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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  2003 silver mr2 - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By nolan - February 22 - 10:00 am

  i peviously own a celica gts-2001.this car has better comfort,handling,brakes,gas milage-uses reg.fuel not premium,better looking, easier to drive.fit and finish excellent.only 1 defect-headlights not adjusted correctly.it seems quieter then the celica.

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  Best small commuter car ! - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By maltais - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I still don"t understand why Edmunds rate it so low. It is the best car for city driving. Good accelaration. Super low gas consumption. Quiet ride. Well assembled.

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  My RAV4 - its a BLAST! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By ajf - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle - its a blast to drive and an interesting style. Very comfortable and lots of space for the kids and their hockey & soccer equipment. Were constantly running around from event to event, the trunk space is great and larger than most people think for a small SUV. It rides well and has great features - lots of nooks and crannies to store things

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  a few upgrades - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By T J - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Really nice, get all the options and make it look sporty ie; chrome mags, mud flaps, rear spoiler, nose wrap, rain guards,front hod scoop, auto start, then it will be complete and not your ave toyota-if u got the $ & cents.

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  Highway cruiser - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By glix - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Large, comfortable car that cruises the highway effortlessly yet gets good gas milage. For someone on the roal a lot, the reliability of this car is very important to me. Four large adults can ride in this car in comfort, even for long drives.

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  Love my truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By "C" - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Purchased a 2003 Toyota SR5 Ext Cab.auto,PS,Air, Cruise Control. very satisfied with performance of vehicle.All vehicles are not up to the standards of the durability ofToyota........However, is the vehicle worth the hassel of being wary of salesmen/admin pushing to get as much money as they can?

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  Solid - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By bwill - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Have had the car about a month. Well done...sporty and stylish...looks much better than the regular Camrys. Only two things weve noticed so far are: 1- a bit of hesitation when you accelerate, and 2- Gear shift seems to be getting rough when moving from Park to Reverse...well have to wait and see if worsens. Overall, very satisfied and feel like weve bought something reliable and sporty

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  MY 4-RUNNER - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By DEL - February 22 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS THE 4TH TOYOTA WE HAVE PURCHASED (FROM THE SAME DEALERSHIP IN FACT). WE GOT RID OF OUR PRIDE VOLVO BECAUSE IT DID NOT GIVE US THE RELIABILITY AS THE COMPANY REPUTES (AND AS WE THOUGHT?). WITH ITS NEW DESIGN, WE BELIEVE THAT WE MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE, BACKED BY TOYOTAS RELIABILITY. IT HAS A VERY QUIETE RIDE FOR AN SUV. IT ALSO HAVE A MUCH BETTER ADVANTAGE WITH ITS V8 POWERED ENGINE. ITS ACCELERATION IS QUICK AND SMOOTH. I SOMETIMES GET A KICK OUT OF OTHER DRIVERS ON THE HIGHWAY WHENEVER THEY THINK THEY CAN OUT-RUN ME. PEOPLE GOT USED OF LOOKING AT 4-RUNNERS MAINLY WITH A V6 ENGINE. STEERING IS ALSO QUICK AND SMOOTH.

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  Loving it! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By hemaar - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I have driven Toyotas for the last probably 10 or more years. Never had a 4runner but I can tell you. I could not have gone wrong with this one. I am loving it all the way. Very quiet ride and smooth. Yes there is a little rattle from the moon roof no big deal. Other than that I am very happy.

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  I love it - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Outgolfin0 - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I have had no problems with my 4 Runner. I have already taken it off- road and it performed like a champ. Although the gas mileage is low. I think it is pretty high for a 4X4 V8 SUV. I get about 18-19MPG. Plus a smooth ride.