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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  Wonderful Car - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By dapqam - December 21 - 10:03 am

  Bought in 8/2002 with 36k miles. Now have 85k. Have replaced window regulator motor. All other items have been regular maintenance - oil, filters, brake pads and rotors, timing belt and water pump (at 84k). This car is a wonderful machine.

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  Fabulous Toyota Avalon - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Lavern Chatman - December 21 - 8:53 am

  Recently, I purchased a 2006 Toyota Avalon. I had owned a Mercedes for almost 10 years. This car is absolutely fabulous to drive. It is quiet and has a lot of power. The interior is classy and outside desing is gorgeous.I love my new Avalon.

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  Best Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Maria L. Urdaneta - December 21 - 8:33 am

  I think the Prius is the perfect blending of comfort and savings on one of the worlds fast disappearing resources. I truly believe that hybrids are the car of the future, and I love the quietness the ride. Im not too crazy about the styling (beached porpoise) but it is very utilitarian.

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  Perfect Sedan - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By strthusler - December 21 - 3:16 am

  For those who complain about the power get a V6, for an I4 this car is as powerful as they come. I love everything about this car, I drove to Phx, AZ over the weekend and I had a wonderful time driving the car on the open hwy. As for the hesitation, I didnt encounter any. So far my experience has been wonderful!! Best "VALUE" car Ive ever bought.

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  Love my Celica - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By Satisfied Consumer - December 21 - 2:00 am

  When I went on the car market to purchase a "reasonably priced" "sporty" vehicle...I chose the Celica for these reasons...1) Toyota name/quality 2) in the price range I was reviewing...the Celica was the only model (of its class) that offerred front wheel drive (its equal to my former Subaru Forester as far as getting around town in the snow and ice)!! 3) It is completely fun and and great to zip around town in (plus) its a great road trip vehicle and performs its best at 100+ mph (not bad for a GT model with a 4 cylinder)!!....the seats arent totally comfortable for hours on end, but again for the price....I couldnt be happier!

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  No Regrets - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By averagejoe - December 21 - 2:00 am

  You get great reliability, excellent fuel mileage for a 6 seater (I got the bench front seat), and a little luxury and comfort as well. I will keep this car for at least 10 years and have no regrets.

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  Practical but Pedestrian - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By dblanchette - December 21 - 2:00 am

  A bit unstable, but low drag and a fairly quiet ride. Even minor acceleration elicits a strained whine from the engine. Real world driving wont get claimed mpg (I get 40-45). Fine interior overall. The seat comfort is fair, front visibility excellent, rear visibility poor with severe blind spots. The "dashboard" strip beneath the windshield is great (reflects on windshield though). The center-mounted display screen is in theory a good idea, but boring and annoying as configured. The interior room is very good, and trunk space is fair. The finish of the car isnt bad for a car in this price range. It is a practical car, but not very fun to drive.

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  Move over Ford and Chevy,Can not Compare - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Tony E - December 21 - 2:00 am

  i have owned a tahoe before, a jeep liberty and cherokee and nothing comes come to the sequoia.my sequoia was quite riding,handles excellent in all driving conditions,plenty of power,more room than tahoe in storage and leg room.Plus the toyota engine is quite as a mouse running.Go get you one.

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  2003 Camry SE - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By dobelvr - December 21 - 2:00 am

  A great looking car, but three problems: There is a "thumping" sound in the rear suspension over tiny bumps in the road which is very annoying. The dealer says this is normal for the SE. I must drive quite a distance (over 2 miles) before the transmission will shift into overdrive in extreme cold condtions.The starter makes a "zipping" sound when starting in extreme cold conditions.

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  Looks better than it is.. - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By jingles - December 21 - 2:00 am

  At first glance and test drive I loved it. The back windows worked the seats folded down. No other van had this. Ride seemed fine while test driving. Since receiving my van in Nov Ive had a defective seat belt, adjustment on back passengers side seat belt due to rattling against plastic part of arm rest. Had blown front struts, The center console rattles, it rides like Im in a roller coaster, and now am fighting w/Toyota over warranty on my arm rests due to major material defect showing wear at only 2K miles. Also had to have engine adjusted due to acceleration jumps. I wish I kept my Windstar.