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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  1994 Toyota Camry review - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Jeremiah - August 11 - 1:40 am

  Ive owned my Camry for four years and have over 217,000 on the odometer, and I believe its an excellent choice for someone with a small budget. Interior design is excellent. The seats are well-shaped and comfortable, and the placement of controls is intuitive. At high speed, road noise is nearly non-existent, like a luxury car. Wind noise is moderately high, but no more than could be expected. Engine performance is mediocre. Noise is high at revs over 3000, and acceleration is adequate at best. Fit and finish inside is terrific, with snug and well-fitting parts, and reliability is good. For the money, youd be hard-pressed to find a better family sedan.

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  Toyota Avalon Limited - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Richard Heschke - August 10 - 4:10 am

  Comfortable, quiet car with a few creaks and moans. Didnt expect this from Toyota. Shudders sometimes on slight acceleration uphill. Seems to be going away the more the car is driven. Frankly, Ive driven Toyotas before and expected a bit more from their flagship sedan.

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  Good First Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Trippmatic - August 9 - 6:30 am

  While I havent had my vehicle long enough to warrant an in depth review, thus far it has been a pleasure to drive and very good on fuel. I will not remark on its reliability except to say that it has 26000 miles on it so far and no reported maintenance other than tire repair and replacement. It is a great economy car, perhaps the best, when considering cost of maintenance, cost to drive, looks, ease of operation, and the fact that it is a Toyota.

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  It Gets er Done - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By barney - August 8 - 5:16 pm

  All things considered, its an excellent vehicle. All Ive had to do is the regular maintenance. Ive had no downtime whatsoever (well, except for the one recall but the dealer took care of it and gave me a free loaner). It pulled a U-Haul on my move from Missouri to California with no problem. It drives like a car. Plenty of power with the V6. The steering and the engine are very responsive which is a plus on the California freeways.

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  A kickass pocket rocket - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By jim007 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The whole point of designing this car with a "limited" engine was to minimize insurance costs and to avoid the luxury tax. This car was designed for aftermarket modifications.....how wonderfully devious from Toyota. For an additional $6000 - $8000 you can install a Power Enterprises turbo kit, suspension kit, add racing rods, racing clutch, and 17" wheels. You will now have a Spyder that will out handle almost any stock sports car for less than a total price of $35000. And no exhorbinant insurance costs! No storage space, but why complain about things that are diametrically opposed to the design objective?

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  My Little Echo - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By sarahjh - August 8 - 2:00 am

  First it seemed as if I was sitting on a board..a hard wooden board. The seats needs more padding. Hate to reach over to lock the doors. No salesman offered me extra options such as automatic windows, etc !!

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  AVALON - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By roniah - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Reliability for the most part has been excellant. Nice looking car for price range. Needs new trunk caulking..leaks some in heavy rain.. Had to replace front struts and front strut holders at 59,000 miles.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By seano - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have own many SUVs over the years. I always wanted to drive American (this SUV is buildt in America). Toyota is great best in class. The little know fact that it runs on Reg. Unleaded gas is a day to day savings. The truck handle very well in Snow when FWD is used. For the price and value very much worth the look.

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  Third and last Toyota truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jess01 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Toyota truck, all different models, and I have been continually disappointed. Its a fun ride and I feel safe driving it. However, Ive expererience the same problems with all three models. I think 6 years is long enough to work out the kinks. If all youre looking for is a safe, fun rugged vehicle than this is it, but I recommend not upgrading to get all the options as youll be disappointed with quality vs. price tag.

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  QUALITY TRUCK - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By MATERV - August 8 - 2:00 am

  VERY RELIABLE VEHICLE ON AND OFF THE ROAD. MY TACOMA HAS ONLY THE TRD OPTION AND IT DRIVES OFF-ROAD LIKE A FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE, BUT IT IS NOT. I WOULD RECOMMEND THE PRERUNNER, FOR ITS HEIGHT AND EXTERIOR LOOKS.