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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  Love My Ride! - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By jaime - July 4 - 4:16 am

  Excellent SUV.The attention to detail from Japanese auto makers (dont even go to chevy or ford) and the quality, reliability is perfect - this is my 6th TOYOTA. Maintenance every 5K miles and youre gonna be just fine - great truck, smooth, easy to drive - it feels like a sedan I have a lot of fun...TOYOTA keep up the good work!!!

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  Extensive Frame Rot! - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By mcfly3 - July 4 - 2:51 am

  On December 28, 2011, I brought my 2001, Toyota Sequoia in to be serviced for rear brakes and to get the oil changed. My certified mechanic called me at home and strongly suggested that I come in to see what he discovered while my vehicle was up on the lift. So I stopped in to take a look. He showed me extensive rust holes in the middle of the frame welds on both the passenger and drivers side. He also pointed out that the rear differential case has severe rust damage. He strongly urged me to stop driving the vehicle and stated that it is unsafe in its present condition and that he has never seen such extensive frame rust damage on a vehicle this well taken care of. The drive train, outer body, and interior are in mint condition. I also have always made it a point to power wash the salt (calcium chloride) off the under carriage after driving in the Northeast after snow or ice storms, when salt is used on our roads. I contacted my local Toyota dealership and they gave me the phone number to Toyota Headquarters. The end result was, they were sorry to hear that I had a rotted out frame and suggested that I get rid of the vehicle because there is currently no recall for the Sequoias. Although, after going online at the Toyota forum I found out that theyre are over 300 consumers with the same type of issue with their Sequoia frames in our state, so I do not stand alone. I am floored that a company like Toyota, that prides itself in being committed to safety does not care and will not take ownership when they knowingly used cheap Japanese steel to build these faulty frames. I currently have three young children and this is my primary vehicle. I cannot afford to throw $8 K away (Kelly Blue Book) on this vehicle. BUYER BEWARE!!!

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  JB Avalon - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By Jack Burkert - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Great car, the poor mans Lexus 430

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  Echo2001 - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By fcramas - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle since its a low fuel consumption

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  Better than the Lexus 250 or 300 - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By BimmerMan - July 4 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car for the reliabilty but kept it 7 yrs for the quiet fun. Built like the Lexus 250/300, this car cost $ 5,000 less. Always rated a "Best Buy" theres real value in the XLE V6 and it holds its resale value. Toyota realized its mistake in offering a lower cost Lexus so it to lower the price on the Lexus line! This car has few equals in comfort, performance, quiet ride, build quality, value or reliability. Its rare to find one up for sale from any model year. Get one, if you can find one.

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  my matrix - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By cchanpa - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Car

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  wow what a machine - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By harryj - July 4 - 2:00 am

  awesome

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  Sequoia Story - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By trdsc2 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought 2002 Jade Green Ltd. 4x4 two weeks ago. I am reasonably satisfied with the vehicle (since I did a lot of research before hand and there have been few surprises), but I would have to say that the quality of the interior leather, carpeting and plastics have a more "industrial" quality than what I have come to expect from Toyota. (this is my 7th) It is quiet for a vehicle of this size, has very little wind noise at cruising speed, feels stable on the road (except when encountering strong wind) and is very roomy inside.

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  Sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By CKMJ - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. The safety features on the Limited cannot compare to its competition. Tether Strap hooks in 5 seating positions, LATCH car seat equipped and side-impact airbags for front seat passengers. I cant say one negative thing about this SUV. I will buy another one when its time to give this one up.

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  Great Choice Camry - 2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Bob Francis - July 4 - 1:09 am

  Toyota Reliability Number 1