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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  The Matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By csmatrix - May 4 - 3:26 am

  I have had my Matrix for almost 2 years and so far it has been a great car but not without faults. The car is a tad underpowered and not as trouble free as I would expect from Toyota but its not bad either. And the suspension needs some improvement because it is very bouncy over bumps, but it handles very well. The interior is the Matrix best feature by far.

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  396K+ - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By driveon - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I have a 92 Camry that I drove off the lot with 108 miles on it,(in Nov. of 1991)over the weekend it just turned over 396K....Ill drive it until it gets 400K, around Dec.15th 2002.My family and friends say it is time to put her to rest, the car has some problems, but it runs like a champ. Has any one top 400K miles.

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  Great car, know the limits... - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Ook - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a MR-2 Spyder about 10 months ago. Its a great car, as long as you know the limits and know what you are doing. Handling is TOP notch, very very fun car to drive - you always feel quite connected to the road. Breaking/manuverability excellent. Accelleration good but not spectacular. Storage space is really really small. Great car for weekends and commuting/errand running - but not a good choice for large grocery runs...

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  my echo - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By sjancsik - May 4 - 2:00 am

  good value foir the money

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  great deal - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By sunny253 - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Coolest looking with high relaiblity and really great pickup for v4 beats many v6 engines.

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  2002 Tundra Review by Engineer - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Fowler Toyota - May 4 - 2:00 am

  The 2002 Tundra with the 4.7 Liter v8 engine has more than adequate power and acceleration with an automatic transmission. Fuel mileage averages 19 mpg with no loads and approximately 60/40 highway/city miles. Braking is the best of any vehicle I have driven. HVAC is excellent. Controls are simple to use and those features which are automatic such as automatic headlights off when door is opened are desirable but not

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  Bad Choice - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By cru_fan - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought this because it got good reviews. Bad call. My buddy just bought a Dodge and was telling me how happy he was with it. I almost thought about getting one, but people said good things about the Toyota Tundra. Ive had to go back to the dealer for work 3 times already. In addition, it doesnt hand wear and tear at all. At this point, I am really thinking about getting rid of it, taking the loss and getting the Dodge or the Ford. Stay away from this one. Its built cheap and requires way too much maintenence.

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  Great Little SUV - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By touracc - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Flat out - Great Quality Car. Very easy to drive, great fuel economy compared to other SUVs, and the fact that its a Toyota says a lot. Engine is quiet and heats up quickly in cold conditions. And, the price is very comparable when it comes to an SUV. Very fun to drive in the city and handles great on the interstate.

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  Comport to drive is below average - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By john ball - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my Highlander few months ago, so far its okey but i am not really satisfied with the "Fun to drive" Toyota is claiming. Its a little sluggish when the motor is cold and the cargo area is not that big for SUV.The back seat is very small for tall person (im 6`3 tall) I will give this car 4 out of 10.Wish i bought a Honda SUV.

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  AWESOME SUV - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By V-MAN - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Test drive the six and the four cylinder. The six cylinder is definately the choice model. It has been about a year since i picked up the 2002 Highlander and it has been perfect. Smooth and powerful v-6, comfortable interior, great handling for Suv and good gas milelage. Everything you need is a mid-sized Suv.