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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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Marty G. - January 28 - 10:00 am

  After first test drive would have bought the vehicle right then had the dealer had the color and features available on the lot. Rented one later for the weekend. Fun to drive. Mileage in mix of city and hiway driving around 43 MPG. Am waiting for the 2005 models to come out. Will be buying one.

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  Tundra Test - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Sid Smith - January 28 - 10:00 am

  I have the basic model of truck. It is very reliable with no mechanical faults to this point.The only thing, which is minor would be the pop-up drink holder stopped working. This seem like a small thing until the Toyota dealership quoted me $170.00 for the replacement part. Overall, I am delighted with the Tundra full size truck. The comfort level over my Nissan truck (the Frontier) is Night and Day.The cupholder upsets me because I am spoiled by the quality and reliablity of my Toyota truck.I would buy another Toyota truck if that time ever comes.Thats just the way it is. Best Regards, Sid Smith

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  Our first Toyota - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Bob & Kate - January 28 - 10:00 am

  Although this is a big vehicle it is easy to drive. The turning radius is excellent.

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  Totally Satisfied - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Trust Me - January 28 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Toyota,s since l984 and have found them to be superior cars. I would not own ant other brand.

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  Excellent and a beautiful car. - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By SEXY CUZ - January 28 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE A SOLARA A I LOVE MY CAR THAT IS ONE OF THE BEST CARS I HAVE BOUGHT. I THINK TOYOTA DID A GOOD JOB PUTTING THAT CAR TOGETHER (SMILE). SEXY CUZ

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  Worth the Money - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By ATG - January 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a great SUV. It is comfortable, quiet, smooth, and fun to drive. I have owned other SUVs and this is by far the best! Fit and trim is fantastic. Toyota has thought of every thing.

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  Nice Ride - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By aszewczyk79 - January 28 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up my new Corolla and i love it. its a very nice and smooth ride. it handles well on a highway in a wind. the doors lock nice and tight and there isnt any wind noise inside. breakes are good in slippery conditions. i think i should be set for the next few years with a nice car.

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  TUNDRA - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By MNU - January 28 - 5:50 am

  The Tundra Access Cab V8 may not have that great gas milage, but the looks and power bring you to a whole new driving experience. I love it and will always buy TOYOTA!

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  Awesome Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By DianeN - January 28 - 3:30 am

  This car is really neat and gadget rich. Just got my bluetooth phone (Motorola Razr M3) and it works great. Cant think of anything else they could have added except maybe a better adjustable steering wheel for comfort.

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  Is it the car or is it the tires? - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Carol - January 27 - 10:50 pm

  I love my 94 Toyota except that I cant drive it in the snow and have to be careful when coming to a stop in the rain. I am having new tires put on my car tomorrow 1/11/17. I went to Costco and Sams Club to buy tires for it and they dont carry them. The only place locally that I could find tires to be put on the same day was Walmart. The tires are Goodyear Viva and I am hoping that my problem is the Viva tires by Goodyear. They are in very good condition but I am afraid to drive it in the snow as it slides very easily and I have to be careful when coming to a stop sign when its raining as my car has slid across the road when I tried to stop. If a car had been coming, I would have hit it and it would of been my fault. I am not a fast driver so I am hoping its the tires. Has anyone else had a problem driving in the rain or snow with a 94 Camry LE 4 cylinder? I have 187K miles on my car and it doesnt burn any oil. I bought it in 2005 from the original owner. I am retired and live in Pa. and it snows every winter so I need sometimes to go out when it snows and not be afraid. Hopefully, the General Alti Max 43 tires that will be put on tomorrow (recommended by a Toyota dealer) will take care of my problem.