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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  Bang for the buck - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By Florida speed - September 21 - 10:00 am

  On the first test drive, the tight, responsive suspension amazed the pants off me. Got my own (spectra blue mica), and told my buddy, "It lets you do s*** you really shouldnt be able to do," then yanked the wheel for a 90-degree left turn at about 40 mph. This car makes driving to work absolutely fun, and a trip to the mountains Nirvana. GT easily beats SUVs (and occasional Z-3 or Boxster) off the line & runs on cheap 87-octane gas. Very sexy car. Everyone compliments the color. A lot of car for the money; lucky I didnt get this when I was 16, or I might not be alive. Im 30 now, but feel like 23 behind the wheel of my Celica.

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  Exotic Looking Economy Car - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By Celica GT - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Hello fellow car enthusiasts and I hope you are having a great day. My celica was one of the first to be made and I have had no maintainance problems. The car gets 36 MPG on the highway and handles very well. Calty Design Studios did a fantastic job on the styling. What we have here is an exotic looking car for the masses. There are two weaknesses. 1. The interior surfaces are hard plastic and scratch easily. 2. The paint is thin and chips easily.

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  Great True SUV - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By jenbrimac - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Now that SUVs are getting more car- like , the 4Runner is going to need some major rebuilding to keep pace. BUT, of all the $30K + mid-sized SUVs, the 4Runner is hands-down the best buy, IMO. If you place a high value on reliability, this ones unbeatable...Just change the oil every 3-5k mi & itll go to 250k mi no problem.

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  just the right size - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By steve tolbert - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought this used, and it now has 20,000 miles. No probems what so ever. This truck has very comfortable front seats, is quiet, and is great on the highway. The only negative, is an uncomfortable back seat, but it is ok for around town and holds alot of stuff.

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  Beware of 1st year model - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By pliu1s - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 97 (previous 1st year model) with belief that Toyota would take care of me. Boy was I naive! There were usual bugs: shrieking steering wheel, loose drivers seat, bad strut towers, chattering brakes, multiple dead bulbs, and safety recall. Krauses service manager gave hard time on everything but the recall. Found myself actually forgiving the problems and buying Sienna... until Toyota refused to extend any goodwill on head gasket leak 5 days out of warranty. In a round-about way, Im glad I was too busy last month to finish negotiations on that Sienna. Now IÂ’ve bought an Odyssey. Check out Townhall for how Toyota has treated owners whove developed problems.

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  lier lier toyota shame on you.. - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By teakrob - September 21 - 7:57 am

  I bought it in 05 for about $33,000.00 This truck with 50K miles is a money pitt. The service is way over priced. The recalls lists are long yet are minor compared to the list of problems toyota dosnt cover. 1 frame is so weak that it CAVED IN AT THE MOTOR MOUNTS. The result 8 weeks in the shop countless calls to toyota and b/s forever to have them say I need a new frame and it would be around $13,000 to repair my truck what a joke, not a funny one. 2 Newest problem @ 86Kmiles bad cats all four, around $5000.00 to replace. 5 weeks in shop to have them tell me that toyota will cover $1000.00 of it after I pay in full. I cant afford it and no smog w/light on so Im SOL save your money

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  Love My Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Ed - September 21 - 7:43 am

  Others can give technical reviews - I will just say I drive a LOT (36k/yr) and switched from a GS300 Lexus (sports sedan) to the Prius, and it has been wonderful! Excellent mileage is a given (45-47 on all roads, all weather). I drive faster than I should so slowing down would eke out 3-4 more mpg. Interior is very well-designed. Displays are different from American cars, much more efficient and user- friendly, and the display info is amazing. NO REPAIRS YET at 105,000 miles!! I have had many cars and all needd repairs before 100k miles, except the Prius. Of course I needed new tires, oil changes, maintenance. Handles well, easy to turn/park, love the hatchback.

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  Amazing - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By eesseJ - September 21 - 6:10 am

  This is my third vehicle this year and by far the best. the second i got in this car and started driving it i was in love. I no longer am wasting gas as i did in my truck, cause getting more then 18mpg is almost orgasmic to me. If your looking into corollas for your kids first cruiser, your 8th wonder or whatever, seriously buy one because you will not regret it at all.

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  Did I love this car?? - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By sac - September 21 - 3:13 am

  We bought this car in May 1997. Sold it as we had to go out of the country in Oct 2005. We put on 90K miles on it. We crisscrossed the continent with this car. We lived in DC area and drove it to places as far as St Louis, New Orleans, Atlanta, Boston, Toronto, Quebec City and Ottawa. We did this with two kids, stroller, suitcases and other stuff! The car never ever let us down. Bullet proof, absolutely reliable. All I did was regular oil changes. Only had to change brake pads, timing belt, tires and of course the battery. After all this the car felt like new while driving, gave amazing mileage (30-34 in city, 37-40 highway). We felt really sad selling it. Lucky lady who bought it from us!

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  Love my Yota - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Rich Pacacha - September 21 - 2:13 am

  Purchased this car with 150000 miles on it. I do bank courier deliveries in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Ohio with the car. I now have 329000 miles on it and have not had any engine or transmission problems. Power flush both components every 100000 miles. Replaced front wheel bearings, timing belt, and battery. I have been using Amsoil synthetic oil since day of purchase. Add 18 oz oil every 2,000 miles. This is the car that will break my heart when it quits. Smooth, quiet, comfortable, no squeaks or rattles and gets 35 mpg combined all winter and 39 mpg in the summer. Wish they were all this reliable.