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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  2004 Sienna LE - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By dlkkjk - February 26 - 2:50 am

  While we love the van most of the time, we have had it in the shop way too many times (at least 8) in 20 months for non-routine items. There is a problem with the middle row passenger side seat belt that Toyota cant seem to fix after 5 visits, and the drivers side sliding door creaks (3 visits), as well as 3 recalls (some trips we had multiple things done). The build quality isnt what we had hoped for from Toyota.

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  Wow Its the perfect car - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Happyman - February 26 - 2:00 am

  My car has 245.900 miles. Only one time in a little repair. No more words. No better car in the world for that price.

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  So far so good - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By RD - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Only problem so far was the antenna had to be replaced. Ive got 60000 miles and still using the same battery,engine coolant,tires and spark plugs. It has been mostly highway driving.

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  SIenna after 3+ years - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By jmflesch - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Sienna after two successive mediocreChrysler minivans. I wanted a reliable vehicle, and the Sienna has been a success in that area. Ergonomically, the Sienna is poor at best - not enough adjustment in the tilt wheel and power seat, radio in a poor location, controls on steering wheel in poor locations. The finish work on the leather armrest was poor, and the van continues to have many rattles unless full loaded. In fact, I think Ive just talked myself out of buying it out at the end of the lease.

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  Best SUV EVER! - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Carol Shelter - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I have over 50,000 miles on my 2 yr old Runner and its still going strong. I havent had any problems with it what-so-ever. I highly recommend this vehicle for everyone interested. You are really getting your moneys worth with this SUV. I had a 98 Explorer which gave me headaches. My tranny went out at 28000 miles. I quickly traded the cheap Explorer for the Awesome 4Runner......best decision ive made in my life.

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  awesome vehicl - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By stephanie fargo - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive had othe SUVs but once i got into the Toyota 4Runners, I will never go back. I also purchased a Land Cruiser that I also suggest buying.

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  Comfort and Reliability -- YES! - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Pete Mor - February 26 - 2:00 am

  The Avalon ride is outstanding. It is also extremely quiet, even with the potholes in the Washington DC area! Based on past experience (THIS car is too new), the Toyota reliability should be excellent. Experience with the dealer was typical (they pushed undercoating and extended warranties). I initially tried foolishly to order a car with the exact features I want. Finally, after two months with at least another month to go, I bought one "off the lot". The 7-speaker sound system is as smooth as the Avalons ride. Attention to detail in both design and construction are extraordinary. I am delighted with the car.

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  I Like it overall - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By PJED - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had problems with the rubber between the plastic fenders and the body coming off. The dealer has fixed this twice, now with some new kind of glue.Other problems are, a rattle somewhere around the back seats?, the clock needs to be moved, the engine seems to cranks longer than it should after sitting for a while. Now for the biggie. The 4x4 shift lever is positioned so that my right knee is constantly resting on it. This is extremely annoying because of the vibration coming through it. This alone makes me want to get rid of the truck but I cannot find anything that I can trust for dependability but a Toyota.

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  New Limited 4Runner with Nav System - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By JohnNasch - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV with effortless excelleration. Its so good my wife now wants another one for herself.

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  My Toyota Truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Romain Giger - February 25 - 10:50 pm

  I do like my Toyota Truck. It is a Pre- Runner Double Cab 4X2/V6. It has a lot of torque in the lower RPMs. The color, Lunar Mist and trim package SR5 looks very good and Im proud to own it. The interior is really nice, carpeted, good seats, an excellent sound system with six speakers. My wife really likes the air conditioner because it works so well. I think the fuel consumption is a little high. But then it is a truck. To ease the pain I try to hold the speed limit and seldom drive over 60 mph. Since Im a short person, 5"3", the truck is a little high for me to get comfortable in and out.