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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  Looks Arent Everything. - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Doug - September 10 - 2:06 pm

  4 cylinder gets good mpg but no pickup. Coming out of a corner and you need some pickup, forget about it. The acceleration is terrible. 5 months old already replace rotors and brakes. Toyota did not want to replace without me paying for it. I put a lot of miles on a car. Camry is 5 months old already have 20k on it. Tire noise stinks. Vibration in front end that Toyota cant find. Interior rattles. Bluetooth is awful. You cant have the a/c on or the moonroof even cracked. I had to yell just to get through a call. Car overall is terrible. Would not buy another Camry EVER!!

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  Roomy and Responsive - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Steve Wamboldt - September 10 - 3:50 am

  I bought my Sequoia Limited 4x4 because I wanted a roomier and more powerful option to the Toyota 4-Runner. This full size SUV provides every comfort that includes heated seats, dual climate controls, and even power collapsible side mirrors for those tight spots. I love the way the back 2 rows of seats tumble, collapse and can be removed which has allowed us great options for camping and hauling. The Sequoia is very quick and allows us the power we need to pull a boat. I am very pleased !!

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  Super Charged - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By boxingjoey - September 10 - 2:00 am

  EverythingÂ’s been great except for the weather stripping on the inside door frame, however the dealer corrected the problem on all four doors. There wasnt enough sealant. Please note that dealer had added the extended warranty, credit life and gap insurance without my consent. They also had me at 7.75% and I have great credit. Took the rebate and went thru my credit union for 4.5%

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  Still Crazy After All These Years - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Trapper-cat - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Ladies - this car remains an ultimate guy magnet. Make sure you know whats under the hood (and that it is in the rear) because no matter where Ive parked my bright yellow MR2 Ive been approached by guys. I even had a guy ask me if he could sit in it for a minute to recall his old days before he had kids.

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  Toyota Great - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Jwhite - September 10 - 2:00 am

  This was my first "foreign" car, it surpasses American car manufacturers in stability and quality. Resale value is expected to hold well.

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  pretty cool, i think - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By kassad - September 10 - 2:00 am

  i bought this car with the purpose of doing pizza delivery - good job for a poor student, which on its turn defines the price range :). its quite impressive overall - stable, maneuverable, comfortable, fuel efficient, very quiet inside, somewhat fast (i believe manual is better). also pw, pdl, pm, sunroof, etc. there are also some cons, of course, which cannot spoil the good impression. there could have been more front leg room, the arm rest is far behind and cant be really used unless your arm has some strange form and the ashtray and the cup holders are ridiculously positioned. the pros are much more though.

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  love this truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Shaun L - September 10 - 2:00 am

  I have owned both Ford and Dodge trucks/ cars. This Tundra is by far the best built most refined by far. Not one problem or complaint yet. I have never had to make a trip to the dealership for any work, unlike every other new vehicle I have owned. From here on out I am a Toyota or Lexus owner. Good Job Toyota!!

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  pulsating brakes - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By BrentL - September 10 - 2:00 am

  I have had brake problems from day one. Warped drums and rotors are chronic in the Tundra and covered in a service bulletin. Problem is, nothing they do solves the problem. I have had my brakes turned or replaced five times in the last twelve months. I expect the same schedule next year: a day at the dealer every two months.

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  Nothing better for the price. - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By fixbeep - September 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Toyota and I am very glad I bought this car. It is quiet, nice radio, good intruments layout and great driving comfort.

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  Great Ride for the Money - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By ULysses - September 10 - 2:00 am

  After two Accords I decided to buy a Camry after a disasterous 9 months with a 2002 CR-V. Checked out 2003 Accord (didnt care for the exterior design and was leary of Hondas after my last purchase)and settled on the Camry for its quiet ride, excellent attention to detail, and solid build quality. This is not an exciting car, but functional,good looking, and comfort.