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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  Solid SUV - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By john543 - May 13 - 1:03 am

  Very Well built, no problems

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  Stay away from 2005... - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By jinxx15 - May 12 - 9:01 pm

  Bought my 2005 Toyota Sienna in June 2009, had it till May 2011. We started to notice a ticking noise coming from below the car, turns out the tranny was done, and we also found out later that week that the radiator was leaking! They wanted 4200$ to fix the darn thing! When we traded it in it for a new car, it turns out that 5 years earlier, the van had been in a 7000$ wreck which Guelph Toyota failed to disclose... I would never go Toyota again.

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  Surpasses Expectations - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By pierrelonesome - May 12 - 3:30 pm

  After ignition, while engine running it cant be heard (scary!). While driving encountered smooth ride. Accleration was right there (when needing it) passing those Mac trucks on the NJTPke! Encountered no noise. My height is 61 I have no problem with headroom, (legroom just a little tight). The body paint is superior! Im in love with this automobile. It gets you to your destination smoothly, safely and quickly!

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  Wobble Wobble - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By TCG - May 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought a Toyota over a Chrysler for the Quality. However, it developed a wobble highway speeds at about 8500 miles. Have balanced the Dunlop tires 3 times and eventually replaced them, but the wobble is still there!! Extremely irratating to drive especially when the dealer says its just the road not the van.

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  Reliable and No Major Repairs - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pergo - May 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Toyota pickup used with 15K miles on it. Having owned it for 6 years and driving it back and forth between CA and AZ many times, I can truly say that this little truck is awesome. With 128K miles, no major repairs have been needed. It is fun to drive and economical. Reliable and highly recommended.

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  Shars Review - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Sharleen - May 12 - 10:00 am

  I love to drive my car. It is very smooth, gets great gas milage and it is just a fun car.

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  Great value, beautiful car - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Jack Obrian - May 12 - 10:00 am

  One of the best experiencial features of the Highlander is the feeling you get while driving it. It has that great feeling of driving a big truck, but at the same time, from the outside, it looks very compact and versatile. The vehicle is actually smaller than the Camry by a couple of inches, yet it still has that spacious, big feeling of a truck and fits nicely in any parking space or two-car garage. This is the best choice to buy if youre looking to get the "truck" feeling at an inexpensive figure, with great value!

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  Highlander performs - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By SCVmom - May 12 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed this car immensely. I have had no repairs, only routine maintenance. It was a good decision to choose this model, but if I had it to do over, I would buy the 6 cylinder. The 4 is just a little too gutless for my taste.

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  My Wife Wont Drive Her Lexus! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Marty Blount - May 12 - 10:00 am

  Have 800 miles on my 04. This is the best van on the market. Impressive power, great handling, very quiet cabin, lots of interior room. Side curtain airbag storage doesnt intrude into cabin. Turning radius is car like. Very stable on curves, climbs effortlessly. Laser cruise is nice, parking sensors helpful with 04 larger van. A/C kicks! Under hood access to fluids, battery, belts is easy.

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  2002 Toyota Camry LE - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Lizard - May 12 - 5:36 am

  My 1st import in 20 years. Why buy a Lexus? Great balance of comfort/power/economy. We drove 6600km to east coast of Canada in July. 32 (ave.) mpg imperial @ 70 mph. Engine is too quiet at idle; wife didnt check tachometer & tried to start the already running engine.