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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  No buyers remorse here! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By 1st time SUVer - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I am so glad I bought this SUV. The ride is silky soft and the cabin is quiet and comfortable. I considered a Tahoe and an Expedition, but I questioned Tahoes reliability and did not like Fords style. So after reading mostly favorable consumer reviews, I decided to test drive the Sequoia. During the test drive I began to believe those seemingly suspicious rave reviews because I was hooked on the spot. I thought Id have some sort of buyers remorse, but so far there is none. I love having and driving this SUV!

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  well made car for the size and money - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By Route19Drive-In - March 28 - 2:00 am

  i have had this car 3 months now i bought it used and im very pleased with it it handels well has good pick up lots of space to store things very roomy interior i have a 2001 Echo 4dr it had 4000 miles on it when i got it it has alumin wheels am fm caseette with cd and many other options i love it and would recomend it to anybody

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  4runners are the best suvs ever - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By T - March 28 - 2:00 am

  This was my first car and my parents liked it so much that they wouldnt let me drive because they wanted too. I drove mine really hard when I first got it and it kept working fine. Its the best looking suv and Ive put a lot of time and money into making it something very unique and special

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  4runners are the best suvs ever - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By t - March 28 - 2:00 am

  This was my first car and my parents liked it so much that they wouldnt let me drive because they wanted too. I drove mine really hard when I first got it and it kept working fine. Its the best looking suv and Ive put a lot of time and money into making it something very unique and special

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  Toyota Truck - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Chantel - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I really liked this truck when i bought it. It was comfortable and easy to travel in. I even went on a rode trip across the USA with 3 of my friends.

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  owner - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By Dusten - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Good car overall lacks power when loaded. Perfect commuter car with great gas milleage. Keep it tunned and oil changed and it will stay true to you

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  4Runners Are Worth Every Penny - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Muss287 - March 28 - 2:00 am

  No problems whatsoever; this is my 2nd 4Runner (1st was a 95); I chose this one based on it reliability (of course), increased interior & engine sizes & increased safety rating. After comparing all other SUVs in this class, the 4Runner exceeded the rest. While the HP is less than American models, the 4Runner more than makes up for it with its reliability, comfort & safety ratings. The highest HP wasnt a priority for me.

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  Very good 4WD wagon - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Jesse - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for a month now and put 2,000 miles on it. I live above the snow line in the Sierra mountains of California. This is the perfect car for my situation. It has good acceleration, handling and comfort for me and my 2 kids. It does great in snow covered roads without cables and feels secure. I drive to the SF bay area once a week to work and the car does wonderful on the highway averaging 29-34. It also cruises real nice at 80 mph and can easily cruise at higher speeds.

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  A Lexus in Toyota Clothing - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By chas - March 28 - 2:00 am

  A limited budget kept me from buying another LS 400, so I swallowed my pride and looked at the Avalon. The moment I started it up, I knew it was something special. After driving it, I pronounced it "a Lexus masquerading as a Toyota". I decided on the fully loaded XLS. It differs very little from the Lexuses in quality and overall driving experience.

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  a nice car but - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By qq - March 28 - 2:00 am

  It is a nice car with plenty of room But the tire is too small compare with the huge body. Its like a huge man wear a tiny shoe.