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:

• 

  jim in tucson - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By jimmoore50 - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Great road vehicle. Almost unflappable on the highway no matter the conditions. Strong engine makes long hills a breeze. A little slow off the line. Great leg room in front and second row. Easy to fold second and third row seats. Retractable rear window lets hot air out fast. Auto feature on front windows great. Great ventilation system. Quiet moonroof when open. Very quiet on the road. Above 75 mph is unbelievably quiet for this size vehicle. Okay gas mileage. Traction control will take the vehicle anywhere in 4 wheel and almost anywhere in 2 wheel. Easy to use and accurate cruise control. Incredible cup holders.

• 

  Beware Prius - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By FMjustice - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Has a maintenance requirement that Toyota fails to disclose except in the fine print in the manual. The car must be run for 30 minutes at least every two weeks or both the 12 volt and hybrid battery may deteriorate. Upon being asked, Toyotas staff informs one that failure to comply with the requirement may result in the warranty on the hybrid battery (for which they will not disclose the replacemet cost) being voided. Honda, at least, gives you a month on its hybrid, and does not threaten to void your warranty. We also experienced an exploding tire and have never achieved the advertised gas mileage.

• 

  camry review - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By roe - June 5 - 10:00 am

  This car has been magnificent in reliability!

• 

  Cant hate it, Cant live without it. - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By Jay Jay - June 5 - 10:00 am

  The corolla is absolutly the nicest car in my eyes. This car has style, comfort, good performance, and the best quality of any car. I think a corolla is better then any civic or other cars. I just went on a trip to nevada, and Arizona. 2 of the hottest cities. Can u imagine what heat can do to a a car? Well not this yota rolla. This rolla was rolling through heat. I never had to fix it and i never had any problems with this car. Simply amazing, im amazed on how toyota does this.

• 

  WONDERFUL CAR!!! - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Summer490a - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new and have had it 10 years now and just love it. I have had no problems with it at all, and the 4 cylinder engine is fast and shifts smoothly. Ride is quiet and it handles great!!! Great car for a teenager just starting out driving.

• 

  What a kick! - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By Celman - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a mid-life crisis car. looked at Mustangs but didnt trust Ford. Looked at Miatas and almost wnet that way. also checked out Eclipse. Toyota quality (Ive owned three) and the zip and pep of the Celica sold me. Fun and has some practicality as well.

• 

  good - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By melissa W - June 5 - 10:00 am

  this car is the best cheap car

• 

  A Well-Thought-Out Car - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By eas0905 - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Toyota Highlander for just over 2 years now and I am still finding added features. This is by far the best car I have ever owned. Im the one who is always offering to drive everywhere because I love driving this car!

• 

  Best of the Best ...Silent Screamer - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By werewa - June 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my favorite car

• 

  Fun - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Martini - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I previously owned a 2000 4 runner. This new car blows it away. I really liked the 2000, I love this SUV!