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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  Prius Fan - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By dutch2 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  A well built Sedan (as usual from Toyota. The gas milage is great, exceleration for passing is more than enough, and handling in the city is perfect. On the highway you have to stay alert because the steering is quick and the vehicle is light so the wind effects. A great car to drive on the back roads. My MPG average is 42.5 mixed city and highway.

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  AWESOME!! - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By Chrissa - June 15 - 10:00 am

  from the moment I got behind the wheel of this car, I fell in love with it. It feels like jumping into the cot pit of an airplane. It drives nice...the gas is touchy..but its something to get used to. Anyone who is in love with sports cars should definately buy this car!

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  Love this car - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By SweetCaroline - June 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome. It rides nice and turns great. People look at it and smile. It has great pick up on the highways for a 4 cyl. The only thing I dont like is the seat belts, but in a convertible, they have no choice. I can live with it. And it is roomy, the back seat is big enough for 2 people to sit in comfortably. Why did they stop making a convertible?

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  CONSUMER - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By MAP0728 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  LOTS OF ROOM, GOOD LOOKING, GREAT SAFETY FEATURES, GOOD VALUE FOR THE MONEY.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By rzo1978 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with my car, though its only been with me for 2 months, it has been good and fun.....

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  Cool Car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Joeyative - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I love this car i suggest that everyone gets one.

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  Exactly what I wanted - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By tulsaland - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a newer Camry as I had a 1994 model and really liked it. Saw an ad for an unbelievable price. When to the local dealer and drove it home two hours later. The car is excellent. Looks, handling, fuel economy, comfort. Toyota is a great product and theyve done even better with this new Camry. You will not be disapointed.

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  i love this car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By tiffergirl322 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  if it were not for the great deal i got on this car, i would not have bought it. but i am soo happy with my decision. i have owned a toyota tacoma before but nothing rides like the camry.

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  Its good - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By we - June 15 - 10:00 am

  its a good car

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  Dream Van - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Ladyvmh - June 15 - 10:00 am

  My Sienna does things I did not know vehicles did. I could not ask for anything more.