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 ToyCam SE V6 - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By G MAN - November 10 - 4:06 pm

  I LOVE IT! Great vehicle overall. Great fuel economy, power, luxury, reliability, and a pleasure to drive.

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  From a 95 Camry LE to a 2003 Corolla CE - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By John Cannon - November 10 - 2:33 pm

  I forgot to change the oil filter on my 1995 Camry LE for two years! Ouch! When it popped out, the damage estimate was $5000, so I came home with the new 2003 Corolla CE. What a joy to look at and to drive. My wife adores it. It doesnt have a blemish. We love the wind-up windows and the excellent all-round vision. Even the driving mirror is an improvement over the clunky, intrusive Camry mirror.

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  Love my Avalon - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By Yahna - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Plush and very comfortable. Smooth and steady handeling.

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  righton - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By seton57 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  a very comfortable car to travel for long trips.plenty of trunk room. very good gas mileage

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  Excellent Truck - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mitchal - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I have already put over 65,000 miles on this truck and have not had any problems with it. I had a rattle in the dash, took it in for an oil change and told the dealership about it and it was repaired free of charge. I must also say that I have owned two other Toyota trucks and had excellent service from both of them. I have also always received great service from the dealerships that have worked on them.

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  Great Car - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Like it - November 10 - 10:00 am

  The Solara is a pleasure to drive- its V6 engine is so smooth and quick. The interior is tasteful and expensive looking; the exterior, contrary to what some say, has classic, svelte lines. How much better can you do in combining a sporty feel, fast acceleration, sexy look and Toyota quality!

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  Good Mileage? - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By TwoToyotas - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I love this SUV. Past expierience was a Surbuban but never felt safe traveling too far from dealers service department. One item this car needs is memory seats and mirrors. I read several users getting 15 plus Miles per gallon?? On board computer is reporing no better than 14.2. Does everyone only go downhill? Alos own a Tundra.....the rocketship of trucks!

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  Did not know Camry was that good! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Ajene Watts - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the VW Passat 1.8T, Subaru Legacy L, and the Toyota Camry. After test driving the Subie and the Passat, I had my mind set on the Passat, but I decided to try a few more cars and when I drove the Camry I knew I wanted this car. I am going to test drive the Hyundai Sonata, but I just have a feeling it is not going to compare to the Camry. The car was roomy and the car produced little noise unlike the VW 1.8T. When I was test driving the VW you could here and feel the turbo kick in, but the Camry was nice and smooth. There was not many switches and knobs to make someone confused unlike the VW.

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  Camry - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By deserthounds - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This car has changed my attitude about cars. When I was younger I used to get excited about cars, couldnt wait to see the new models. As I cot older and accumulated experience thru the 70s, 80s, 90s, my passions faded as one car after the other dissapointed me. After going thru a period of buy American and accept mediocrity, I have returned to feeling excited about cars and the Camry is the reason why. I love to drive this car.

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  Good but needs more to compete - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4dr limited 4wd suv - November 10 - 3:40 am

  I love the look of my 4Runner, she rides pretty good. Its a Limited so youd think I would have a lot. On the contrary, no navigation system like other SUVs for that price, the interior lighting is lousy on the doors and it is hard to clear up the truck when it gets foggy, which happens a lot. No iPod hook-up or MP3 player, no bells and whistles so to speak, but I love the outside look.