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:

• 

  Sporty fun - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By wordteaser - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Im a committed Toyota owner and this is my second Corolla. The first I had for over 10 years. The 2002 Corolla S is sporty, attracted and nicely appointed. I have it in a 5-speed with makes it a blast to drive. It is Toyota through and through when it comes to dependability, low maintence and affordability.

• 

  2nd Avalon - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Stargazerm31 - August 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Avalon (1997 XL) version and I loved it. I decided on this car because I love the luxury ride in my 190 minute round trip commute. I didnt want or need the sports car performance, but wanted a good powerful car with a soft ride. The leather seats are large and comfortable. The seat heaters are a must for Indiana weather and work great. The stereo is great with the in-dash 6-cd changer. Backseat will hold two large adults without challenge and 3 adults can ride well in the backseat. The trunk is very large, but some might miss the lack of a fold down back seat. There is a ski opening to the trunk from the backseats but that is all.

• 

  Great CAR! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Jierong - August 23 - 10:00 am

  The car is very nice... I like the noise of the engine cept there was a rattle noyse over the dashboard... but I took it back to the dealer and they fix it in a few hours.

• 

  Excellent Sedan - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By John O - August 23 - 10:00 am

  This is a terrific car. Quiet interior, smooth ride, and nice engine.

• 

  Great Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Chris S - August 23 - 6:36 am

  This is my first mid size sedan and all I can say is wow. This car has some serious power, the manual shift mode is great when you need instant power. On the interstate I was cruising at 90mph and barely knew it. The ride is very comfortable, although Im 66" and I didnt think head room was an issue but I do think leg room could be better, I think this is mainly because the back seats have tons of leg room. (Most people are not 66" so for most this shouldnt be an issue.) I like the wood grain accents with the tan colored interior (white exterior) but I dont think is looks as good with the gray interior. Most of my friends cant tell this is a toyota, the exterior styling is second to

• 

  00 SR5 4Runner - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Paula - August 23 - 5:26 am

  Although lacking in the horsepower department the 4runner is great on milage, roomy and can accomodate my two German Shepherds easily. Toyota reliability makes this SUV stand out from others in the market. The old adage you get what you pay for is on the money! A slightly higher sticker than other used vehicles you will find you spend more time driving and less time in the repair shop. Im sold on Toyota and the 4Runner will be my vehicle of choice from now on.

• 

  Fantastic Vehicle - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By JmaninAZ - August 22 - 11:56 pm

  Great build quality, excellent ride (even with the XREAS suspension, which firms up the ride just slightly, but it handles great in the corners), good brakes, comfortable seats (I am 6 ft 1 and fit easily) - couldnt be happier. Silky smooth V8, and gas mileage after 1 week was a pleasant surprise - 20.3 combined city and highway (I drive it gently, though!). Cant wait to take it to the mountains in Arizona and find some snow!

• 

  The Best Minivan on the Road - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Mary Ellen Greencorn - August 22 - 10:23 pm

  Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. This car belongs driven on our road. Its quiet, soft interior and plenty of room in the back. I am very glad we bought this minivan. My family loves the the overhead console also we had a 2003 Toyota Sienna CE which did not have any good features but now we have everything!!

• 

  Impressed - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By skoalie - August 22 - 5:56 pm

  I have an 08 DC SR5. Right out of the gate i did a 3 n 1 leveling kit. Makes it look great! Aftermarket 20s with 33x13.5 all terrains. I have loved the truck from the get go. it only gets better as I add more to it. I am getting 15.5 mpg on the new england roads. I despise the VSC but I am told the sway bar will help eliminate the frustration I have with it. My brother who has only had cars was impressed with the smoothness of the ride (we had 2 sportbikes in the bed and were at 80 on the highway). My girlfriend/wife loved it some much that she bought a DC limited. Being a full size Chevy guy my whole life I have been truly impressed.

• 

  My Used 04 Taco D-Cab - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rattles - August 22 - 9:53 am

  I bought this truck used and it only had 10k on it. Its my 3rd Toyota truck; an 89 XtraCab with 163k and a 91 4Runner with 269k (both had 22REs and 5 speeds). This truck was near-perfect for me for what I was looking for. The only problem I have had is a squeaky rear leaf spring. Otherwise it lives up to its Toyota reputation. I love the DoubleCab after having a sedan.