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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  I have try it, it is worse than i though - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By kalokt - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I have testdrive it, the color was impressive (the blue one), but the inside feature and the dealership is not that goooood. Generally the car is ok, inside doesnt have a great room, but acceptable.

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  great overall vehicle - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By pml - November 9 - 2:00 am

  excellent overall sport utility with car type ride and luxury type felling

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  2001 Toyota Tacoma - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By TJG1000 - November 9 - 2:00 am

  The only regret is not getting the extended cab...I bought a Leer topper so that the dogs could ride with me. The Tacoma offers great gas mileage, fun to drive and light enough to make it through deep snow without getting stuck.

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  Toyota 4runner - Best SUV for 2003 - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By dms4 - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV...Toyota does it again! Improved power, ride, handling, comfort and styling. Smooth, pwerful and resposive V-8 with silky smooth 5spd automatic transmission. Controls are great. Picked the Limited for full time 4wd, power and smoothness (alos didnt like SR5 or Sport gray platic body cladding).

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  tacoma - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By fred234 - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Needed 4wd and this was best available w/ options that I wanted. Use to tow 18 boat and general hauling. Good power.

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  As good as Civic - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By harri0438 - November 9 - 2:00 am

  good fuel mileage,tight build quality, handling is soso.

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  Should Have Never Signed The Contract - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Stat - November 9 - 12:26 am

  Theres something I didnt like about it and figured it out 2 days after I bought it. Oh well, now I am stuck with it. It has tight seating in the front row-more generous in the back. The seats give a pushed forward feeling no matter how you adjust them creating tension on your back. No long trips in this! Headrest makes you feel like someone is behind you pushing your head down. Blind spots everywhere. You cannot safely back this car up. When you look out window to talk to a gas station or drivethru person window is not big enough. No headroom. Drivers side door controls do not light up at night cant find them. Dont be deceived. It looks roomy but it isnt. Not a car for kids & stuff

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  Great SUV - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By ATL2059 - November 8 - 11:16 pm

  This will be my second 4runner. Previously owned a 94 and i must say this one has been a great vehicle. IT has plenty of space on the inside as well as decent mpg at around 20 in the city! The 4runner also has plenty of power for towing which i due often. The 4wd also works well although IÂ’m still not too fond of the push button 4wd but have had no problems out of it. I would definitely recommend this to anyone shopping for and SUV.

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  A keeper - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Doc - November 8 - 10:26 pm

  Bought our Camry used with 65,000 miles on it, and put on another 65,000 so far. This is easily the best car I have owned in my 30 years of driving. It is still like new, very few squeaks or rattles. Very few problems - burned out light bulbs, other minor items. I figure another 65,000 miles and we will pass it on to our kid.

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  Love it! - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By C - November 8 - 7:56 pm

  I had a 2005 Matrix until I was T- boned on driver side after a minivan ran a red light at 50 mph. Car was totaled, but I walked away with all limbs & I was so happy w. the safety of side impact that I bought another Matrix (2007). I love it! City MPG on manual trans. is about 29-30 MPG (I calculate it every so often). I am only 52" so I like that the seat raises and I dont have to be too close to the steering wheel.