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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  Love it! - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By JKFlip - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Love my truck. Bought it 3 1/2 years ago already 3 years old and have never had a single bit of trouble with it. Great in snow/ice with 4 wheel drive on and couple sand bags in bed. AC ice cold, runs smooth, great for hauling stuff around. Seems to be holding its value great and every time I got to Home Depot someone offers to buy it! Id buy another in a minute!

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  Love / Hate - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By dbackfirst - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Title of the review sums it up. Love - - mpg, getting around in the snow, always starts, easy maintenance, air conditioner. Hate - road noise, poor handling, poor brakes, lousy power (even for an econobox). Also Ive had to replace the front wheel bearings twice in under 100K. Toyota dealer the first time.

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  Car salesmans review - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By bruce - May 6 - 10:00 am

  After 27 years in the car business, I have the pleasure to own & drive one of the finest built mid-size sedans made. I bought the car with 77000 miles, replaced the timing belt,water pump, drive belts and tires, and have thorughly enjoyed the car. I consistently average over 30+ mpg. The suspension could be a little firmer,but a very nice touring car.

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  toyota tacoma 2dr 4cyl auto - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By van - May 6 - 10:00 am

  gutless wonder in acceleration. straight shift is much peppier. rough riding. dependale transportation, good dealer service gas mileage averages 24-25mpg

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  Drive before you Buy - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By JohnC - May 6 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Avalon we have purchased. The first was a 1996. Toyota has really "aged" this car. Steering in numb and requires constant correction at highway speeds. It is almost tiring to drive. Had to return it to the dealer at 500 miles - steering wheel was off center. Also too many rattles in a car of this price. On the positive side - room and comfort for passengers is outstanding

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  Cant Lose - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Quinton - May 6 - 10:00 am

  The Camry LE V6 is an outstanding vehicle because it does everything very, very well. Reliability is outstanding, servicing cost is reasonable and the car is a joy to drive. Interior is absolutely functional with clear,easy to read dials, knobs and controls. The most satisfying car purchase I have ever made. Cant say enough good things about the vehicle.

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  Get A Ford! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By mtbkr44 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  I have had this vehicle 4 months, one of which has been in the shop. The sunroof quit working and so did the dealership. I finally got the car back and the paint is peeling off of the front! 40K for this??? I should have bought a Hyundai!!

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  Great Car - Reasonble Price - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By toylander - May 6 - 10:00 am

  After test driving many vehicles in the same class (Honda Pilot, Mitsubishi Endeavor, Nissan Murano), we decided that the Highlander provided the best combination of ride, size, reliability and value. Through in the fact that we got the car at $1500 under invoice with 3.9% financing for 60 months, and we just couldnt turn it down. After owning two Volvo wagons that had unrelenting mechanical problems, its nice to own a reliable vehicle that wont leave me stranded on the Jersey Turnpike in 100 degree heat.

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  Great ride - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Jack Durban - May 6 - 10:00 am

  What a well designed and built car. I say car because it does not ride at all like a SUV. It is fast and nimble and gets incredible gas mileage. I just turned in a Chevy Tahoe on an expired lease. To be honest GM had to send someone from another state to pick it up because no dealer would accept it back! No lie, no one wanted the pile of junk even though they were under contract to accept the vehicle at lease end. I will be buying more toyota vehicles in the future. Cant say that about GM.

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Tylercom87 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Love the styling of this car. Brisk acceleration without going over 3,000 rpm. Cruises at 70 mph at about 2,300 rpm. Interior is luxurious compared to the Honda Civic. Has it over the Honda in every interior and exterior dimension. Feels as fast as our 2001 Honda Accord V6. The build quality and paint are excellent. Im glad I bought it, and not one of the other 10 or so cars in its class.