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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  owner - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By john smithy - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The exterior mirrors only tricky item on this vehicle-- too big when coming close to nearby items.

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  The beast! - 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By wjb - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has far exceeded my expectations. Its sold as a rock. I feel sorry for anyone who gets into an accident with the vehicle as you would surely be the loser. It was made for inclement weather.

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  Update - 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By GADrvr - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Weve now had our 2001 HiHy for over a month. Still averaging over 30 mpg city and 27 mpg hwy. Absolutely love the roominess, pick-up and mileage.

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  Great Car... - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By bhug - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had nothing go wrong with this car to date. I have replaced the front brakes and all four tires, but thats it. Couldnt ask for a more reliable car.

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  Performance & Quality - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By arkansan - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my celica for a little over a year now. My daily round-trip commute is 45 miles. I live up in Northwest Arkansas where 90% of the backroads are twisty small mountains. This car is awesome for that type of driving. It has power when kept in the meaty part of the rpm-band, and it feels like its apart of the road when driven to such extremes.

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  High marks for 2000 Tacoma XtraCab 4WD - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Hunk - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Have had no problems with this truck since new except a water leak (wet rug) which the dealer managed to diagnose & fix on the first try (a grommet located on the fire wall was leaking.) I previously owned a 94 Tacoma (hilux) Reg Cab 4wd and found it to be a nice little truck; but Ive found the 2000 to be much more refined and comfortable, by a long shot. The 2.7L 4 cyl has surprisingly good pick-up with the automatic trans, just dont plan on moving too fast with the bed loaded.

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  unreliable - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By upset - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Since owning my 99 Solara I have had numerous mechanical problems. I had to replace the engine in October 01and starter motor in March 02. This car sure hasnt met my expectations of Toyota quality.

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  What a let down! - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Fooled by the Hype - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the vehicle for less than a year and Ive had the brakes replaced (this was one of their technical service bullitens--a recall they didnt want me to know about until after the brakes failed and left me smashed at the bottom of a cliff somewhere), new pads put on, the stereo has had to be replaced--all this on top of its horribly slow pick up (transmission wont shift until it warms up), and other odd noises that make me question the reliability almost daily! Ive had enough--Im trading in this piece of @#!* for a Hyundai! Toyota really blew it for me--Im telling everyone I know and Ill probably never buy one again!!

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  into the future - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By matt69 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  you have to try one, if you can

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  Solid as the tree - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By JoeT - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Love the Sequoia. On one trip I put 3500 miles in 6 days with elderly parents. Great ride and comfort, never tiring. Average gas mileage for its size. Grat comfort, especially for those of us with wide bodies (Im 61 and 250 lbs - not "fat" just plump) Look at resale value vrs same year Eddie B Expedition to see what a great buy this realy is. My dealer was great to dea with.