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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  Think twice before you buy one - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By I Hate Camry - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Prior to purchase my Camry, I heard many good things about it, was I wrong? 136 Hp for the size of this car is a joke. My 93 Nissan Altima has 156 Hp. It screamed, when I needed to accelerate. 3 Months after I bought, it needed a front and back brake system. 1 month later, strut mounts and @ 90K the struts needed to be replaced. Dealer said struts last 90K. I have a 93 Nissan Altima w/ 150K everything is still original. @ 92K the electrical system started acting funny. It kept draining my battery. Thanks to Sears, they replaced battery twice under warranty. If you think this is a good, reliable car, my answer is: You have never seen and driven a good car.

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  Eco Car - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By ajkerry - October 20 - 10:00 am

  The Toyota Prius is my first economy car, and I would own no other. Also would not own it as my only car. But as a second car to use for work commutes, going to the store and other trips around town, you cant beat it. It is actually fun to drive and I am getting 45 mpg in the city, zipping along in left lane traffic. Due to its gas-electric hybrid nature, it is also extremely QUIET, which is a new trip all in itself and which makes driving it all the more fun.

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  xxxxxxxxx - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By BluEyez - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I love my new celica!!

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  I will pass this on to relitives - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By iluvmycamry - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I love my camry. it is a 99 Xle v6 and i bought it in sept. of 01 and i got a deal on it!.It only had 20000 miles and it it fully loaded with rare options on the camry like automatic climate control and dealer instaled jbl sound for only $ 14,500 and it is still worth more than i bought it fore now almost 1 year and 20,000 miles later.Nothing compares to the smooth power and luxurious ride of the camry...well maybe exept for the lexus es300.So if you are thinking about getting a camry go for it they are great cars but i have heard that the 4 cyl. is dissapointing

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  A great Drive - A great Rig. - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Keytag - October 20 - 10:00 am

  With just under 5,000 miles on my Highlander I can say it is just as sound and as fun to drive as my 2000 Avalon. My wife is on her second Tahoe and likes them really well. But I find her taking my Highlander when she has a chance. Much easier to get up into and still has great visibility. There is no comparison in cornering/handling and fuel economy. It cant tow as much as the Tahoe but it pulls a 18 fishing boat very easily. I bought it to handle the South Dakota winters and still be able to run up and down the roads after the pheasants. Not getting rated fuel milage as of yet but it is close.

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  A Great Car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Mike5953 - October 20 - 10:00 am

  This is our 4th Corolla, and it shares the driveway with my 89 GT-S and my daughters 88 DX, each with over 200K miles on their odometers. We traded in my wifes tired Camry for it, and she absolutely loves it. Its roomy, good- looking, easy on the pocketbook, and fun to drive.

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  Makes Me Feel Smart - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Gary Kelly - October 20 - 10:00 am

  While not the fanciest car Ive owned, it may be the smartest one. Does everything I need, looks good, is fun to challenge on a winding road.

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  Comfortable truck - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Robert Kladde - October 20 - 5:36 am

  I just purchased the Tundra three weeks ago and have 2,000 miles on it. Rides comfortably, quietly, looks great, and has more than enough power! Hauled 1000 pound load in bed as though it was empty. Excellent acceleration even with the smaller V8. Glad I went with the new 4.6! Handles great on windy Colorado mountain roads with little body roll. I am averaging 20 MPG with 75/25% hwy/cty. Thats amazing! CO air is thin though. Only bummer so far, however, is this hard to find 00W20 motor oil that it requires!! Can only find it in Mobile one, by the quart only, and it is $7.00 per quart! Yes, thats a SEVEN! Wal-Mart is only $6.30 a quart, but they rarely have it in stock. Beware.

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  Ive tried them all - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Brian - October 20 - 4:23 am

  I have test driven them all myself. From GM to Ford to Honda to Toyota. I tested many different makes and models. The Venza wins hands down. Just to give an example today it got windy while I was driving. I asked myself why the car seem hard to hold on the road. I couldnt hear the wind noise. It was that quiet. Got out of the car and it was really windy. This was while driving at 60 mph. Very roomy interior. A wide vehicle, but plenty of arm room with passenger. 3 children fit in back seat with room in between ages 8-10. 8 year old twins.

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  Excellent Reliability & Utility - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Ryan - October 20 - 2:43 am

  I have 2WD Sport Edition in Thundercloud color. Bought used w/135k. Now have 145k miles. Its been totally reliable, except for one minor 4Runner weakness - that darned power antenna! I replaced it myself for about $25. Otherwise its been perfect. Can be a bit bouncy on rough roads, but it is a truck after all. Found the seats a little uncomfortable for my legs the first 2 months, but now OK. The utility is perfect for me & love open-air feeling. Size is perfect for me, but might be tight for larger/heavier people (somewhat narrow vehicle). Nice seat fabric on Sport Edition! MPG avg: 20city/24hwy. Rides on Michelin LTX tires.