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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  GREAT CAR!! - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By amol - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car on June 23rd, 1995 and I have already put on 200,000 miles, yet Ive only had to service the car ONCE!!! And that was about a week ago!!! A great car!!

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  Pleased with my purchase. - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Silkey - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this Toyota a few months ago. I like everything about it except the comfort of the seat. Im older now than I was when I owned my last Toyota pickup. I didnt mind the seat then. It could use a little more padding. Truck runs great and I anticipate it will for years.

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  tundra - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By mucwa - July 16 - 10:00 am

  love it!!!

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  2001 TUNDRA ACCESS CAB V8 2WD GAS SUCKER - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By FLBODACIOUS2U@AOL - July 16 - 10:00 am

  30,200 MILES NOW ON 2001.TWO OF FOUR OXYGEN SENSORS REPLACED BY 25K,GAS MILEAGE HAS BEEN AT 11-12MPG SINCE 2ND OXYGEN SENSOR REPLACED, TOYOTAS SCAN TOOL ON MY TRUCKS COMPUTER "CANT FIND ANY PROBLEM"! FRONT BRAKES REDONE UNDER "SERVICE BULLETIN" NO PROBLEM THERE! SERPENTINE BELT WAS WORN AT 25K.DRIVEN BY 49 Y/O FEMALE ON PAVED CITY/INTERSTATE. YES, GUYS..THE TIRES ARE AIRED UP TO 35LBS. THIS 2001 HAS TURNED INTO AN ARAB OIL SALEMANS DREAM AND A FREAKIN NIGHTMARE TO BUY FUEL FOR AT $150 PER MONTH COST TO DRIVE 1,000 MILES!!! 11.22MPG/CITY&12MPG/HWY.THIS TRUCK IS COSTING ME $170 PER WEEK TO LEASE,INSURE, GAS AND OIL CHANGE!!!

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  MY CAR - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By MRPAT - July 16 - 10:00 am

  VERY NICE, HOPE TO GET A NEW ONE

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  Another GREAT truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By bravo22 - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I work for plumbing contracting company and we have several Toyota pick-ups, one has over 400,000 miles! All are bullet proof tough and reliable. The 2002 4WD Xtra cab that I drive is no exception. I have had a dash rattle and that is it in the problem dept.

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  Owned a 1999 Corolla - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By cpoled - July 16 - 10:00 am

  A mini Camry.Not a whole lot of power but on the highway can scoot. A higher (seat position)and smoother ride than older Corollas.(Used to feel just about every pebble and crack)But not with car. A solidly built car that is gas conscious. I can park just about anywhere.Fun to drive.I LOVE this car.

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  Honda lost a sale - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By flyhi152 - July 16 - 7:54 am

  I was going to buy a Honda Civic but then I changed my mind because the red color is only available with a disgusting beige interior, the seats reminded me of my grandfathers TV couch. So I bought a Corolla S-Plus with the convenience package. I just returned from a 700 mile test drive to Los Angeles. What I can say is that I am less tired now compared to the same trip in other vehicles. Driving at speeds of up to 80 mp/h feels like driving 60 in other vehicles. The noise level is low, the suspension and steering are excellent, the climate control is very user friendly.

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  Love it - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By Toti Shahin - July 16 - 5:43 am

  After my 98 Pontiac Sunfire became too expensive to fix, I had no choice but to purchase the Matrix XR, 2007, sport suspension. After driving it for almost two weeks now, I can say I like the handling, the way it drives around the corners, good mileage, roomy inside. The only thing annoying is sometimes something rattles from the dashboard, but I can put up with it. I wish it had more power going uphill, but then again I like my mpg (actually around 30). I like to drive fast.

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  Miles ahead of 2005 F-150 - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By stu - July 16 - 4:53 am

  Very disappointed with the brakes on my 2005 Ford F-150 XLT. I had test driven a couple of 08 Tundras in the past year and a half and I was very impressed with the feel and the power of Toyotas brakes. They are awesome! When you want to stop you stop! With the Ford I was always a little apprehensive with the brakes, always anticipating an early stop and even when I would plan ahead I always felt that they were unsafe. Well I have to tell you after 4 Ford trucks Ford has lost me as a customer.