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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  Great Car - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By pauly45 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Camrys are the best, this is my second Camry and wont be my last.

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  Awesome car - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By flyrite - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my first brand new car and it is a great car! It is sporty with adequate performance and I love the styling (I still get compliments). It is also the most practical sports car, it can fit alot in the hatch when you have the back seats down, I fit my Christmas tree in it every year. I havent had any mechanical problems with it except for a squeaky serpentine belt, but I dont put many miles on a year.

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  My 5th Celica - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By k2 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my 5th Celica. Ive had a 78, 83, 86, 90 and bought this one brand new. My first new car. Have had no problems with it, with the exception of a head light burned out at 500 miles (under warranty) and the driver side window came off track at 1500 miles (also under warranty). I would recommend a toyota to anybody, just this car is not for all. It is on the small side and low to the ground and can become a problem getting in and out of it. Also the factory tires are junk and wore out (I dont get on the car) and had to be replaced at 32,000 miles.

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  Love My Car - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By kumarr - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Great car, easy to handle, quick and well responsive for me, great acceleration, and amazing looks. A fun set of wheels

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  2003 4Runner V8 - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Buzz Mann - March 7 - 10:00 am

  So far so good. Ive had my Runner now for 7 weeks and have driven over 3,500 kms since I bought it (2,200 miles). Runs like a charm. Decent fuel economy considering its a V8 - in fact its better on gas than my previous 1999 V6 Runner. Great ride, great performance, great handling and an excellent array of safety features made this new Runner a sure winner over the competition. I shopped around and considered domestics and other foreign brands, and finally settled for another 4Runner. My insurance premiums actually came down over $200 per year versus my 1999 Runner. Toyota has done it again!

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  Devil in the Details - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By rob in co - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Overall, this is a very impressive vehicle. However, I have had a recurrent front suspension squeak (traced to the body mount) that is still not fixed after 4 visits to the dealer, and I am now seeking to have the vehicle replaced with a new one with 3200 miles on the clock. I have also been bothered by a rattle in the headliner by the sunglass holder. I expected better attention to the small details by Toyota, but hopefully they will remedy the situation. I love the vehicle otherwise, Id just like to have a new one thats without the squeaks and rattles.

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  Have to drive to appreciate - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Ericka - March 7 - 10:00 am

  When I went in to the dealership, I wanted a bigger SUV like the 4-Runner. I was trading in an X-Terra. I couldnt afford the 4-Runner so I test drove a Highlander with a few extras and drove it home. I was very pleased with the difference between this suv and the x- terra. It was wonderful being in a quiet smooth ride.

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  mtnhygh - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Lauriedarlynn - March 7 - 10:00 am

  this is my 5th toyota, and I would buy 5 more, best cars on the road! Great car for the snow.

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  the best car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By hadie - March 7 - 10:00 am

  a wonderful car that satisfy all your interests

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  2004 Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By jsandor47 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Very Nice, it floats over the road like a feather. Excellent steering. Turn the wheel all the way to the right or left and wow you turn on a dime.