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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  Looooooove that car!!! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Emmas mama - June 23 - 2:00 am

  WEre totally thrilled with this car. Have had a tercel and camry in the past, and were looking in vain for a Camry wagon. Delighted to discover the Matrix. Since were all very tall, the Matrix wins hands down for the great head room. The hatchback design and great gas mileage are cherries on top! Ive tried talking my car-seeking friends into checking this one out.

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  Great! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By yellowpearl - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Have had the car for only a week now after a three-month wait after ordering. This is a great car. It rides, accelerates and handles excellently. Its gas mileage is phenomenal. The fit and finish of the vehicle also is excellent, up to the usual Toyota/Lexus standards.

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  Almost there ... - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By David Stevens - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Generally I love this car (so do my 11 yr old and friends). Its fun to drive, quiet, good controls, nice audio, enough room. I had an 85 Corolla that this replaced - I loved it and the Prius is a worthy successor. Theres enough power to drive in the Utah mountains and it has a quiet, solid feel on the freeway. Its been cold so the jurys out on the mileage - so far 48 on the freeway but only 30-35 in town and it takas a while to warm the cabin. Visibility could be a little better but its pretty good.

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  Solid with Minor Hhiccups - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By 130guy - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Having owned it for close to 4.5 years, I am satisfied regardless of high price. Have had repeated skipping with the CD player but Toyota replaced it no questions asked. Ive also had to bring it in twice to correct a design flaw that led to a blown rear heater line leaking fluid. One problem is the captains seat in center row have seatbelts that lock WAY too easy. Gas mileage has been less than I had hoped for, but the ride is smooth as ever and I love the ability to remove each seat individually, as well as hand controls on wheel for radio. I would say that Im not 100% thrilled but am blinded by the ever-slick tranny and solid construction.

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  Another SludgeMobile - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By SludgeMobile2 - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Our Sienna also developed engine oil gel. Guess thats PC for Sludge. We call it the sludgemobile too. Dealer just rebuilt the engine < 28k miles. Didnt fight either. We have 2 friends that have had rebuilds too. One got back 4000$ on repairs. The brakes squeal, the AC broke < 12 miles, O2 sensor broke, seat back fell off, visor broke (used about 5 times).

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  Very satisfied - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Carl Burkard - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Cads, Lincolns even an MB but have never been more pleased with a car. I certainly will want another.

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  Great family SUV - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By TCDKJ - June 23 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been problem free since day one. It has been evrything that we expected from a Toyota and then some.

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  True Truck - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Black T - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I wanted to trade my 2000 4 door VW Golf for something tougher. I got the same interior room plus rugged non-unibody construction, 4WD, awesome ground clearance, a huge "trunk", and much improved reliability. I lost the cars smooth ride, handling and on road performance, but I think this is a truck that I will have for a long time, hopefully forever.

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  Never Another Toyota - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By tg1410 - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I also blew an engine at 107,000 miles. Car was meticulously maintained, all maintenance etc. Took all records with me but to no avail. Neither Toyota nor the dealership (east side Madison, WI) would help, despite TSBs that suggested a problem with oil jelling in the upper engine. I was turned over to the sales staff who generously offered $700 trade-in on another (2003) Camery off the lot as an alternative to $4000 to replace the engine. Another dealer gave me $2300 trade-in, and a fair price on a car that had come in off lease (not a Toyota).

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  Quiet, safe, & dependable transportation - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Vinse - June 23 - 2:00 am

  The Avalon gives a quiet, smooth ride with plenty of room in the back seat for tall persons. Front seat adjustments help prevent driving fatigue on long trips. Fuel economy is good for an automobile of this size and class. Workmanship and details are first class. The Avalon gives excellent value for the money, and I highly recommend Aubrey Alexander Toyota Agency in Selinsgrove, PA.