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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  Awesome for the soloist - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By starchilds - September 9 - 2:00 am

  This wasnt your family car and never was ment to be. If you know and except this then your in route to an awesome reasonably priced fun-machine. For those of you who might love to travel and enjoy the occasional road trip keep your baggage light and the sky is the limit. This is simply put, an awesome cruise around convertible. Not a care in the world, I carry no baggage to hold me down type automobile.

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  Good except for the 1MZ-FE - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By loser65 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  If you get the V6 of the 94-96, be prepared for maintenance. When I hit 100,000 miles it started to develop some leaks and have water pump go out. I did run it hard, but I still expected more from Toyota.

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  Great car - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By Bill-NJ - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Solid and reliable car. Comfort is exceptional. Just returned from vacation, driving 18 hours straight with 5 people. Rear seat comfort is as good as front. Averaged 30 mpg.

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  Love my YoYo - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By YoYo - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Within 1 year I bought a Chevrolet then an Oldsmobile and spent more time in the service department than driving. Decided to splurge and go for the Toyota. Almost four years later, Im still loving it. 43,000 miles later and never been in the shop except for regular maintenance. I leased the car, but decided to buy out the lease after 3 years. Will drive it until it cant go anymore and then plan on burying it in my yard with a marker "Best Car Ever Made".

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  Gotta love it! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By liftnwt - September 9 - 2:00 am

  So far my experience has been very positive. While I do a fair amount of highway driving and the Prius gets better mileage in stop and go, Ive been averaging 45/48 mpg (less than the 55mpg that is advertised). When I go to fill up after driving approx. 350 miles and only put in around 7 gallons, Im a happy camper.

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  Reliable workhorse - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By ncng - September 9 - 2:00 am

  This is my first car that I bought in 1999. It has been trouble free and very reliable ever since I bought it. LOVE IT!

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  PRISE FOR SEQUOIA - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By mrgson - September 9 - 2:00 am

  This was choice between GMC Envoy,Isuzu Ascender and Toyota Sequoia. I selected the Sequoia for its value, tight contruction, reliability and smooth ride. I feel totally SAFE behind the wheel.

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  COMFORT FIRST - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By JOHN WEBBER - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I have had 4 Buick Park Avenues. A friend said "sit in my new car" ( an Avalon). I couldnt believe the comfort of that front bucket seat. Then the dash board seemed very cool. Next I drove it; then I went and bought one. Any problems ? really only one; I am not used to a shorter hood. I also think the doors could shut with more authority; you have to slam it moderately hard.

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  Good, with a few flaws..... - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By 2000 Camry - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought 00 Camry as a Certified used vehicle in 03 with only less than 20K miles. Is an extremly smooth car to drive on an everyday basis, but the fit and finish it not as good as I expected. The car has "seasonal noises" - the dash rattles in the winter and something in the front-end squeaks in the summer (AC). Also, the steering vibrated at speeds greater than 55 which was solved by replacing the strange looking factory hubcaps. It is clear that Toyota was trying to keep the costs low on this vehicle, but they may have gone a bit too far - no map lights, no lights on the visor mirrors...

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  Very Nice for the money! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Valley Gifts - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Just got this car, and it is has been a very pleasant surprise so far! I only wish that cruise and power windows were standard, but otherwise very good quality for the money.