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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  2002 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By TMan - June 3 - 2:00 am

  This is a great SUV. I bought it brand new with only 3 miles on it. So now a year later w/ 22K miles it still runs just as good when I drove it off of the dealers lot. This I have to say is one of the best looking SUVs that is on the road. Every where I go I get nothing but compliments on it. It drives great, rides great, everything is great. Overall a BEST pick.

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  My Prius - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By cob111 - June 3 - 2:00 am

  great gas mileage. Fun to drive. Feel like I contributing to reducing dependency on foreign oil by driving

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  It saved us - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By cyberplaid - June 3 - 2:00 am

  The sad story is that I no longer have this car. Totaled. It good news is that it saved our lives. Unbelievable construction/quiet/responsive/roomy and can take a 60 mph rear end hit. Felt only like a bumper car hit us in the back. Im replacing the 2002 with a 2003!!!

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  Dogs are much happier now... - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By imperfectly28 - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Go with the best and get a 4Runner. Get anything else and settle for less. We throw our dogs in the back and everyones happy. Toyotas run forever. I just sold my 92 Toyota pickup with 175,000 miles on it. I expect our 4Runner will prove just as reliable!

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  The Last Shall Be First - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By johng7 - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Im over 80 so I know this will be my last car purchase. The quality of this car is excellent. One complaint would be with the horsepower (128), since Ive always liked to step on it. The storage space is well thought out. The display needs a switch to light it up for daytime viewing. I am very happy with my purchase and would do it over again if I had to buy another car.

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  TERRIFIC COMMUTER SUV - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By SUDSY - June 3 - 2:00 am

  THIS SUV IS EXCELLENT FOR COMMUTING AND SNOW AND WET PAVEMENT. IT RIDES LIKE A CAR BUT PROVIDES 4WD AND THE TOYOTA DEPENDABILITY. I HAVE OWNED MY RAV4 FOR 5 MONTHS AND I HAVE ONLY HAD TO TAKE IT IN FOR THE SCHEDULED OIL CHANGE AND A RATTLING IN THE GLOVE BOX.

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  Corolla - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By sarkin - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Great car-no complaints-smmoth ride. One friend says it feels like shes cruising in a limo!

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  Toyota hits another homerun. - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Ed Gutierrez - June 3 - 1:56 am

  We bought it in 06/06 and could not be happier. Everything works well and we are in the middle of a road trip (1100+ mi.). With 7 passengers and a full load of luggage, we are averaging 22.13 mpg. The van performs well under all conditions and has all the features that we needed and even some that we wanted. No mechanical problems at all. It compares well with other vehicles we tested and better than most. We have 5 children and all have found their favorite spot.

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  Simply Outstanding - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By ajf1208 - June 2 - 11:03 pm

  I recommend this vehicle to ALL! Vehicle is a dependable truck that I drove up to 96,500 miles and had not a single issue with. The V6 engine had beautiful sound as Id step into it on the freeway.

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  Better than a Prius - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By B Dub - June 2 - 9:26 pm

  I feel like I won the lottery when I found this car. 2002 with 19k on it. A new car for 50% off! Since then, I average a combined 43 mpg summer/39 mpg winter at 9000 feet up in the mountains. Power to weight ratio is fantastic, especially considering the fuel economy. Acceleration good, cornering good, braking superb = great in snow. Slightly worse mpg than Prius, but no huge toxic battery! Better performance than Prius due to its much lighter weight and all at one third the price! Much less complicated mechanically and Toyota build quality should equal great longevity and reliability. Ive see Echos with 400k on them. This car is the nerd that never was popular but won in the end.