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 SEQUOIA - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By FCT - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Good SUV at afair price.

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  great car - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By nedlaw - February 28 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun, zippy, quiet, safe and comfortable, and you feel good about minimizing impact the environment, and minimizing our national dependence on oil!

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  Camry - Supreme Reliability - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By pirx - February 28 - 2:00 am

  After 10 years of owning this car, its time to find a replacement. But with such excellent reliability Im compelled to buy another Camry. The only thing unusual that went wrong with this car in the 10 yrs is that both front axles had to be replaced. I called Toyota directly and they confirmed that this was a problem with the particular model/year. In fact, it is the only technical service bulletin on this particular car. No other known problems, which is quite astonishing. Id buy another in a heartbeat - but I just wish they could make a look somewhat more interesting.

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  I love my car! - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Happy owner - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2003 Toyota Echo 4 door manual. (White) So far I love it. I like the look, and the new dark trim on the bottom (makes it look sharp). Im very happy with it. I like the placement of the meters in the center a lot better. (speed, odo, etc.)I think its actually easier on the eyes. I think its a great car for a great price!

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  great car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By kendra - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Not only is this a reliable family car, it is fun to drive and handles well. Liked the Camry more than the Accord.

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  2003 Toyota Camry - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By scottjay01 - February 28 - 2:00 am

  The 03 Camry is an absolute joy on long drives. The ride is smooth quiet and serene. Acceleration is strong and smooth. Who can top Toyotas reliability. I love to pull up next to a Lexus ES300 ( same platform) and look over thinking "ah ha, I got mine for $12,000 less."

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  2010 Toyota Prius III - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Dancergirl - February 27 - 10:40 pm

  We had wanted to buy a Prius and were relieved that my 63" husband could fit in it. We bought Prius III for the better sound system and Bluetooth (although we dont yet have a need for Bluetooth; thought it best to plan for the future).

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  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Clay - February 27 - 4:06 pm

  I had owned a Tacoma since 2001 and just traded it in for a new 05 Access Cab TRD Tundra. I was already sold on Toyota quality so it was a no brainer to purchase another Toyota. I just wanted more room, more power and more comfort. The 05 Tundra was everything I was looking for. So far very pleased with the whole experience.

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  Tundra 05 Limited Access - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Jonny 5 - February 27 - 3:06 pm

  Very good pulling power for 3.5 klb. boat, barely tell its back there. On Hwy you will get close to 20 mpg. Pulling the boat, it drops down to about 13-14 mpg. Ride is very smooth, and quiet. Handling is like a sports car. Before you buy anything else, test drive one of these puppies.

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  Best Surprise on the Road - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By winband - February 27 - 2:36 pm

  I bought my Prius on the day of hurricane Katrina... had a bad feeling about gas prices since I drove an Chevy Avalanche and had just filled up for $75. I needed room, comfort, economy, and dependability and the Prius has not disappointed me one single bit! This is a MOST surprising car! I suggest you drive one before you think it cant be for real - its absolutly great! Im saving about $250 a month on my gas bill and loving every minute of my driving time!