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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  Super Fun - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By GreenLynxSpyder - January 27 - 10:00 am

  It can turn faster than you can think about turning. Very predictable handling and you get plenty of feedback. Good milage is a plus. Dont let the low HP fool you; its light enough it feels like a car with 160 HP. I did have an engine failure that caused it to need to be replaced, but that was covered by the 6yr / 60K mile warrenty.

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  Good car...needs some style - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Propaintball321 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car last summer and have loved the realiabilityof the car. All that I have had to do is oil changes and tires. I also love it when Im at the gas pump. The one thing I do not like is the exterior styling. It looks like every other sedan and the light bar across the back is awful. Other than that it is a great car

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  Great little truck - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jazbone - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought this used in 7/02.. Im totally amazed at the quality and performance this truck has. It will drive on any snow/icey surface with ease, good power for a 2.7 litre, with great gas mileage, 20/23 and I have registered 25.5 down I-5 @ 60-65 mph. The ride is a little stiff, and the cab is a bit too narrow for 2 adults

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  Bad Rear end! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Unhappy Toyota Owner - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Sequoia in the shop 4 times and only have 2,000 miles on it. Ive had a new set of tires and rims put on, but there is still something wrong with the rear end. The dealership says it rides like it should and if that is the case, then Im very disappointed. Drive you vehicle out on the highway and put at least 25 miles on it, before you decide to keep that one.

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  First Toyota - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By kcjam - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I previously owned a Dodge with such poor reliability, that I switched to Toyota. This truck is great for hauling my family of 4. Great offroad, fun to maneuver in traffic, and pulls ATV/snowmobile without trouble. Bed extender is a must! Truck handling is skittish at higher speeds, and too much wind noise. Otherwise, I love it.

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  Corolla S 1.8L 5-spd. - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By MPD - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for 4 months, and have no major complaints. Its got a very smooth ride, but could use some more oomph when accelerating from 20 mph on a highway entrance ramp to go to 60 mph. Ive consistantly been getting 40-44 mph. I do miss my 91 Mazda 626 2.2L 5-speed, especially its acceleration. I do realize Im dropping down a bit in engine size. All-in all Im very satisied with my new Toyota!

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  Replacing my 1999 Accord w/ a 2nd Camry - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By By - January 27 - 10:00 am

  My 2003 Camry has more pep, more interior room, more luxury, is quieter, gets better gas mileage, is easier to get into & out of, has more trunk space than my 1999 Accord EX. I cant say enough about the best car I have ever owned. Put 25K miles on it in 11 months and am stiil "in love".

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  Welcome Change - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Winfield - January 27 - 10:00 am

  After driving several SUVs over the past ten years it was an experiment that I decided to try a minivan. I picked the Sienna because it had all- wheel-drive and 17 inch wheels available. The Odyssey offered neither. Honda also required leather to get much upgrade. The Sienna came with cloth and the DVD housing ready for a slip in player. After the rough ride and lousy mileage of SUVs, this vehicle is a joy to drive. I can haul much more "stuff" in the back with the seats down. On an 1800 mile trip it had good pep through the mountains. I believe this is a keeper.

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  Like Driving a Luxury Car - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By creatmem - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This van rides like youre riding in a luxury vehicle. We love everything about it!!

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  Buyer Beware - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By DLC - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Beware of the "performance tires". They are not all season or snow tires. The tires do not perform well when the roads are just wet. My first set of tires only lasted to 14,000 miles. Major thread wear down the center of all 4 tires.The tire mfg,Toyo,replaced all but 1 tire. I called Toyota in CA. who basically told me that no, the tires werent designed for snow and ice conditions and if they had to replace every part they ever received a complaint about they would be out of business! Toyotas customer service motto should read, "Buyer Beware"