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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  Just Picked it Up - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Mike D. - December 22 - 6:30 pm

  Just got it on the 5-24-06 and I cant find anything wrong with it at this point. Great Ride, Good Looks, Power is OK. I will be reporting back every- so-often so, please stay tuned. I live in south Louisiana so I dont think Ill be rock climbing, but I will try the 4X4 in the mud. It is my full time ride to work and any wear else I go. Having to run High Octane gas is not a big deal. I spend maybe $3.00 more a tank. The improved gas mileage offsets the extra cost.

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  Toyota MR2 Spyder - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Some1 - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Very fun and fast car to drive. The interior is not too roomy, but if you care for looks get this car. Not much cargo space either. Mazda Miata is the compteter of this car. This car is better thought because of its middle engine rear whell drive layout. This is used in most racing cars.

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  Not just another small sedan - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Stan - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Love the car!! Not because of price,but for exellent mpg,confort,use of space and fun to drive.Someone told me it looked like a spaceship!I said cool! Tired of the same old styles,i like it,kinda grows on you.Rides nice and quiet and has more than enough power for country and city driving.Toyota did a great job useing what interior space could be provided with its small size.Seems to have as much space or more than some bigger cars ive owned.Great view in the drivers seat! sits higher than most small cars.Dont be afriaid to try something different!! you may really like it,like i did.PS this is the first non american car i ever owned. Great Car.

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  Not just another small sedan - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By stan - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Love the car!! Not because of price,but for exellent mpg,confort,use of space and fun to drive.Someone told me it looked like a spaceship!I said cool! Tired of the same old styles,i like it,kinda grows on you.Rides nice and quiet and has more than enough power for country and city driving.Toyota did a great job useing what interior space could be provided with its small size.Seems to have as much space or more than some bigger cars ive owned.Great view in the drivers seat! sits higher than most small cars.Dont be afriaid to try something different!! you may really like it,like i did.PS this is the first non american car i ever owned. Great Car.

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  Some comprimise - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By L. Y. - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Choosing looks over power is a comprimise you have to be willing to make.

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  A first version and need improvement. - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Biz - December 22 - 10:00 am

  In general, the car is great, nice looking, good handling, comfortable and a lot of room even in the back seat for the new generation giant kids. I own also a Volkswagen Jetta and I must confess that Toyota really impressed me with this new (Lexus made) Corolla 2003 it is finally reaching a step ahead its competitors. GOOD WORK!...

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  A first version and need improvement. - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By biz - December 22 - 10:00 am

  In general, the car is great, nice looking, good handling, comfortable and a lot of room even in the back seat for the new generation giant kids. I own also a Volkswagen Jetta and I must confess that Toyota really impressed me with this new (Lexus made) Corolla 2003 it is finally reaching a step ahead its competitors. GOOD WORK!...

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  Dealer - Factory - who did it? - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Ed S. - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Bought 03 Corolla new Aug. 8 - Aug. 26 noticed rust on quarter panel at trunk. Trunk was hitting L/H Qrt panel when closed & chipped paint. Aug. 29 toyota dealer (not one purch. from) inspected vehicle, said it had been repaired. Took 03 back to Team Toyota, Lithia Springs Ga. They had fact rep. look & he agreed car had been repaired. Toyota denies having anything done at factory or shipping. Dealer denies same. On Oct.3 took car to Team Toyota for defective Radio repl. During the radio repl. dash wash badly damaged by mechanic. Oct.16 and vehicle is still at dealer.

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  No change really from the 05 - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By PatB - December 22 - 6:03 am

  This is my second Tacoma after having an 05. This one has a quieter engine, and I like the USB audio port. Biggest surprise is Toyota made very few changes after 5 years! Mileage is still low but reliability is high. It is a workhorse. Nissan comes somewhat close and Honda just has that overstuffed Ridgeline so Tacoma is a solid midsized choice.

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  15000 miles and going - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Judge - December 21 - 4:06 am

  My anti-Japanese car (or truck) brother in law thinks the thing rides like a caddy. A compliment in his world. It is very quiet, very smooth and surprisingly fast. My g-tech pro says it goes 0-60 in 7.85. For me the styling inside and out isnt great, but better than some and more important to me is the reliability that toyota usually has. The toyota is amazing, the only time it feels like a fullsize truck is when you are parking it, especially parallel parking.