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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  Tacoma - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By podwich - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This is a peppy little truck. It has good onroad performance and absolutely excellent offroad performance. The interior is somewhat spartan and the rides a bit stiff, but its a truck and I like it. Ive had absolutely no problems with this truck.

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  It fits in my garage! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By hutch7 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this truck for 2 years now. Its been flawless with the exception of the front brakes which Toyota upgraded under warranty. Excellent ride and drivability. Built to last (unlike my last F-150).

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  Toyota Corolla S: Still Reliable - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By BlueFlowers - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Although the back seat is a little crowded, I love it! The engine sounds so nice, smooth riding, easy to steer left or right, petty but powerful engine for 1.5 liter and so easy to keep it clean!

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  Best of the best - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By MikeLR - March 5 - 2:00 am

  An absolute must have vehicle for the automobile enthusiast. With its superb handling, breathtaking design, and powerful engine, this is surely one of Toyotas best vehicles to date.

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  NO HEAT = COLD FEET @ -20 Degrees - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By northpolermike - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven this V6 Sport 9339 miles in 11 months. Its had 2 recalls, and now is back for 2 TSBs. The heaters blower quit due to the ice and moisture entering the plastic housing - what a poor design for Alaska. The Vehicle Traction Control/Stability Control has now disengaged 5 times, twice while driving on the hiway. Dealer has yet to get either problem fixed. Doesnt make me feel confident to drive on ice!

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  Excellent Suv, Worth Every Penny - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By logans truck - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Have had 4-Runner since July , Love the ride, and the performance,have the V-6 engine , very quiet, dashboard is laid out very nicely.Great sound system, and getting 22 MPG on the highway. I would definetely buy another one ! Good Job Toyota !

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  The Best - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By jonjon38 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This is the first truck that I have ever owned that has met the durability and dependability that no other has been able to give to me.

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  perfect truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By shawnwat - March 5 - 2:00 am

  My 2003 Tacoma Xtra Cab TRD 3.4L V-6 5 speed is a wonderful truck. It performs great in 4 wheel drive, from the snow to the beach to mud trails. Its 190 hp has more than enough zip to it. I plan on having this truck for a long time.

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  Great Vehicle except for Tires - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By New Owner 2004 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle comfortable and controls well placed. Acceleration is good, ride is excellent. Problem with the Goodyear Integrity tires a road hazard rendered one unusable, learned that Goodyear does not stock the tire since only Toyota is using it size 225/65R17. It is apparently an entry level tire according to tire shop suprised to see it on a Toyota. With 400 miles on the vehicle I have just replaced all tires with Michelins

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  I tried it, and I liked it alot... - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Jocko Em - March 5 - 2:00 am

  We bought a 2002 Corolla and drove it on a 1000 mile vacation trip. It was fantastic. No road fatigue and cruise control got us home in great time. After 2 years, we traded this car in on a 2004 Corolla and all I can say is great handling, great ride, great power, great service and great reliability and looks. The steering is nice and tight, even on the 2002 after 37000 miles, the steering was as good as the day we bought the car. We also got a good trade for our 2002. Buy it, youll like it...