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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  Incredible Vehicle - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Cincy Cruiser - February 13 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I test drove about ten other SUVs, and this had the best combination of features and benefits. Often, I prefer driving this vehicle over my Lexus LS 400 (bought it b/c I was so pleased with the Landcruiser). Highly dependable, reasonable maintenance costs, decent dealer service, strong engine, comfortable ride are all big plusses. We spent hours and hours researching these vehicles, and after having owned this one for five months and 10,000 miles, were hooked! All our family cars moving forward will be Landcruisers (though this one needs to last us about ten years!). Dont hesitate to purchase one, youll not regret it.

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  fun stuff! - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By spyderwoman - February 13 - 2:00 am

  great fun car! outstanding mileage! handles like a porsche at half the price. not a great car for traveling (little cargo space), but my 110 lb. dog LOVES it with the top down!

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  Full Warranty Coverage Hedges Risk - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By scro - February 13 - 2:00 am

  01 vehicle purchased was manufactured 05/00 and presently has 34,000 miles. Toyota servicing of vehicle is good and everything is covered, including tires and oil changes. About 1/2 the fuel efficiency in first 5 minutes of driving. In longer commutes fuel economy increases significantly. Excellant acceleration due to extra 70 horsepower electric engine that will simmultaneously engage with 1.5 liter gas engine. Car will run over 100 mph even on an uphill incline. Best tank of gas went 630 miles or about 57mpg. The extra weight of car due to hybrid technology makes car ride like a larger car and has good manuverability even at faster speeds.

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  corolla - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By Kadie - February 13 - 2:00 am

  great to get around in.

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  Nice Car - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By NiceGuy - February 13 - 2:00 am

  This van was very easy to decide on, because it didnt drain my wallet, and it was an eye catcher. The Sienna is the best van out there because its the right size, and it didnt look boxy like the Honda.

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  Great truck except for rough shifting - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Winedog - February 13 - 2:00 am

  I like everything about the Tundra except for the way it shifts at low speeds. If you accelerate quickly it shifts fine but if you are in rush hour traffic or just drive slowly it surges into gear when it upshifts. Also, the transmission does not know which gear to be in at around 11 mph. Be careful when you test drive because the truck shifts great when cold, make sure it is warm before you decide to buy.

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  this is awesome! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By ttalty - February 13 - 2:00 am

  so powerful! 5speed tranny, 250 horsepower, dual zone climate control, and full time 4wd, this is awesome! get the xreas performance handling package, its worth the money!

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  4Runner is the Best SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By car reviewer - February 13 - 2:00 am

  No one does it like Toyota (except for Lexus, which is part of the same company). During the last year, I have owned a Mercedes E300, 2002 Toyota 4Runner Limited, Land Rover Discovery SE, and now have a 2003 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 Limited with navigation and sunroof. My 2003 4Runner beats them all. The Land Rover had annoying ergonomics (and 17.4mpg); the Mercedes had continual electrical malfunctions (but 34mpg (diesel))and the 2002 4Runner was just a bit too small.

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  the new 2003 4-runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By prunella - February 13 - 2:00 am

  i spent several months looking for my 4- runner in order to get the best deal.i met some real jerks and some seemingly nice people. this vehicle has been more than what i expected. nice smooth ride. still working on the mileage. it is inching upto 20 mpg. i am only up to 2700 miles

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  Fun SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By rajeshn - February 13 - 2:00 am

  A fun suv. Noise free interior. Gentle ride. Lot of add ons in standard features.