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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  Finally, some fun on the streets - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Mike - May 13 - 9:00 pm

  The MR2 will never appeal to soccer moms, farmers, or anyone who prioritizes "practicality" over fun; however, if you want a reliable, economical, relatively rare, good-looking, and super fun way of getting from point "A" to "B" the MR2 can not be beat.

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  This will be my last Toyota - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dissapointed - May 13 - 8:56 pm

  Actually this was my first Toyota ever. It will also be my last. This thing is as unreliable as can be. It leaves you stranded randomly and then it runs great for a few days again. The problems started shortly after the 60,000 mile mark, and to no surprise the drivetrain warranty expired at 60,000 miles. This is my last Asian vehicle ever (Had a Honda Accord years ago and it was a money pit).

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  Solid car - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By jmacgregor87 - May 13 - 4:50 pm

  I live in the NW and this is my girlfriends car. She has owned it since day 1 of its life and takes good care of it. Miles; 126K Pros; Dirves great, good gas milage, stars every time, dependable, and is comfortable for long hauls. Cons; In the last 2 years things have started to break/fail. She has replaced the key ignition twice for 2 different reasons. Some rattles have started to show up, it is 10 years old. The sub-woffer has a short, we found out its in the stereo it self.

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  Great Little Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By 3dyaris - May 13 - 11:00 am

  My Yaris gets great gas mileage, is comfortable, and drives well. Ive had no problems in three years- just done routine oil changes. Plenty of storage with the hatchback too, and its easy to park.

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  I will drive it till it falls apart! - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Jenlovescats - May 13 - 10:00 am

  This was my second car. My first car was a Renault Alliance, I used that while I was going to school. I purchased this car 4 months out of nursing school and it was, without a doubt the best 20gs I spent. I havent put a lot of miles on it; I just turned over 100,000, but it has run great for me and I am afraid to trade it in for fear of getting a less reliable car! This car has grow with me, it was sporty enough for a single gal (I have the moon roof and I got the detail package), then a married gal and now a Mom. It has transitioned nicely with my personal life. It sure isnt as clean and it was when I didnt have any little ones!!!

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  Great car to drive - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By Keith Lowery - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Great car good price and great style

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  Excellent 2 door - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By solara fan - May 13 - 10:00 am

  28 mpg - outstanding mileage

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  Toyota Sienna Minivan - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By Gordon Bennett - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Great Minivan...easy to live with. Drives smooth and solid

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  Room To Spare - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By new2this2 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Big, roomy and quiet. More space than my wifes minivan. Very well built. You have the feeling that you are well protected in the event of a crash.

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  Nice First Truck/SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By toolmanjohn - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Only 230 miles so far. Looks like the mileage will be in the 17/18mpg range for my mixed style. On road handling is good. Does EXTREMELY well on bigger asphalt bumps and jolts. Loads of interior room. Well designed layout. Features are great. SMOOTH AND QUIET powertrain. Accelerates as good as my car! Suprising! Shifts smooth too. Had to add a leg bolster to get a raise. Didnt realize this in test drive. My bad. Probably would not have bought. Rotten EGG smell when moderate accelerating or kick down a gear when passing. UGH. Hoping a better tank of gas fixes it! Fingers crossed!! Didnt smell it on test drive.