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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  Great Car - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By Matt222 - August 26 - 10:00 am

  I love this car...if I had to do it all over again I would definetly stick with it.

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  Commands a second look from by-passers - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By balaji subramanian - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Great performance, fast on the road, futuristic look on the interiors - definitely an owners pride

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  Love my Avalon - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By JJ@Santee - August 26 - 10:00 am

  Comfort of a large luxury sedan with the peformance of a sports sedan. Ive driven 43000 miles in 20 months and the reliability and performance have been extraordinary. Routine oil changes, tire rotations, etc.... My next car will also be an Avalon.

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  My Black Pearl - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Black Pearl - August 25 - 3:16 pm

  My 2007 4 Runner (V-8) is getting between 19 and 22 mpg and can still give a coupe a run for the money. I am very very happy with my 4 Runner! And Ive owned other SUVs in the past. Other then my 2002 Highlander (I gave to my daughter) this is the best one Ive owned yet. I think if you take good proper care of it, you too should get great results. Just my opinion!

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  A winner as used 4x4 - safe, fun - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By bluesmobile - August 25 - 4:20 am

  5 Speed manual. Recommended - if you find a good one. In my top 30 list out of about 300 vehicles Ive driven (owned over 100 of them). Getting 26 mpg highway (60-65 mph), after switching to Amsoil synthetics in engine, tranny, and rear end. Recommend this for long life as well. Very safe - handles well (2 door not so much), ride is surprisingly plush and comfy, great visibility, likes to rev, will run all day 75. My wife and daughter really like it. Mine has 130,000 miles on it now and i think itll make 250,000 if looked after. Manual tranny is weak link - watch out for grinding gears and 5th slipping out. Expensive repairs unless youre real handy.

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  Love My Sienna - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By lovemysienna - August 25 - 3:10 am

  I read other reviews about the Sienna XLE - not sure if it is that different from mine, but I love my Sienna! We owned a Honda Odyssey - top of the line and while it was a very reliable vehicle, it was a very rough ride. The Sienna is extremely smooth and handles great in any weather including the below 0 temps & snow that we have had in Chicago recently!

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  Its the best! - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Cappy - August 24 - 5:30 pm

  This is a great car! It is incredibly reliable, and safe. While driving in the snow, I feel like I am on dry pavement. I know that I can go anywhere. The fuel mileage is not great, but standard for an SUV of this size. But a typical Toyota - you cant go wrong. They say once you have a Land Cruiser, you will always have one.

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  The Absolute BEST car that Ive ever owned - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Jim Prendible - August 24 - 7:35 am

  My Camry has been the most reliable, maintenance free car Ive ever owned. My first repair came at a little over 200k miles. Had to replace the starter. Were now at 235k and have only spent +/- $1,500 in all. When this one finally goes, well probably get another.

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  Went the extra mile - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By bwolfe99 - August 24 - 5:30 am

  Every imaginable gadget, great looks, great ride, it did not disappoint. Got just under 32 MPG driving to work today (25 miles in stop and go traffic). The car is great, if you could just actually order one with what you want in it, that would be big.

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  What a great car! - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By rollcar - August 23 - 5:10 pm

  I have two kids, and this car fits my family perfectly. Cavernous? No, but plenty large for a family of four and everything that travels with it. I love the comfortable seats, the high seating position, the interior space (headroom in particular) and the incredible gas mileage. You wont find a better value in this price range, all things considered.