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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  Superior To American SUVs - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By jimmyd - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Ford and GM SUVs. Tried their 03s including the new Expedition. Sequoia had far superior build quality and materials than Ford or GM. It was quieter than the Expedition for the same money when loaded equally(within $900). It is still rattle and squeak free after 10,000 harsh miles(regularly off road and rough road).

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  Good - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Chute - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I have this car a little over one month. Purchased the latter of April 2003. I drove this car to Jackson hole Wyo. last month, there wasnt an incline in the Rockies From I 70 to Denver, to Salt LAKE CITY,then on to Jackson Hole. I 80 back to NYC. that I couldnt climb at 70 to 80 mph. Im very pleased so far and just turned over 8000 miles.

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  celica02 - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By atazman - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Handles excellent, a lot of fun to drive, great looks in and out.

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  Not a bad vehicle - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By bbb - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I bough the car in florida for use in NYC. It had 82K miles at the time, 102K now. The car has been very reliable, just wear and tear, breaks, plugs, oil. However, the car is not suitable for use in the New York Metro area becuase the suspension cannot withstand the potholes. I have had to replace all engine mounts and now the front struts and strut mounts are gone, a 500 dollar job that I am not about to do becuase it is not a safety issue. A friend with a 97 camry has the same problem. So, I think the car is a great choice for a used vehcile, just realize that it will not come uscathed from NYC potholes.

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  A great two door but feel like a sedan - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Fast Amy - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Solara is even better than my last car, which was a BMW 325i. Solara was very reliable. In the last 3 years, the only thing was that I have to replace all tires due to my stop & go traffice every day. A very good car for anyone who loves performance and value.

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  Buy ONE, You will not Regret - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By GF - November 9 - 10:00 am

  18 mpg ok but not the best, more than makes up for it with the exterior body style. More power need for hwy, for city it does well.

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  Hotrod People Mover!!! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By cwert99 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I am probobly one of the few who has put over 30,000 on my XRS. This car has aged like fine wine. After turning 25,000 miles on it, the engine runs smoother, notably quicker acceleration and the shifter is a little less figity. I love the little VVTL-i engine and the versitility. Perfect for me and my yellow lab and a few friends on a weekend camping trip. No issues with the car to date (not bad with a production number of 4,122). Be sure to have a TRD cold -air intake installed.

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  I am 18 Years Old - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Romeo - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I am 18 Years old To me the car needed to become more sporty so I have made some changes to the car performance wise. The car alone does need some help in handling and some pick up. I have added an air intake which has boosted HP by about 15 HP. I have also added 17 inch rims that are wider that help give it awesome traction around curves and I notice I don’t have to break around certain turns that, because the car sticks so well to the ground. I have not had any mechanical problems yet. Personally this isn’t the best car for a person my age.

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  Oh What a Feeling - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By djccarter - November 9 - 10:00 am

  We bought near blind via the internet. I test drove one in 2001 when they came out and thought it was nice. My wife had never seen one, as we were living in Europe. The Toyota name was all that we truely had to bank on. We thought that was enough since we already own a Camry. WE WERE NOT DISAPPOINTED!

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  Large Blind Spots make it less then good - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By mukesh - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Its been about 7 month since I have this vehicle. Its quite and powerful vehicle with lots of room. Everything is build nice and works well. Drove it 600 miles in one go and no problem. The mileage I am getting is about 18 in city and 23 on highway.