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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  wonderderful suv - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By debbihope - December 27 - 10:00 am

  great suv just the best

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  Best SUV - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Chiefd54 - December 27 - 10:00 am

  Being a previous owner of a Ford Exporer, I was looking for a vehicle which had several features that I felt were missing from the Ford. The Sequoia has them and more! A spacious interior, comfortable and extremly quiet ride, and relability! This vehicle is a pleaure to drive and own. One test drive was all it took to convince me that this is a quality vehicle.

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  This Truck is Great - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By NUCADET - December 27 - 10:00 am

  Anyone that wants a reliable truck that you can do almost anything with this is the truck to get. I have had it for 3 months and drove it from New England down to GA loved every bit of it.

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  Beware sunroof installation - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By brian76 - December 27 - 10:00 am

  Seats R bout as mushy as your Dads old recliner.Warning: if U can wait for a Toyota-installed sunroof do it.Dealership told me the only way I could get 1 w/ the sunroof right away is to get it installed by the company they have a contract w/.They assured me quality would be just as good.(Sucker) The headliner near the rear window flaps in the breeze.I took it back to get fixed & its a little tighter but totally different f/m headliners in the non-sunroof Corollas.Havent seen a Corolla w/ Toyota-installed sunroof yet & really want 2 know if there R headliner issues in those.Just hoping the headliner wont be sagging in a few yrs like an 85 Lincoln.

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  Are you sure this is a Corolla? - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Krissy - December 27 - 10:00 am

  This is our first NEW car and we LOVE it all! LOVE the great gas mileage; am filling up half as much as I used to with the same size Nissan. I thought the visor/rear mirror problem was a silly flaw also, but the rear view mirror is on a ball & socket joint and can be moved right quite easily - problem solved! The ONLY negative thing that we have dealt with on this model is that the 5spd doesnt come with a leather wrapped shift knob like the 4A - NOT FAIR! Its a vinyl that gets HOT in the sun. We have Toyota getting us a leather cover :) A few changes and minor improvements (which anyone should expect from a redesign) would make this car anyones dream!

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  Great car fun to drive - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Kudos - December 27 - 10:00 am

  A great car with the qualities of a Lexus I was looking at the lexus IS 300 and decided for the $20,000 price difference the Corolla had pretty much the same qualities and I know with this car its lexus quality period. Thanks again Toyota for making a fun safe and fuel efficient car. By Andrew

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  My Favorite Car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Fotie - December 27 - 10:00 am

  I love my car. It is perfect and dependable. Very comfortable. I couldnt ask for a better car.

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  Prius Touring Wheels and Tires - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Switchback - December 27 - 12:26 am

  I have just over 300 miles on the car. I got 54 MPG (calculated from fillout to fillup at the pump - not the car computer) from St. George, UT back to Las Vegas (about 120 miles one way) at 65 MPH. This is slightly downhill back home. I have on it 17 inch G-Games wheels and Michelin 225/17 tires. I thought I would dress up the car a little, but also thought I might take a slight hit on MPG - LOVE the wheels/tires - dont forget to reset the tire pressure monitoring system. The dealer said you have to have about 2,000 mile on the car before it really breaks in and you get the best MPG.

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  A Quality Car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Ernie - December 26 - 12:33 pm

  The ride is smooth, not sporty, but is very relaxing and quiet. The fuel economy is excellent. It is one of the best cars we have owned.

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  Awesome Car - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Janet- NY - December 26 - 12:30 pm

  I have had my Prius for 10 months and I never looked back. Sold my (lemon) Audi A6 and my new prius is great. Truly a smart car. Love the smart Key, gas mileage. Passing the gas stations all the time. Everyone who gets in the car also comments how roomy the inside is. If youre thinking about it, stop thinking and do it!