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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  great car - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By so it goes - September 21 - 10:00 am

  purchased car new and have had no problems. 4 cyc. very realiable. comfort on long trips is excellant. it does appear the drvers seat is showing wear with my limited mileage.

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  BEST OF THE BEST(honest review) - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By kokid - September 21 - 10:00 am

  What a wonderfully engineered truck. Toyota has raised the bar in the mid suv market. It is the SUV I have been waiting for and it has finally arrived. Waited a year so toyota could work out all first year bugs. It is by far worth every penny and will hold its residual value for years to come. Only SUV that will beat it is the Lexus version.(if you want to pay 10 grand more) Toyota has hit a homerun!!!

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  Glad I bought a Toyota - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Toyota owner - September 21 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is big enough without being too big, rides great, and has the visibility and room you expect in an SUV. I bought this to replace a 97 Ford Exploder and there is no comparison. It will pull 3500 lbs. (just like the Ford) which is more than plenty. I also looked at a Pathfinder, and the Toyota is superior in every way except towing capacity. You owe it to yourself to test drive the Highlander. I also considered a Honda Pilot, but there were few available (all at MSRP++) and the dealers wanted deposits on a car they couldnt deliver for a month.

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  An SUV that drives like a Camry - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By lbutch - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I have owned four Camrys and thought I would give a Highlander a try after all the good things I have heard about them. My only regret is that I didnt buy one sooner. I absolutely love this vehicle.There isnt a squeak or a rattle in it. It rides like a Camry and is so quiet we can whisper to each other when driving.I have never taken a Toyota back to have anything repaired or fixed after buying them except oil changes. A true pleasure to own and I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Corolla number 4 for me! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Goatboy - September 21 - 10:00 am

  My first Corolla was a 1978 with air conditioning and an automatic tranny. That was about it. My girlfriend/wife had a 1983, and replaced it with a 1990. We just bought a 2004, and can only say that Corollas get better and better every year. Even though we couldve gotten a loaded Camry, the Corolla S was more fun to drive, holds its corners, cost 1/3 less and still gets like 40 MPG highway. I was sold!

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  Best in the biz - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Mickey Kaline - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Seats are firm and comfortable. Some may say the engine is weak, but it does fine. Great trunk space. Roomy back seat. Handling is secure, but not perfect. Solid suspension.

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  i luvvv my camry - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By stephzbooty - September 21 - 10:00 am

  itz great!! i totally luv my new car..it totally helpz me pick up on tha dudez 2

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  Great vehicle - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Dr. B - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Everythings great. Only criticism is the rattling center table, which should have been more useful and quieter.

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  2004 Toyota Sienna XLE Limited - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Debers17 - September 21 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for a first time mom who is use to driving small cars.

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  2004 Toyota Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By toyotadriver - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a minivan that can dethrone the Odyssey and this one did. It has a better interior and quiter ride.