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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  Excellent across the board - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By barbara211 - November 21 - 2:00 am

  This is the reason I love Toyota. A quality product, for an excellent value. I have 105,000+ miles on my 98 Rav4, and have had no major malfunctions. Regular tune ups and oil changes only.

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  This Baby does fly - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By BB_Flys - November 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Toyota (I had a 94 pickup previously). I was looking for a car and never really liked the style of the Celica but once I test drove it I knew it was mine. The exterior design rapidly grew on me! This car has nice acceleration, seats, sound system, and man "it turns like its on rails" (what my neighbor said as he test drove it). Country roads are a blast! It hasnt had to have anything done to it but an oil change and new rims. New rims please!! Stock ones are hitious.

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  Great Truck! - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By ALDO - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle - can definitely do better on gas mileage. Ultimately reliable - smooth quiet ride. Would definitely get another one.

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  Its a Toyota - What do you expect... - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jataga - November 21 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my 4Runner for a little over 4 years now and am COMPLETELY satisfied. I must say it is a GREAT SUV to own. The reason why I purchased it was b/c of reliability and looks! I have taken mine off road numerous times in very difficult terrain and with the ground clearance and articulation this SUV has, it is awesome. I put an average of 25,000 miles a year on mine and it is running just as good at 100,000 miles as it was at 1,000 miles. I love it and would definitely buy another one!

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  Toyota Avalon xls - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By lgra9361 - November 21 - 2:00 am

  No major problems in over 30,000 miles. Excellent dealer service. Small problem with the driver seat recliner that was fixed with a new part installed by the dealer within a week of my complaint.

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  Unrefined Fast and Cheap - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Markm4 - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Ill start with the postitive comments: The thing is fast when you get it in the high rpm range. The suspension is pretty tight for such a high vehicle, and the 17" wheels with firehawks have a-lot of grip. otherwise, at low rpms the thing is a dog. The 1st gear is so tall, it is hard to get it moving without either burning up the clutch or stalling. The interrior is cheap hard plastic. If you must have one, get a good price. On ebay they are going for $15k or less. They are not worth the $20k dealers are charging.

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  Surprised - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By vitamingiant - November 21 - 2:00 am

  we drove new Ford F-150s, Chevy Silverados, Dodges, and were absolutely surprised how good the Toyota Tundra looked and even more surprised with the handling. We live in the mountains of western North Carolina and the off road package is by far the best on the market. You will not be sorry if you buy this truck.

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  Good Reliable Car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By The-Body - November 21 - 2:00 am

  This can be a fun car to drive if you get the V6 in a 5-speed. Has plently of power and gets the job done. Ive put almost 60k milies on the car since 1999 and its 2003 now and no problems at all.

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  2002 Tacoma Crew Cab 4WD - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Doug I - November 21 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great truck so far. I have had no problems with it at all and the crew cab is very handy for hualing the grandkids around.

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  I LOVE THIS TRUCK!!! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4RunnerLOVER! - November 21 - 2:00 am

  I brought my 4Runner on march 16, 2003 from darcars toyota in sliver spring Md. All i can say about the car froa weeks ownership is WOW!!!! I love everthing about the car but i only wish toyota had made fog lights as an accesory! Also my car came w/ a maufacture paint defect that was on the rear lift gate but i had my dealer fix it.