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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  Red Matrix - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Fast Matrix - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I truely enjoy my Matrix. My VW Passat wagon finally died and was looking for a replacement. A new Passat was out of the question(price). My search took me to Toyota. First impression,wierd. My wife didnt like it. Since the car was for me,that was a good thing. Well,as time goes by the car has grown on her. I tend to go for something different. I like the fact that the roads are not full of them yet. It still attracts attention.

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  Ultimate Toy - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Uncle Marty - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Great family vehicle, comfortable and totally reliable.

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  best all around luxury sport utility - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By imports of lancaster - October 16 - 10:00 am

  lots of luxury, excellent riding, drives like a luxury car, reliable, safe feeling, nice design, ***** highly recomend.

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  One of the BEST - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By L & O - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love this truck, little or no problems. All that I have spoken with also love their truck, but who cares what they think. I say this is a GREAT SUV!

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  Great Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By FlyfisherJeff - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This truck is the best riding vehicle that Ive owned. Its wonderful for the long drives to my favorite fishing spots.

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  hehe - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By joeyzz - October 16 - 10:00 am

  sweeet i really like the smooth ride. and a high rev motor

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  cheaper than a lexus - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By njenel - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Great ride, comfortable, large trunk, roomy back seat.

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  Great Comfort and Power - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By GoVols - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This car has great acceleration speed and provides superb comfort. I considered the Camry; however, the comfort level of the Avalon is leaps and bounds above it. There is an abundance of leg room in the rear passenger seats. Good handling ability. Large trunk. Fuel mileage in city driving rarely exceeds 21 mpg.

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  Best car ever - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Polo - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Best Car I have ever owned, 7-8k less than Lexus es300 but just as good. I would definitely recommend this vehicle.

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  Wouldnt trade it - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By marmet - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Love the RAV4. Would add some splash of interior options (leather seating for one) but wouldnt trade it!