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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  Cant Get Much Better - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By TRSR - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I own a business and this car has traveled over 51,000 miles in just 14 months. I have had absolutely ZERO problems! NONE! I fully expect it to go well over 200,000 miles without major problems as the Toyotas in the old days used to. 300,000 miles isnt out of the question for Toyota. I am so glad I bought this car, so glad in fact that I just bought a Toyota Takoma from the same dealer. I will NEVER own anything but a Toyota again. PERFECT CARS!

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  Entering the Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By oscaguilar - March 12 - 10:00 am

  You dont drive the Toyota Matrix. You become part of the Matrix due to its excellent comfort level from the driverÂ’s seat and your body position in relation to the steering wheel.

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  My Avalon - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By Bettyboop/Betty - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I have been very pleased with this car. All Ive needed is my regular oil changes and just recently had to put on a new set of tires. The car looks like new (after a good wash which it gets about every other week). Mechanically, the car is in excellent condition. No problems at all.

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  big bang - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By omfsdoc - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Had my Tundra struck from behind while stopped at a red light. Causing complete destruction of the offending 2002 Chevy Envoy. The Tundra had to have a new bumper and and the bed repaired, but no damage to the heavy frame or the rest of the truck. You could not imagine that these two vechicles were in the same accident. As the state trooper said...Im going to by a Tundra next time I need a truck.

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  the best - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By cepi - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I love this car, already put 45000 miles and runs excellent,feels very firm.No problems at all, i previously owned a ml320 mercedez 2000 and is nothing better than my toyota,I have a friend who owns a 1998 rav4 with 256000 miles and he is very very happy an ready to put more miles. Not bad for a 4 cylinders car dont you think?

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  Good Buy - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rahul_boy - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I decided to buy the Infinity FX 35 but then test drove the Toyota 4 Runner Limited. I was floored, the performace was very close to the Fx35 and it was a lot cheaper. Add to it the Toyota quality and you have a bombshell. Here is the deal if you can afford it buy the X5 if not then the 4 Runner is your best option. Also get the limited only if you are looking for leather seats desprately, if not then then the SR5 is a strong option.

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  Toyota Doesnt mean quality - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Toyota Quality? - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought the truck because its looks good and because its a Toyota, but I have had problems with the breaks, the U-joints, and the thing rattles very bad. Also the doors feel like paper when you shut them and it is noisy when you drive and if the windows are rolled down you get blown out.

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  My 2002 Toyota Highlander - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By dbeard - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable and smooth. Now my wife always wants to drive my car instead of hers!

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  SUV feels like Car Driving - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Surendra Patel - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Excellent overall, Excellent pickup menuvering, cornering, ride and comfort. Fual economy is acceptable accoring to the weight of the vehicle. Out side look need little improvement.

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  great Van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By ddhpa - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Overall we are very satisfied with our purchase of the 2004 Sienna. My kids love it and like the ride and feel of the van itself. It has easy access for all to get in and out. Very good gas mileage.