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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  best choice - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By johnny8here - August 11 - 2:00 am

  after spending countless hours shopping for a full-size suv, i recently purchased a 04 sequoia. i could not have made a better choice.everything about it is great.for a full size suv the ride is surprisingly smooth and quiet. i would recomend this vehicle to anyone shopping for this type of vehicle.

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  gas the curves - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By davebvaf - August 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is the most fun to drive car Ive ever owned. Not meant for travel but around town I keep the foot on the floor from 0-speed limit. Has amazing acceleration for the engine size. With the rear engine it is so much fun to "gas the curves" because it makes the car track the curve plus gives me a little excitement in my every day run around town. No trunk space - no problem - buy everything new when you get there or take the Caddy!

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  Exactly What I expected - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By geooff - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Anybody that bought this car and then complained about cargo space, automatic top etc. Just wasnt paying attention to what they were buying. Its great fun to drive, reliable, and the handling is awesome. You cant touch its performance and unique characteristics for half again as much money.

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  They dont make them like they used to - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Alexnovia - August 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the 2nd Tacoma my husband and I have owned. We bought the 2000 because we loved our 92 so much, but they sure dont make them like they used to. The inside isnt as comfortable as our other toyota. The clutch squeeks, fenders have faded & rubber between truck & fenders has come completely off one and is coming off of the other three. The interior has cheap components. Bought a Dodge Ram for myself, paid the same price as the Toyota and my Dodge is by far a better quality truck. I told my husband when we get rid of the Toyota that is it for us, no more Toyotas.

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  Great Vehicle!! - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Steakbelly - August 11 - 2:00 am

  This 4Runner is a blast to drive! An incredibly smooth ride, and of all the 99s, 2000s and 2001s I test drove (Pathfinders, Explorers and this 4Runner), this was BY-FAR the best driving car. Managed to get a FULL warranty on this 99, even though it had a lot of milage (85K). Looking forward to years of enjoyment with this SUV!

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  SUV for large family - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By No minivan please!!! - August 11 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle for a large family that requires transporting either lots of stuff, lots of kids or both... If I had to by another SUV of this size, I would buy another one tomorrow... and I have looked at them all!

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  One Unsatisfied Customer - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Patrick Le - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Learning that the new Solara was a new model and built in America kind of worried me.I said to myself what could go wrong?Its a Toyota and its new. I bought mine at Toyota North Hollywood and after 400 miles on it, there was a problem with the cars allignment.I took it back to the dealer and it took them the whole day to find out that its "toe" went out.Whatever that means.I had to take it back next day early in the morning to have them disassembled the car and fix whatever the problem they stated. The service manager even stated that its a first year model and one should expect problems.

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  Cant believe this is the highest rated - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By troy2 - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Traded in my wifes 1998 Tacoma XTra Cab to make it easier to move the kids in and out of. While roomier, the interior build materials seem to be of lower quality, especially the seats. The cruise control is over reactive often dropping two gears and adding 5 MPH on roads where I can maintain speed without downshifting. Shop others first. We only bought ours because of the resale value.

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  I STILL LOVEIT - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By ATOY4ME - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I will have had my highlander for 2 years come January and I still love driving it. It drives just like a car and not a truck.

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  04 Sport 4X4 V8 - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By stp1 - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Very impressive SUV. Makes the old body style feel like a Tercel. No more body roll, and allot less wind and road noise. If you drive an 04 you will never drive the old body style again! Rides and handles excellent. Seems to be priced high to there competition, but hopefully it will hold value well. Sold an 02 Yukon for this, and so far it is just as good, just a little smaller.