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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  So close to perfect - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By flyboy707 - August 15 - 2:00 am

  This van is tops! Great looks (especially w/ running boards), good performance, lavish interior. The family goes in style! It is so close to perfect... but... there is a disconcerting hesitation whenever I accelerate from a "near" stop (<5mph) that I *hope* will never be a larger problem. Also the design of the middle right seatbelt (captains seat) feed slot makes for slow or no retraction under normal use - a possible safety concern with a child who does not understand the importance of the seatbelt staying under tension. Otherwise I am very happy with my Sienna... now the dealership...was another story. Gary

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  Great car! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Tyree326 - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had this car for a week and love it! I was looking at BMWs, VWs and Audis but the Camery SE(Sport Edition) V6 had just as much to offer with a much lower price. More horsepower too! The 3.3 liter V6 offers 225 hp! And an automatic 5 speed transmission.

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  MY CAMRY - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By BRENDA SOLTERO - August 15 - 2:00 am

  iVE ALWAYS BOUGHT A CAMRY. NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEM WITH THEM. I DONT CHANGE THEM FOR NONE OTHER.

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  Awesome! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By EK - August 14 - 4:13 pm

  Absolutely awesome little SUV - well maybe not so little anymore. V6 power is impressive,even coming from a V8 pickup. Nice size and handling. The only thing I would change is the climate control readout - very hard to see in the sunlight.

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  Impressive - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Gary McHenry - August 14 - 2:13 pm

  Fell in love with it after test drive. I was a die hard toyota fan and switched to a 01 dodge dakota. Big mistake. The 2005 tundra did not disappoint. The toyota quality that I can to know years ago.

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  Most impact for the dollar - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Tabpat - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Ever since I bought this car people have been going wild over it. I cant pull out of a gas staion without somebody asking me what it is. It is off the charts in being a fun to drive yet fuel efficient car. Its like a go- cart with a glovebox.

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  Great Car. - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By justgotone - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I just got one a few days ago. I love it. I drove audi tt, bmw roadster, and then I drove this, and I just liked the feel alot more. There are cars with more power for sure, but I havent driven a car that corners like the mr2...corners like it is on rails.

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  One hell of a good truck! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Bob Y - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I love my Tundra,its a great truck.I know I will be happy with it for along time to come.

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  The Truck - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By tundra21 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  The Tundra is a great truck and will go the distance with proper maint and appropriate care. I have just passed 30000 with no major problems. The only problem ive had is a squeak in the rear suspension when passing bumps. Otherwise a great performer.

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  Toyota is NOT TOPS with me - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By fagan8254 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been in the shop 6X in its 4 month life. I have had the rotors replaced, 2 tires replaced (for wearing) and the noise in this vehicle in incredible. I also only get 13.1 on the fuel guage no matter what) I am SOOO disappointed in this one. I am selling it in the AJC (for what I paid for it) and expect to get it (since it is a Toyota!!) I am the cheapest one listed in the paper. Which says alot for imports. (I don;t say that feciously, since I couldnt give my 1999 Expedition away