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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  Wrinkled ragtop - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By pjb - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Much quieter and smoother riding than my Sebring Conv., but the wrinkles next to the back window and next to the side windows are ugly and embarrassing. The wind noise with the top up is inexcusable. Its a good car but with an amaturish convertible top.

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  Real SUV - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By TDM - July 28 - 10:00 am

  It took me a while to see beyond the commercials on TV. Once I did that, I found that consumers reviews on the Internet are the best source of information. If you read them you see that Toyota beats ANY american car in quality and reliability. As for the SUV, almost all of them are now just minivans. Not so with Toyota. My 4Runner has a simple interior but is very comfortable. The engine runs perfectly and I had no problems. The 4X4 runs great and you can choose from 2WD, 4WD High for a rainy day, 4WD Low for serious off-roading and hub locking for special situations. The mileage is just as specified (16/19 mpg) which is good enough for its class.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By festus - July 28 - 10:00 am

  I thought I wanted a RAV4, but after I drove the Matrix I took it home. The one I test drove had all the features I wanted or needed, and the more I drive it, the happier I am with it. I thought I would hate those notorious red neon dials, but they are very good for night driving. The inside is roomy and comfortable, the hatchback is convenient. I feel like I got more than my moneys worth with this car.

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  Carloss Toy - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By BuddyBoy - July 28 - 10:00 am

  I have owed my 2002 Rav4 for 5 months now and driven it 9,000 miles. On back roads it does great, takes the curves like a little sports car. I get 24 miles per gallon. Good ride. Does great on the highway except when you go up prolonged uphill grades, the car wants to kick in and out of passing gear. The major complaint that I have about this vehicle is the passing gear. Do not try to pass someone on a 2 lane road except when you have a lot of time to do it. When you punch the accelerator down into passing gear, you think the car is going to take off like a rocket, but when you pull out into the passing lane the vehicle doesnt go anywhere.

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  great truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By ba2ty - July 28 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive great styling lots of room

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  Wow - what a steal! - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By nctorr - July 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a great SUV. It drives and handles like a car; and, it has ground and curb clearance like a truck. I have driven it on and off pavement and found that it works well either way. I did learn that SUVs hydroplane just as well as cars do...but I dont think its the SUV (if you get my drift). The Highlander is a handsome car with very easy features internally, like collapsing the back seat (VERY EASY), and changing CDs while driving. Everything is made easy for the driver and passenger!!! Great Car!

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  2001 highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By jpmousel - July 28 - 10:00 am

  bought 2001 in feb 2001, not long after they came out. looking for 4wd to get around in the snow that drives like a car. v-6 engine has plenty of power too. easy to get in and out of without running boards, etc.

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  Previous 94 Owner - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By beep beep - July 28 - 10:00 am

  I love the redisigned style. Compared to my old 94 Corolla, its a really nice change. Im pleased with the comfort and enjoy driving it. For anyone looking to buy, spend the extra money on the loaded S model, its worth every penny and you wont be disapointed. As for the "fuzzies" collecting, keep a lint roller in the glove box. Its nice to have when youre a neat freak! Be carefull of the passenger side airbag. The left upper corner of mine is lifted. I brought it to their attention and theyre going to replace it.

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  2003 Corolla - Car of the Future!! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Star-Blazer - July 28 - 10:00 am

  New body type with a bigger, more powerful engine. This car does superb on gas mileage with decent power on a 5 speed manual transmission. Very comfortable inside and quiet, handles well and CD/Stereo is a winner.

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  Wind Noise is the Problem - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By kprko - July 27 - 8:13 am

  Wind noise from both sided leaking thru the doors will cost over $200 for new window runners. Air conditioning vents blow cold air directly on you is a nuisance. After 3 years the dash component seams are separating. Steering wheel controls are sorely missed