleration of this vehicle is extremely poor,and is very poor when the engine is cold.Fuel economy is good, and is comfortable to drive. Other than the very poor acceleration of this vehicle, its been a good SUV.

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  rated - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By minivanman - July 24 - 10:00 am

  Pricey? but reliable and stylish

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  An Excellent Value & Lots of Room - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Donn - July 24 - 10:00 am

  The Avalon XLS is driven primarily by my wife, but it is our family car when we go places together, and then I usually drive. With an on-the-road price of $33,000, it is an exceptional value. Our friends in the back seat consistently applaud the 40+ inches of rear leg room -- same as in a Mercedes "S" sedan. Totally reliable, too.

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  Typical Toyota - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By KC Boy - July 24 - 10:00 am

  Typical Toyota- not incredibly exciting, but well built and cheap to maintain. This is our 2nd Toyota and we plan on a 3rd (lease ending soon). I cant imagine buying another American make after the terrific experience weve had with this Toyota.

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  great truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By onenut - July 24 - 10:00 am

  This truck has a very smooth and stable ride for a 4x4 truck. The 3.4L V6 has plenty of power and has a quick throttle response. The 5 speed shifts smooth and tight. Overall I am very impressed with the quality and drivability of this truck, the best vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Friends think I bought a Lexus!!! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By snoopyjt - July 24 - 10:00 am

  I love my car...took it recently on a long road 900 mile trip and only filled the tank twice! Everyone thinks I it looks like a Lexus or that I paid over 20,000 for it! I love the interior compartments and the look! The ride is smooth - I can go 80 miles without really feeling the ride....I am very happy with my purchase - the price was right also! The dealer was excellent in dealing with.! I would receommned this car to anyone!

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  Excellent!! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By lovedirt12 - July 24 - 9:50 am

  My husband talked me into this car. I wanted something small. It was the best purchase I ever made! It gets good gas mileage, rides and drives like a luxury car, is perfect on long trips for everyone. Lots of space, lots of storage compartments with NO wasted space. perfect for a female cause it has lots of cubyholes. Easy to change rear seats and storage divider. Quiet, comfortable, reliable, and gadutes! What more could you want?!?

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  Yota - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Tom - July 24 - 9:46 am

  Bought this car because of the Consumer Reports ratings on reliability and its reasonable price for a Lexus-like ride. It has been a pretty good car. Ive felt the transmission hunt when rapidly accelerating (like 1000s of others) but it has not cause a problem. Hood paint is marginal. Gas mileage exceptional. Comfortable interior. Would definitely buy another but would look at the Nissan/Infinity models also due to the transmission slip issue.

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  Auto Climate Control - Beware!!!! - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By mfoster - July 24 - 9:43 am

  As others in this forum, burned by auto climate control to the tune of $1,050. No choice but to replace, as the car is not realistically driveable without the a/c, heating, defrost systems working. I guess several people have to die before anything is recalled. Front strut noise also as others report. Catalytic converter went out and one dealer wrongly diagnosed as a broken ring, needing a $5,000 repair. Second dealer correctly diagnosed and repaired under original powertrain warrenty. Steering wheel cover has peeled off. If you are looking to buy, I would insist the seller correct these issues first. Car is roomy and will get up & go.