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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  The BEST starter car there is!!!! - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By jnl - July 22 - 2:00 am

  This was (and still is) my starter car, and the reliability was OUTSTANDING!!! I need something bigger and thats the ONLY reason Im trading this in, if i had more money, Id prefer to hold on to it as a "extra" car. Like the first reviewer said, its AMAZING the parking spots you can squish in too, great for shopping expeditions or a busy night out in the city.

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  Amazing!!! - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By jesusnipples - July 22 - 2:00 am

  After 6,000 miles this car never ceases to amaze me. The driving certainly takes getting used to. You cant expect to master it on a weekend trip (reference, previous poor review). Once you learn the subtleties of driving in "steath mode" (fully electric), your fuel economy will soar. Expect "poor" mpg ratings (35 mpg) at first. For the last 2,500 miles, I have averaged 51.7 mpg. Interior plenty of room for 4 or 5. This car has more legroom in the back than my 2001 Jetta. I am 510" and can sit behind the front seats, even with the seat slid all the way back! Trunk is surprisingly large. Plenty of pep. I "burned rubber" a few days ago trying to scoot across a busy intersection.

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  2001 GT-S 6-speed manual - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By daschtick - July 22 - 2:00 am

  This car offers a good deal of performance, style, fuel economy, and reliability on a budget. The engine, although peaky, offers a lot of performance for a 1.8 naturally aspirated engine. It is fun to keep the revs up and drive hard once you learn how this car NEEDS to be driven. Calm, relaxed, cell-phone yakking, adreniline deprived people need not apply! This car causes you to remember how much fun it can be to really drive! The engine is only the half of it though. The steering is tight and very responsive, and the suspension does a fantastic job on soaking up the harshness of the road, yet allows for impressive handling. Also, the brakes are amoung the best....ANYWHERE

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  You have to see this! - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By go go - July 22 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car you have to get one!

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  Love this car - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Byron49er - July 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is the most resonably price luxery, sports coupe on the market. Similar to the Accord but rare.

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  Toyota Rocks! - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By balpreet - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Really solid build quality. Very smooth engine.

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  GreatNewSUV - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By DrivingHIGHlander - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I spent months looking for a new car & drove every SUV out there! Borrom line- its hard to beat the Toyota reliability & the amount of vehicle I could purchase for the price! Broguht my Highlander home & it seemed like I owned it forever. Controls are so functional --its just layed out logically. The ride is incredibly smooth , handling is great, and front seats are very comfortable. I drive the AWD 4 cyl- and the motor is not undersized as I thought it might be. Its got plenty of oommph when I need it. Great attention to detail! Vast amounts of cargo space in this one! Three adults fit great in the back seat too.

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  Gas mileage? - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By donna - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I won a 99 RX300 and 01 Pathfinder.My husband is not very happy with the large blind spot or the gas mileage on the PF and wants to sell it and get possibly a Highlander.What is the mileage you owners are getting? What did you pay for a loaded Ltd edition? Im in NY. Thanks.

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  owning the Highlander - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By foozy8933 - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I am now at 6 months ownership with the highlander. I find it one of the most enjoyable vehicles I have owned including luxury sedans. Power could be improved somewhat and milage is low. Otherwise a real gem. Performance in snow and ice is super. I will definitely get another in a year or so.

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  Buy a Highlander!! - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Dewey - July 22 - 2:00 am

  This car in the most comfortable and fun to drive automobile I have ever owned. All features are within easy reach.