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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  10 - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By veilside - January 21 - 2:00 am

  great car never had an problems with it looks good nice speed and handling and a decent price for such a great car

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  Not So Pleased - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Its Not All That - January 21 - 2:00 am

  -Replace EGR valve at 30k-- took it to the dealer 5 times to figure this one out!!!~ very annoying -Sruts in need of replacing at 40k-- I agree,this should be recalled -24 mpg, not so great -CD player skips, possibly as a result of the strut problem-- $1500 to replace- - 2 weeks to figure this one out -big heavy doors that ding and get dinged -$600 to replace window due to vandalism-- not cheap! -Severe windshield glare

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  Super Car - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By nvhawki - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I havent had it to the shop once and it drives just like new. Still very, very quiet and solid.

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  RAV4 Headaches - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By ChadA9 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for two years, Its been in the shop on average every two to three months. They have looked at the brake system four times and replaced the back brake drum once. It still has problems. The interior rattles. Its been in the shop several times to fix those. In May of 02 the cadillic converter went out. Toyota had it for over a month (Could not get parts). This is my first Toyota and most-likely my last. These are the types of problems I would expect on a 5 year old American made car not Toyota!!!

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  Looking for something dependable? - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By Pepper - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Ill spare you the details and just use phrases: 1) Zippy and fun; 2) lightweight car so the pick-up more than compensates for the 4-cylinder engine; 3) Great turning radius; 4) Dependable in rough weather (this including ridulous blizzards in mountainous Pennsylvania); 5) two words: FUEL EFFICIENCY; 6) nice sound system- definitely underestimated; 7) (as silly as this sounds) interior is easy to clean and keep clean; 8) wonderful car :)

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  2003 SR5 V8 2WD - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Roy5 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Best truck I have ever owned. Fit and finish are excellent, power great, and gas mileage not bad at 18 MPG around town. No problems so far with 2K on the odometer. Ride a little jiggly on bad roads, but not harsh.

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  Just an Excellent Truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By envelopo - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my fourth Toyota truck, I have had excellent luck with all of them. This xc 4wd is all realiable, comfy and good looking too. It does what I need it to do without looking big and stupid like so many trucks on the market today.

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  Best of all worlds - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By craigvv - January 21 - 2:00 am

  We have had this Highlander since late 2001. We had to purchase the Limited to get Vehicle Skid Control. It is AWESOME. Both VSC and the car. It is the smoothest ride we ever had in any car including a rental Caddy. VSC has saved us once each winter! Best of the best, no question!

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  a LOT of car for 17K - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Rudy_from_Boston - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2003 Corolla for the same reasons most folks do -- basic, reliable transportation at a budget price. When the car finally arrived (about 5 weeks after date of purchase), I was very pleasantly surprised to discover that I loved the way it looked and drove (hadnt bothered to test- drive the car because I owned a Corolla previously). With 130 HP, 125 ft/lb torque, and a manual transmission, the engine is a LOT peppier than my old Corolla (100 HP, AT). The surprisingly roomy interior, super-comfy seats, CD player, and sunroof all make for a very pleasant driving experience. I couldnt be happier with this car!

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  perfect - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By DXMARINE4EVER - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This was a great buy. I am in love with my car and will drive it anywhere and everywhere. I have had no problems at all and I have no complaints. If your in southern california, go to LONG BEACH TOYOTA on the PCH and for repairs, go to Chevron in Seal beach. GREAT PEOPLE and IMMPECABLE service. They make you feel like a king/queen.