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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  LOOKING FORWARD TO 150K - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Jeff F - April 3 - 4:23 pm

  I am enjoying the heck out out my Corolla. I had to tap the gas gauge to make sure it was working I just got over 400 miles to a tank. Wow. I have the S model with manual transmission fun to drive.

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  Im loving it. - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Xuser - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Matrix is the definition of CUV (Compact Utility Vehicle)

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  Car of the Future - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By wEndy - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I love that I am saving gasoline and helping to lower Americas dependence on foreign oil. I love that I am driving and polluting less. This car has it all! It is affordable, fun to drive, handles well, has lots of room inside and gets amazing gas mileage.

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  Hey, its a Toyota - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By Erin Fiona - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Extremely reliable, suprisingly peppy in the 5 spd. model. The factory sound system has yet to let me down and by and large this is a very low maintenance vehicle. What it lacks in style, it more than makes up for in reliability. If you never want to worry about your kids breaking down in the middle of nowhere, this is the car for you!

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  Toyota Corolla - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By daddemac - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has gotten me the best gas mileage of any vehicle I have ever owned. Handling and performance for small car with a 1.8 liter engine has really impressed me. I drive this car daily to and from work, which is a 130 mile round trip, and maintain speeds of 75 to 80 mph. The Corolla still gets me between 37 and 40 mpg. What a money savings this car has been especially with the rising gas prises.

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  EXCELLENT! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By bw1 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  No complaints!

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  REPENTING - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By shrink - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Within 400 miles developed a rattle in the car, took it to the dealer. They changed the HEATSHIELD, again another rattle the next day, they repaired it. Now a rattle from the AC ducts in the dash board. Disgusting. I am a busy man ,dont have the time to spend in Service centers. Bought a brand new car for enjoyment. It has become a major source of DISGUST.

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  my new Avalon - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By clubleaf - April 3 - 2:00 am

  We have been leasing Toyotas for about 8 years, and last summer, when the lease was running out, we went to the dealer, fully intending to get another Camry. They had an Avalon on the showroom floor that we really liked, and one just like it on the lot. After test driving both the Camry and the Avalon there was no question as to which car to take. We love the car. It has so many really nice extras that make a difference in the pleasure of driving. And, the service we get on this car and all of the previous Toyotas is second to none. N

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  Tundra 04 - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By crcaez - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Truck! Comfortable and powerful. Manuevering is responsive.

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  Excellent Sporty Sedan - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By curve2left - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Power........good Looks........Like Lexus 300 + Handling ....excellent