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:

• 

  Great Car...our 1st Toyata - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Larry Floyd - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Thought we wanted another CRV Honda....didnt get a good feeling when calling around about stock...bought new RAV 4 instead...our first Toyota...we love it...wish Toyota made motorhomes...our Damon Ultrasport is a piece of junk compared to the Toyota...from now on...its only Toyota for us...

• 

  Love My 4Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Gadgetman000z - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 03 4Runner 4X4 Sport edition in March (had it for 6 months now), and although I was a little leary about the price tag....I love this vehicle!!! Ive towed with it, traveled back and forth between PA and TN (several times) with it, gone offroad (by the way, offroad has been a blast, I may have found a new hobby!), and continue to use it for all of my other daily driving. This vehicle has been nothing but superb since the day I first test drove it!!! I love my 4Runner, and if you want a rock solid, reliable, fun, offroad, onroad, workhorse that will last for a long time...you wont be disappointed with this one.

• 

  Another Toyota truck for me - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By thrower - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I just sold a 1991 Toyota truck. I was the original owner. With 200,000 miles on it, it was still running great, but it didnt have enough cab room for me, my wife and our dog. So I got the Extended cab, SR5 stepside. The V6 is powerful and quiet. Steering is responsive and tight. The truck has the off-road suspension and it seems to help reduce speed bumps, etc. Toyota hasnt lost the touch. Its a great truck.

• 

  LUV IT! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Jeannethebean - December 15 - 10:00 am

  This is not my first Toyota vehicle so I expected reliability. It has met all my expectations. I tow two different boats with them loaded and I feel very safe. I have to drive many times through the night and I need to feel safe. It has proven itself through a tough winter. Handles very easily and Im complimented on the ride all the time.

• 

  04 Corolla S - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Stucnda60s - December 15 - 10:00 am

  We havent owned it long but are happy with it so far. Great economy car and surprising power from a 1.8.

• 

  Tall People Beware - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Erik Savage - December 15 - 10:00 am

  The car runs great, but is not designed for everyone. Leg began cramping to the point of numbness days after I bought it, but the dealer and manufacturer were unsympathetic; politely listened but took no responsibility. Scouring the internet, I found similar cases for people 6 and over (Im 6). Ill have to sell the car at a loss after driving it for only a few weeks. Buyer beware: take a LONG test drive.

• 

  My First Toyota - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By belaircarguy - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Traded my 2000 Dodge Intrepid for 2003 Camry. Camry has a light touch, easy steering, parking and visibility. Nice ride, but not as much fun as the Intrepid, which was low slung and hugged the road like a sports car. Build quality is good, and car has an airconditioner that could chill meat! Great for those hot July days.

• 

  Sienna Number Two - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Second Time Around - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I miss the design of the old Sienna, but love the bigger hauling capacity. Not pleased about getting my first recall on it, but not overly worried. The black plastic dash looks like Darth Vaders head, and its hard to keep clean. Hooray for the folding 3rd seat. Gas mileage has been great.

• 

  Wow ! - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Upstate NY - December 15 - 8:40 am

  We bought our Yaris to help with commuting back and forth to work which is a 45 mile drive each way. We were using a Durango, which we still have. This vehicle is great with the fit, finish, build, and quality it is like no other!!! I was a GM technician for a long time and have driven every little "Cheese box" under the sun and I tell you this vehicle is no "Cheese box" Toyota really did their home work when they built this vehicle. We bought the lowest priced 4 dr sedan they sell and I love driving it. Gas mileage is 39 mpg when my wife drives it averaging 70-75 mph going down the NYS Thruway and about 34-37 mpg when I drive it, Fun to drive and quiet.

• 

  Nothing Better for the Money - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By AirJay78 - December 15 - 6:56 am

  This car is a masterpiece. For the price, youll find nothing better. A perfect overall commuter. A perfect show car if you want to put the money into it. Ride and handling is superb. Plain models are quite ordinary but the S class model changes the entire car completely! It turnes it into an affordable sportscar. And now that cars are all growing within their class, this car is not as small as it once was in the 90s. Upgrading this car is a breeze if your into that. Only recommendation is that anti lock brakes be standard or at least standard for S class models minimum. Other than that, it stays true to its reliability record.