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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  Third Toyota! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Hobopoet - July 27 - 10:30 am

  This is my third Toyota Truck. Ive owned a 92 standard, a 01 Tundra, and now this one. I cant imagine a better overall vehicle! I own a courier service, and Im planning on appearing in one of those "I got 500,000 miles and Im still rolling!" ads. The new 2.7 engine is a marvel; it feels more powerful than the 3.4 six in my Tundra. I have no doubt this truck will do everything I ask and more!

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  SATISFIED WITH TOYOTA - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By HAPPY CAR OWNER - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I PURCHASED MY CAR BRAND NEW OVER 5 YEARS AGO AND HAVE 110,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR IN FOR SCHEDULED SERVICE AND HAVE NEVER BEEN DISSAPOINTED BY MY TOYOTA. I WILL ONLY PURCHASE TOYOTA IN THE FUTURE.

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  Great Car! - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By agf2002 - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This car is A LOT OF FUN to drive! Beautiful design and resembles a Porcshe. Its very economical, and very easily turns in small places and is easy to park. But, it has to be driven slow in rain and snow. More than 2 inches of snow on the ground, and you might want to put a snow plow on it. The car fish-tails in bad weather when the gas is released, especially on turns.

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  first toyota - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By william1735 - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This is the first toyota Ive owned and so far Im very happy with it. The car handles and rides extremely well. The fit and finish is great. On our first trip out of town we got 31.4 miles per gallon.The car has every option and thet all work wery good and easy to use. One thing missing is a light under the hood, this is pretty minor considering the over all car. would definately reccomend this car.

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  What a car! - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By R. Hutton - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I never really thought that we would be able to afford a car as luxurious as the Toyota Avalon. Well, it turns out we can, although the car we bought was pre-owned. The amenities in this car are fabulous. It has everthing, at a price that was truely affordable. I hope that we continue to be as happy with it as we are now.

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  inexpensive best car - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By eagle28m - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used in July 2002. It did not give me any trouble since then. It is the quitest car I ever driven. Everything is just perfect.

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  Great reliable truck - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By icansurf - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I have yet to have a problem with this truck. Body is holding up great, not a single mechanical issue and I have owned it for 4.25 years. All I have done is change the oil every 5,000 miles and rotate the tires every 3,000. I average 17.5 miles per gallon overall. If you use the ETC (electronic transmission control) button your gas milage will decrease. I actually get better gas milage when hauling some weight. I have the V6 automatic. In the old traffic light to traffic light drag race, I have toasted the likes of a Nissan Maxima. I never worry about its get up and go. Great reliable truck overall!

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  BEST TRUCK ON THE ROAD - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By SOLDEBR - July 27 - 2:00 am

  THE TRUCK IS SMOOTH RIDING. POWERFUL AND FIT AND FINISH IS TOP NOTCH. BEST TRUCK!!!

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  Good small SUV - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By mln - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Very fun to drive. Great handling and manuverability. Excellent in the city. Power is certainly adequate. You can maintain 80 to 85 mph on the interstate easily. Gas mileage averages about 24 mpg. Easily pulls a small (4x6) trailer with a good load on it.

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  My first toyota but not my last - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By skyking - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I had a subaru that was giving to me by my brother 2 years ago that from day one always hesitated when taking off from a stop.it scared me because in a heaverly traffic town it can be dangerous when you pull out with plenty of time yet the car wants to stall on you. plus the air-condition was out so i said i am going to get a toyota tacoma truck .and it has been a blessing so far and i get alot of compliments also.i bought the air and stereo package power steering and abs brakes and that is just the way i wanted .so far it is a real hoot. forgetabout it just enjoy your new TOY>