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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  New Gears? - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By CB in AZ - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because I wanted a car to keep for ten years! At 24K, I had to replace fourth and fifth gears. At least it was still under warranty! I drive hard, but never beyond 5500 RPMs. I also had to replace the fan blower just recently. The interior is cheap plastic that you can scratch very easily. Toyota cut too many corners when they designed this car. I wouldnt buy this car or any Toyota again.

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  j blo - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By jo blo - January 16 - 2:00 am

  this is a great truck and i would buy it again if presented with the opportunity.

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  BEST OF SUV OUTHERE - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Chris D - January 16 - 2:00 am

  powerful V8 engine , rugged look , many nice standard , and it fast

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  Nice Ride - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Ellie R - January 16 - 2:00 am

  We turned in our 2001 4Runner for our 2003 Highlander 4x4 V6. Its VERY roomy, love the power driver seat, location of controls, lack of noise and overall feel.

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  Honest Review - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Kelly in Texas - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Have just had the Highlander V6 for 1 day but am loving it already. Great ride. Very good gas milage for a SUV. Quality throughout. Test drove Ford and Chevy SUVs then the Highlander. You can just feel the higher level of quality.

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  Serious crosswind problem - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By cchi - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I tested the new 2003 Corolla several times during the windy condition. The transmission is smooth, turning is accurate, acceleration is good, and gas mileage is excellent for a small call with lots of interior space. But do not drive it over 65 MPH in northeastern states during the winter time. The car can change one line at strong crosswind. I dont recommend to drive this car when passing a truck, raining day, or wintery condition. Its just unsafe. Like the previous model, the body is too wide and the tires are too narrow cause the car unstable in high speed.

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  Danger Beware! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By What Next? - January 16 - 2:00 am

  We loved this car when we purchased it. However, at 4,000 miles, the starter/engine caught fire. Toyota has not notified any of you as to this problem, have they? We are on the third set of rotors and brake pads and are also experiencing all the rattles, etc. We have had it tied up for 23+ days in just under a year. Have been to arbitration but no accountability by Toyota. Per Toyota, "Thats what the extended warranty is for." Toyota couldnt possibly have any lemons?!?

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  Another Great American Made Toyota - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By J. Jones - January 16 - 12:26 am

  After waiting for two years to purchase a 2nd Gen Tundra, I finally got a good deal in 12/08 on a TRD/4X4/Dbl Cab, when gas climbed to $4.00 a gallon. It was well worth the wait. I have not driven the truck that much, and just went through the first tank of gas. I was blown away when my calculations showed 21.7 mpg in combo city/highway driving (my 04 Camry gets 28 mpg). The Tundra has tons of power, space, and is a delight to drive. If you want to buy American, buy a Tundra, because it is made here in the USA by Americans in the Great State of Texas.

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  Whatta TRUCK! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Sberlogar - January 15 - 10:13 pm

  This is my third Tundra and this new one is at least twice the truck as the old model. Run, dont walk down and buy one. Spacious elegant interior. Easy to use controls and all the power you could ever want.

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  Im a TACO man ! - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Sasquatch - January 15 - 7:00 pm

  Just purchased my 2010 Taco (Pre- Runner V6 SR5 auto) with the TRD off- road package in Pyrite Mica. I love, love, love this truck. Added the bull bar, chrome accents to mirrors, door handles, front and rear taillights, and a tool box. The first two tanks of gas averaged right at 20 mpg. Not sure why some of the other posts here do so poorly on mileage. I am not a lead foot, that probably helps! I would recommend this truck to anyone. Its perfect size and does whatever I need it to do, and with style!