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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  Great value! Turns heads! - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By SpyderWoman - January 26 - 2:00 am

  I love the look of my silver MR2. It is reliable, handles well and gets great gas mileage unless you decide to drive VERY fast. Which it definitley knows how to do! Interior is very sporty, great for a 5-footer like me. You get so much style for the price, and of course Toyota quality and reliability, I am suprised I do not see more of these zipping around town!

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  Best Luxury Car for the money - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By AverageJohn - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought the XLS fully loaded - leather interior, JBL sound system, 16" wheels. This car runs terrific - great acceleration. Great gas mileage too - I get 24 arounf town and push 30 on the highway. Have had no problems. This is my second Toyota (my first was a 92 Camry - which is still going strong, pushing 200,000 miles). This car is best deal for money. Fit and finish are superb. Sound system is awesome. Very very quiet.

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  Great Van - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By A. White - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Great family car. Great on trips.

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  Nice car poor audio - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By fremont - January 26 - 2:00 am

  I was actually looking for a nice station wagon when I bought my highlander. I am very happy that I made the right decision. It cost almost same as the VW Jetta station wagon. I got a much better car: bigger space, comfortable ride, excellent performance, good gas mileage, very reliable. Also, dont forget that it is a SUV, the hottest thing on the road.

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  GREAT CAR!!!!! - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By RavChic4 - January 26 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the best car I have ever driven before! Its so fun to drive, and so reliable... its also a great deal!!!

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  Much more vehicle than the 02 4runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rustyrujo - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Traded in an 02 for a 03.Vehicle is superb in every way.More power,more room,rides a hell of a lot better.

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  Excellent car for the money - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Firefighter - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Camry offers the best value for the money. It drives great and the new controls are laid out for easy access. The only gripe is about the std features. Any thing worthwhile is an option on this car. Even floor mats are an option. Do not think this car is cheap compared to a Passat or Volvo. If you add all the options up, the price will match or even exceed the std Passat.

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  You want this car! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By jusa - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Car drives great! JBL Stereo is awesome.

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  Excellent car for the money - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By firefighter - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Camry offers the best value for the money. It drives great and the new controls are laid out for easy access. The only gripe is about the std features. Any thing worthwhile is an option on this car. Even floor mats are an option. Do not think this car is cheap compared to a Passat or Volvo. If you add all the options up, the price will match or even exceed the std Passat.

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  2002 Camry XLE replaced an Avalon(1999) - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By P Schomer - January 26 - 2:00 am

  I chose this over the new Avalon due to price and basically this is the same car.