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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  Love my Toyota! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By maddogca - June 9 - 6:59 am

  I was a little skeptical about getting this car at first. Now, Im glad that I made the purchase. It has NEVER left me stranded and has ALWAYS sent me from Point A to Point B. So far, the only maintenance I have done to my car was oil changes, a new battery, and tires. I also love the moonroof and the leather seats. The JBL sound system is also a pretty nice system. The only thing that I can think that I dislike is the rear window shade. Other than that, thumbs up on this end. Toyotas might be expensive to purchase, but maintenance cost and insurance are SO LOW that it makes up for it.

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  Best Camry yet! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Gina - June 9 - 4:06 am

  This is my fifth Camry, and definitely the best yet. Very comfortable seating position for both me and my husband. Smooth shifting. Good acceleration for engine size, and good mileage, especially when highway cruising around 70 mph (33-34 mpg). Lots of nice standard features. Steering wheel controls for stereo mode, presets, volume, temperature, Bluetooth, computer info. Great dual zone climate control. Customizable features which dont require dealer help like some brands (auto lock modes, interior light modes, etc.). Reclining rear seat.

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  03 Sequoia Review - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Kingfish - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Great truck, owned grand cherokee, never will buy American SUV again

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  Whats not to love? - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By stp - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely a pleasure to drive, I am thrilled with my new Land Cruiser. I still own a 1992 Land Cruiser that just keeps on truckin and I am sure I will love this one just as long!

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  The Original Tonka Truck - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By khoisklone - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought this from a friend who took good care of it but never used it. NEVER had any problems with this truck, just regular oil changes and tune-ups. Great city driving, very good handling for such a longer vehicle, but this (my) truck craves the out doors. It loves dirt roads, rocky roads and shallow streams. Drives through snow like it was four- wheel-drive. In many ways this truck is like an baseball glove. The older it gets the more character it has. And with age the glove and the truck forms around its user - it is very responsive to my needs.

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  Toyota Tundra Fan - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By oregon-agates - June 8 - 10:00 am

  We went from a Camry to the full sized Tundra. The truck is every bit as comforatble and easy to drive as the Camry is. What an engine. Very smooth and powerfull. Reminds me of the 1950s and 60s V8 era. As far as the back seat goes, it is comforatble for short (less than 500 miles) trips. The bed is shallow but for city truckers that is fine. I would say we will buy another but this one will probably last forever.

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  22k no problems - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By Kurt - June 8 - 10:00 am

  We have had ours for a year and a half and not one single problem yet. never been to the dealer. we average 36.4 mpg. what more could you want?

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  22k no problems - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By kurt - June 8 - 10:00 am

  We have had ours for a year and a half and not one single problem yet. never been to the dealer. we average 36.4 mpg. what more could you want?

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  Best buy for my money - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By audit26 - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I compared several cars before I decided on the corolla. I got more for my money than I would have with the other ones I was considering. I had a 99 Monte Carlo and selling realestate it was hard for my clients to get in and out of the back seat and the gas mileage was another issue not a fuel efficent car. Now I have both fuel efficent car, plus style.

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  super car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By gm - June 8 - 10:00 am

  it just goes. smooth quite, never a rattle or squeak. very comfortable. have had absolutely no problems and average apx 28 mpg