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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  A satisfied customer so far {2months} - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By morgan - February 17 - 8:06 am

  I traded my Camry in for the Corolla as I like the ease of maneuvering a smaller car. It is too bad that some " expert" reviewers find the Corolla a turnoff because of the electric steering. It is a little different but perfectly acceptable. Also some reviewers complain of lack of power. Ive been pleased so far.

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  BRAKES SQUEAK - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By Margaret T. - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I have had three Toyota cars before purchasing the Sienna van. I have never had a problem with any of the cars, so I expected the same with the Sienna. I like the van, except for the brakes. They squeak every time you stop. It is making me crazy. I am now shopping for a new van even though it is only two years old. I am not sure I will buy another Toyota. I am looking at the Honda vans/suvs.

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  My 1994 4Runner - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By DA Morrissey - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I am the second owner of this great vehicle. It is very dependable and no major maintenance problems. I love to drive my truck to everything from weddings to outdoor vacations.

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  Great Truck - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By sockman - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Love the Tacoma Crew Cab! It is a great truck and is the best looking small truck out there. Looks great, however it doesnt ride quite like its big brother the Tundra. I do highly recommend this truck over the other small trucks.

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  Tundra ride - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By cruiser russ - February 17 - 2:00 am

  The truck gets looks and turns heads. Very responsive and the 17" alloy wheels look boss. There is a little road noise in the back seat, not bad. The exhaust will make a bump sound if I hit a bad spot in the road. The new grill look reminds me of my 1952 chevy truck a little; I really like that look. With a 3" sst bull bar, sst step bars and the sst bed bars, this truck kicks butt.

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  My truck - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Veeshan - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought this SUV Thanksgiving weekend. It was great for this years snowstorms in NYC. I was glad to upgrade from my reliable Camry to this truck. The gas mileage is horrible but you should expect that with any SUV of this size. Ive gotten 2 cracks in the windshield already from driving on the highway this winter. I dont know if it is the angle of the windshield or the highway road conditions in NJ or what. Maybe the angle of the windshield? Maybe just bad luck? This happened within the first 1500 miles. Overall the SUV handles very well. It can make quick U-turns and it is very responsive.

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  Review of a new owner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jack Lubben - February 17 - 2:00 am

  My review is restricted to the first 100 of ownership since I just purchased the vehicle. Initial impression is very good. Tight, truck like construction but comfortable ride and good agility. The acceleration is a little limited, but it is a 6. Im looking forward to experiencing its adaptability to the hunting environment of west Texas.

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  Best buy - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Apples - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for my wife, but I am thinking it should have been for me. This was our first car back in 89, good to know Toyota improved it. I like the feel, comfort and it also has a lil kick to it. Love it.

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  The Volvo and Lexus of Minivans - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Perfectionist - February 17 - 2:00 am

  We bought an LE after extensive research. We considered SUVs with 3 rows. We are used to driving Volvos. We ranked buying preferences as follows: Safety #1, reliability/build quality #2, resale #3, fuel consumption #4. The SUVs are only safer than a Sienna with a #7 safety package in a scant few unlikely scenarios and are less safe in many more. This has the build quality of a Lexus. With stability control and 3 row side curtain air-bags and the roster of other safety features we optioned for this is only slightly less safe than a Volvo XC90, which is 15k more and less spacious with 3rd row seating that is for only very small children.

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  FINALLY! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By STEALTH - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I CANNOT BELIEVE HOW THIS CAR RIDES. IT IS SO SMOOTH, QUIET, FAST AND GREAT ON GAS. I TRADED IN A CIVIC AND THIS CAR GETS BETTER GAS MILEAGE WITH MORE ROOM AND THE FEEL OF A "LUXURY" CAR. MOST IMPORTANTLY TO ME IS THE SAFETY REPUTATION.