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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  Love My Land Cruiser - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By lina - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Land Cruiser. I love the reliability, performance and protection. I was in a very bad accident with my three small children last winter, on a dark and snowy blizzard night. The only thing that saved my children and their mother was the weight and build of my Land Cruiser. Having been a Land Cruiser owner for over five years, I can attest to the fact that I have not once experienced mechanical problems nor do I expect any. Its just a very well built car with a lot of room and good features.

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  down town - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Streich - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd landcruiser. The first one was a V6 and my 2nd one is a V8. I thought the 1st one was jewel but after driving the V8 and all the comfort that comes along with it, just one word. Outstanding, Quality, Performence, Dependable and good lucks. It has it ALL.

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  Only car Ive liked after two years - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By Jess of Waco - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive had a Merecedes roadster, a couple of Volvos, several Buicks, Oldses, and other comfy cars but this 96 Avalon is the best. The suspension has had strut problems, but otherwise, at 122K, its a fine-running, easy on the body kinda car. And although it has a "Cashmere Beige" stodgy exterior, it has surprising performance and can really scoot when you need it to. If you can find an Avalon at a good price, BUY IT!

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  Love this car! - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By ChefbearFTL - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Handles well, has excellent gas mileage, and runs like a clock.

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  The Rental - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By codenose - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I rented a 2002 Toyota Echo. The interior and trunk were adequate. The car was designed to make the driver focused on the controls. No way could the frail or elderly, a young teenager or the inexperianced handle the steering on this rental. While I was able to compensate for turns while in motion, those from a stop were more difficult. It took brute force to extract myself from a pararell paking position. I drove the car for approximately 30 miles. It would be wise for anyone considering purchasing this car to rent it for a day. The exterior paint had far too many dimples with rust.

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  Maintenance free - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Fawwaz - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the echo with deep concern at first. The reason for the purchase was to save money on the long drive from Los Angeles to Victorville, 200 miles round trip every day. Two years, with 45 thousand on the instrument cage the echo still running like a loyal dog. The only maintenance required is oil change and an alignment. This vehicle is recommended for single men and women. If you are looking for an economical vehicle, Echo is highly recommended.

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  Fabulous - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Debbyr - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Great Toyota and loads of fun. Love this car

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  Best car we ever owned - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Beth Hartford - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Almost went with the hybrid, but chose the Matrix and couldnt be happier. Terrific here in the Sierras where we get snow, ice and heavy rains. It handles the roads here in the mountains like a big SUV. And I pop one or both back seats down and bring lumber home from the store, as well as enough groceries to last us a month. And we checked with our insurance agent before we bought a new car, to see which ones were the best value to insure and this car got a great rating. And with gas prices being as high as they are we are getting phenomenal mileage.

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  I love this car - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By BethM - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love my car. It is stylish and fun to drive. Also with gas prices the way they are, Im glad its great on gas. It is very comfortable, and has great pick up.

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  I love my matrix! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Big mama - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love this car its great, fun, cute, and all around wonderful. The silver trimmed dash board, the smooth ride, all the great things you can put in a car toyota did.