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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  cove review - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By smith - September 20 - 10:36 pm

  This vehicle gets very good gas mileage. It has very good, get up and go power. With 80,000 miles, we have had no major mechanical incidents. We love the roomy trunk space, as well as the full size spare tire. The one negative: the trunk lid sounds like a piece of tin when one shuts it giving a sense of cheapness. Otherwise, an excellent purchase. Resale value is not yet known but we will know soon.

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  2008 Toyota Yaris - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By bradford23a - September 20 - 4:46 pm

  I bought this car in June of 2008. I had a 2003 Dodge neon which was a gas guzzler in the city at 4.09 per gallon. This car is very nice. I get about 42.9 MPG highway and about 35-36 city. The ride is smooth comparable to my sisters Lexus. The design is really good.

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  Dont BUY - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By sammy aziz - September 20 - 2:36 pm

  I got this car from my sister at 160k and it dies at 185k. Its a horrible car. I had to replace the following 1. timing belt and water pump 2. front left brake, rotor, caliper, axle 3. engine mounts (top and bottom) 4. window motor 5. door handle 6. paint job. The car had numerous more problems. My Toyota celica 1992 did better. I wish I had kept it.

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  RUNS LIKE A DREAM - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By Thomas Johnson - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Man this thing is the cats meow, and it drives like a dream. Sits up high, and the stereo is like no other. WOOOOOOOOWWWWWW!

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  Best Toyota I Ever Owned - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Phantom - September 20 - 10:00 am

  From the minute I test drove one I wanted it. It handles great, and dont let anyone tell you a four cylinder engine doesnt perform. 135 horses is more than adequate for this car even with the air on, plus you get the benefit of great gas mileage. Ill put 100,000 miles on no problem. This is my 5th Toyota, and there will definitely be a 6th.

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  Camry is a classic - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Bushman - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Had the car 4 years and still drives like the day I bought it. V6 has plenty of power and transmission is silky smooth. No problems at all at 110,000 kms, except power antenna.

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  Great looks but lacks acceleration - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Ruukie34 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I am about a week away from turning in my 2000 Celica. My overall experience is that I loved the looks and the handling but the acceleration has been left on the roadside. The longer and the more I have driven it the slower it seems to be. At this point forget pulling out into to traffic- youll get run over by the time your up to speed (even using tiptronic mode). It has to "warm up" for about 15 mins before it performs the way you want it. Especially in the winter or when it is hot and humid out. Great car but NEEDS more power to keep up with the looks. I would definitely get a manual if I got another one.

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  Downright Awesome!!! - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Hellsy - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought the limited 4Runner in 1999. This truck is a dream. It has the best lines of any SUV on the road (exterior). Inside is very sleek with tan leather and lots of wood on the dash and console. Sound system is incredible. You see plenty of old 4 runners on the road and there is a good reason why. They are tough, very dependable, smooth and look great. It aint cheap but what of any value is?

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  very disappointed - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By lumberbrok - September 20 - 10:00 am

  2 mistakes one for thinking about buying it and the 2nd for doing it. several trips back to dealership (woodgrain-brakes-rotors-dash cracking) 2 front end accidents one with a deer and one with a vehicle at 65 Mph on the interstate and both occurences the air bags have not deployed the last time 09/04/02 the seat belt didnt even lock. Body damage was very severe to the avalon. 5th toyota vehicle we have owned this one has ruint the reputation we are finished with them all together. on a another review that it received a 3 star rating on crash test so this defies my answer to what i think--by the way the ford focus rated higher!

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  Lexus in a truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Jamini - September 20 - 10:00 am

  The Tundra is without a doubt the highest quality truck (or car) I have ever owned. The ride is virtually silent - the power is unbelievable. Why would anyone consider any other brand of truck? Make it easy on yourself, just buy one!