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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  07 Camry LE 4 cyl Automatic - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By MayGirlMass - June 2 - 8:43 pm

  I love my car. My only comment is that it is a bit noisier than I expected (road noise, wind noise, engine noise). Otherwise, it drives beautifully and looks great, too!

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  Love my Land Cruiser - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By CHANCE - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I have owned several SUVs in the past and this one surpasses them all in all areas.

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  5 years and still like new - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By NYYanks23 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck new in 8/99 and have put 60k on it so far w/o so much as one problem. I change the oil every 3k and just changed the original tires and brakes. I like it so much that I bought my wife a new Z71 Tahoe just so I could get it for my everyday ride! The Z71 is a great truck but just does not have the fit and finish of the yoda. This thing seems that it will run forever and I have no plans to get rid of it. It was worth every dime.

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  Love it - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Kermit A. Work - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Had a 2003 Prius, quantum step up. Plenty of go, keeps up with traffic.Great styling, draws questions and stares. Added tints, mudflaps and striping. If I get under 45mpg, I do I am doing something wrong. Makes you a better driver w/gas at 1.79. Go towork all week, drive around town, need about 3-4 gallon refill. Wake up America, get off the horsepower kick!!

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  Corolla S - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By tristud2002 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  There was a problem with my leather interior on the doors, but the manufacturer replaced it.

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  JUST WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Rav Lover - June 2 - 2:00 am

  wont be buying dodge anymore!!!!!!!!! love this little suv, rides like a car, handles very well, looks great:)))))))))

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  rays review - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By raymond depouli - June 2 - 2:00 am

  a dream come true

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  Match made in Jackson - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By AbsolutPhat - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I had totally been turned off of the new design of the 2003+ 4Runner. However, it grew on me. When my lease on my Acura Intergra (my 3rd, 2dr sports car), was ending; I went straight for the SUVs. I had previously researched the SUVs and became intrigued with the 4Runners. All it took was one stroll around the first parking lot(which happend to be Hallmark Toyota). I was sold, so after working out all the details...I had my dream car. It just seems like it was a match made in Jackson.

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  4-Runner Honestly - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jeff11399 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Interior is well designed, with controls in easy reach. its hard to be uncomfortable. Telescoping/tilt steering keeps the drivers air bag at the right distance. Engine noise? You wonder if its running. Plenty of acceleration! Exterior cues are right on! Sporty, modern... This vehicle works well in every condition. I took it off road a month after we got it, and it handled like a champ! The snow this past winter was nothing. VSC prevented any surprises! If you can get an suv, get the 4-Runner!

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  Love my Corolla - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Chrissyrr - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Loved the fact that we could purchase an American made vehicle with the quality of the Japanese name to back it. Everyone thinks that we paid a bundle, because of the name & it was, actually, very inexpensive compared to others in this category. The ride is beautifully smooth. Gas mileage is great!