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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  True SUV - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Calhoun - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV. Zero problems and excellent usability.

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  Definitely Fun to Drive! - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By vig2334 - December 8 - 2:00 am

  I have only owned this vehicle for less than a week, and already Im in love. The handling is awesome and the styling is great. The engine could be a little stronger, but a blower will fix that.

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  good for what you pay for - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By P-Dub - December 8 - 2:00 am

  The Corolla is not a performance car obviously, but for the money you get a car with great build quility and high reliabilty. Compared to the cars in its price bracket it has the best ride, and quality, and inside the wind noise is none existent unlike many cars in its price range. Performance sucks but what do you expect if this car had more HP this car would be a 10 out of 10.

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  18 month review - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Jimmy V - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Overall, one of best, if not the best,new vehicles Ive ever purchased (7 previous). The ride and quietness are top notch. recently, my wife & I transported her elderly aunt & uncle in the Highlander. They were truly impressed, and these are pretty selective individuals, as they have always had luxury vehicles. Her uncle couldnt get over the quiet, car like quality & comfort. I have, so far, (knock on wood) had no mechanical problems whatsoever. Ive had only changed oil and rotated tires. p.s. it has also performed excellent during the early winter weve been getting in upstate NY.

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  Lemon. Well almost. - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By javax - December 8 - 2:00 am

  At 13000 miles, cheap interior started making noise. Globe compartment rattles, the clicking noise from passenger door, anoying rattle from the drivers side rear door, and ticking noise from under the hood (plastic trims that holds the windshield). They are all snap-on plastic pieces. Futhermore, the engine light and VSC light come on and stay on. Also, a few times, as I start the vehicle, the engine stalled. We I had a Ford Explore before this vehicle and I regret that I traded it in with this one at 70000 mi. What an expensive mistake I made... Sorry Ford, I will buy yours next again.

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  WONDERFUL! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By em - December 8 - 2:00 am

  I would have to say the carolla has come a long way! I was soo impressed by the look and feel of this car that I was sold almost immediately. The power of this 4-cylinder especially impressed me. Coming from a V6 on a 1994 car, I was a little worried that a 4-cylinder would drag. Not so, this little car packs a punch. I would recommend the sporty beauty to anyone looking for a reliable car with a glamorous look.

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  Money well spent - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By love2drive - December 8 - 2:00 am

  As a single parent and college student, I just wanted a car that would take me from A to B safely and worry free. I got more than I bargained for. The dash and front panel are made with quality material. This car can really get around. I do 99% city driving in Manhattan and sometimes the Bronx – I put this car to the test against serious automobiles. It handles very well in traffic that demands maneuverability. It could afford better shock absorption, faster pick-up and a quieter engine. But considering the price, the car drives like a dream. Plus, My daughter loves the space in the back.

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  Camry - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Chuck111 - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Super car! No trouble, great turning radius, very responsive, great acceleration, quiet.

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  Moving up to a Camry - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Baron Finn - December 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had the Camry LE for a month. I moved up when my Corolla was totaled in a flood. I am quite well pleased with the smooth quiet ride and the ammenities. The 4 cylender does not feel underpowered and gas millage is good for a midsize. I am not real crazy for Toyotas cruise control, it seems to forget where I set it when I re- engage but other than that I have no real complaints.

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  Very Reliable Car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Tim - December 7 - 10:40 pm

  I bought this car 6 years ago. It had about 10,000 miles on it when I purchased it. I have driven this car over 100,000 miles and it still runs like new car. I had to replace the exhaust pipe once and had some repair done on the shockers which cost me about 600 dollars.