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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  I love my AVALON - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By logan clark - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I love this car and would have to say that bringing it home reminds me of when my father brought home his ultimate car- a 1962 Cadillac(the one with the big fins)- he was so thrilled and excited and so am I. It is stylish, posh, and comfortable as well as practical and fun to drive. The ride is like floating on a cloud with no sound. It drives like a dream and all you hear inside is the great sound system. This is my ultimate car and will probably be my last car as I plan on keeping it for a long time.

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  I love my Marklar! - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By Clarg - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Celica last summer and I love it. It is fun to drive and handles really well. I couldnt believe it when I realized I could take corners and not have to slow down! Warning: if you are used to driving a Celica, and have to drive another car (i.e. a rental on vacation), drive safely, because I nearly killed myself when I drove a Corolla for a few days and forgot that a Corolla doesnt handle like a Celica!

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  I love this truck - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By elbrokin - September 25 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car brank new in 1997 and have 75K miles, still drives like brand new. Never had any problems, just routine maintanance. I hate to get a new car but I need a third seat! I wish the new 4runner had a third seat.

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  LOVE IT!!!! - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By BBB - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Tacoma for nearly two year. It is WONDERFUL. I have NEVER had ANY problem with it other than needing an oil change..Offroad it has been perfect. I was in a MAJOR accident with no injury thanks to this truck, although the airbags did no deploy..hmmmm. I have been forced to sell it and am HEARTBROKEN. When I can again afford a truck, IT WILL BE A TACOMA!!!!

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  Awesome - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By KarenP - September 25 - 2:00 am

  My first Toyota ever owned an it is just awesome. THis vehicle will be able to move my family around with great ease.

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  Get the XR and not XRS - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By bucksw - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Another review mentioned to get the XR and not the XRS and Im glad I took their advice. I test drove both the XRS and the XR with the sport package. I parked them side by side and could not tell the difference. Inside was exactly the same and the engine didnt feel that much more powerful on the XRS. Not only will you save thousands, but the gas mileage on the XR is 30/36 as opposed to 25/30 on the XRS. I love the car. It drives great and I have no problems with it. If you go XR I recommend getting the 5 speed Manual. Some say the XR is sluggish, but the 5 speed Manual is pretty good.

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  Great Car !!!!! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By brw0520 - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had a nissan, Honda, and now i finally have the top of the line with Toyota. These cars are well known for quality and i am sure to get many years of satisfaction from this cuv.

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  The Best Sedan for Anybody - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By mosa - September 25 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the best cars out there... It offers alot of things. It offers smoothness, reliability, a nice exterior/interior. It is very comfortable to sit in, front or back. Theres alot of space for anyone to sit in the back. When I am driving the 2003 Toyota Avalon (XL), I feel like I am driving a 2003 Lexus... I just love my Avalon.

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  best truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By tom - September 25 - 2:00 am

  This is the best truck on the market. I have it jack up about 7 in with x terran tire it is assome

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  best truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tom - September 25 - 2:00 am

  This is the best truck on the market. I have it jack up about 7 in with x terran tire it is assome