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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  Toyota Sienna 2001 - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By Ros123 - January 14 - 11:33 am

  This car has been so reliable that I am constantly amazed. Once in a while, I take it in for an overall safety check and except for routine items that need changing in any vehicle, theres never anything wrong!

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  A 10 - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By Driving 40 + years - January 14 - 6:30 am

  I have driven many different vehicles since the mid 1960s and cars have certainly evolved over the years. I have also done minor repairs and maintenance on cars. Have owned several sports cars and even a Honda Hybrid a few years ago. The Corolla offers the best of all worlds. Over 30 mpg city (32 to 34), with the standard transmission. A solidly built and realible vehicle, good gas mileage, fun to drive and attractive enough in design and style (the "s" model). While the Corolla may be a bit more expensive than similar competitors, "you get what you pay for". Toyotas reliability is worth the price alone.

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  Smooth SUV. Drives like a car - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By gregt909 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Very nice SUV. Has to be one of the best for quality and reliability. I was pleasantly surprised when towing my boat for the first time. Its not the most powerful vehicle in its class but It seemed to tow my boat more effortlessly than my 2001 Siverado that has considerably more power. Very happy so far!

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  2002 Black Echo - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Scott33809 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I have to say that my Echo is a great driveing car . The car has so much power for a small car .The Echo is so much better then my Ford Focus was .I love the 5 speed its so fun to shift and the get up and go is great .I get 42 MPG with the Echo .The A/C works great and the am/fm/cd is very nice .I dont know why edmunds had to say all the bad things about the Echo its a GREAT CAR and its a toyota so what more can you ask for .Edmunds says to buy the honda well i went and drove the honda and the honda drove like a tin can next to the Echo .

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  2003 Celica GT - 11 Month Review - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By mew1127 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 03 Celica GT for 11 months and I love it. Its a $20k car and not a $40k car..and for that $20 its sporty looking, fun to drive and very economical. There is a rattle in the sunroof, but I havent been able to leave it for a whole day at the dealership, so I just turn the stereo up. Im comfortable in the cabin (but long road trips are not recommended!). I especially like the hatchback feature. I use my car almost as a truck, but I prefer to drive a sporty car, so the Celica fits my needs perfectly. Overall Im very satisfied for a $20k car.

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  prius number 1 - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By mahdnyw - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Pick-you my 2004 Prius from the dealer and headed for Harvard College,Ma. The Prius got good mileage first tank went 332 miles. The trip computer is a must get it talks to you and tell with to beeps to turn, a real life saver. After 8 hours on the trip the seats are still great. And very little road noise.

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  i love it - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By mphilp - January 14 - 2:00 am

  my double cab tacoma has everything i wanted. trd suspension, premium sound, power everything, all with the convenience of cloth seats. i surf, snowboard and love the outdoors, and this truck, even without 4wd, is nearly perfect. it wasnt cheap, but my first truck was a yellow 1977 toyota that was first owned by my grandparents and now my sister and has never needed a major repair. i think its worth the money

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  Great Buy - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Dave 2 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 04 Highlander about six weeks ago - my first Toyota. So far it has proven to be everything I was told. I bought the "base model" with a few options and got a GREAT deal. Given the current price of gas, I opted for the 4 cyl. and I am getting 26 mpg on the highway. The ride and acceleration is smooth and comfortable. So far a great car!

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  Sienna 2004 XLE Limited - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By bph - January 14 - 2:00 am

  The Toyota 2004 Sienna XLE Limited is the perfect minivan. I absolutely love this van!

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  Wonderful Van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By BWW2 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Purchased my XLE Limited with the Nav package (HO)from a dealer rather than the Special Order that I initially had tried - 5 months of pure frustration. The van is a lot of fun to drive and maneuvers very well in parking garages and while driving on curvy roads. Its very stable. I can now accelerate with most vehicles, something I couldnt do with my AWD T&C. The van is exceptionally quiet, smooth, and solid. The all around driver visibility is head and shoulders above other vans, pickups, and almost all cars. What fun it is to drive and I can actually feel the road while driving.