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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  Impressed with little SUV - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Jetmyke - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this RAV 4 used with 12000 miles on it. I was looking for something a little larger but with gas prices at $2.00 a gallon, my wallet was my guide. I have been very impressed with this vehicle. It is very responsive (5 speed manual) and has excellent handling. While it is not suited for rugged 4 wheel drive terrain like my truck, it handles rough roads well and climbs well for not having a low range transfer case. As far as the daily commute, I am averaging 26.5 mpg. Other than an occasional dash rattle, I am very happy with the RAV 4.

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  The SUV that drives like a car - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Dunedude - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I was looking to buy an SUV, but didnt want to give up the comfort and smooth ride of a normal car. The Toyota Highlander was a perfect match for me and I do not regret my choice. If you decide to buy the Highlander, I would vividly recommend the Limited AWD version (you reallt get the most bang for the buck).

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  Great ride - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By jonll2 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  My 94 Corolla just died with 250,000 miles. This new model needs a bit more power. And the driver side sunvisor is to long and it hits my rear view mirror. Other than that the car is great and fun to drive. Oh yeah the tires it came with needs to be upgreaded. It came with Firestone.

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  jt thunders review - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By jtthunder - October 17 - 9:53 am

  Love this vehicle, everything is tight and works the way it should. Very Comfortable, and good manuverability. The "built-in" bed lining is an especially nice feature. Handles great in the snow and off road (and on the job site).

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  GT-S Performance is horrible - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By MikeD9999999 - October 17 - 2:00 am

  DO NOT BUY THE GT-S AUTOMATIC! This cars performance is horrible. Its acceleration is nil from a stop. It is ok after you get in second gear.

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  Overall Great Car - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Vahik - October 17 - 2:00 am

  The 98 Toyota Camry is a great family car. Its reliable, attractive, and affordable. Its got good "bang for your buck."

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  2003 4runner is one comfortable truck! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By ASK - October 17 - 2:00 am

  1 month anniversary of our 2003 4 Runner Ltd. No new car bugs. After owning Ford Explorer & Chevy Suburban - If you can get by with less cargo space, everything else about this vehicle feels like an upgrade. This is one nice comfortable truck!

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  2003 4runner is one comfortable truck! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By ask - October 17 - 2:00 am

  1 month anniversary of our 2003 4 Runner Ltd. No new car bugs. After owning Ford Explorer & Chevy Suburban - If you can get by with less cargo space, everything else about this vehicle feels like an upgrade. This is one nice comfortable truck!

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  Just unloaded jeep grand cherokee - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By thensum - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car after getting rid of my much defective grand cherokee. As far as style and power, the jeep was more of a "kick ass" look and feel. I am getting used to driving this one now. It feels okay but dosent have the power that the jeep had. If there werent so many mechanical problems with the jeep, i would of bought another one. I like the look, style, feel and power much better. Too bad

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  The Perfect Car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Shireesh Thanneru - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Corolla ten days back and I already have more than one thousand miles on it! It is very fun to drive. Got all the options on the S model, including the leather seats.