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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  a good reliable car - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By sjones - September 30 - 10:00 am

  i recieved thhis car from my mother and the mileage was already high(97000). this car has given me no problems so long as i kept the required maintenance done,...trans, tune up, iol change, wipers, tires. shes getting up there but can move with the best of em on the highway,..the interior is durable, she climbs hills well,the ride is good and it turns on every morning, heat, defog or air needed. you wouldnt be sorry,......we are 134.000 strong,..its a tru love affair

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  98 Avalon XLS - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By jad0110 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  We have 146,000 miles on our Avalon and we have enjoyed every mile. The car is very solid safe, my wife was T-boned at 20 mph in the center of the doors and there was NO frame damage. We especially enjoyed the high quality materials of the interior - a Lexus for less $. The back seat is limo spacious, but at the sacrifice of some trunk space. Overall, a great car if you value luxury over sport. Just keep the oil changed every 3,000 miles (very important!) and expect years of reliable transportation.

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  Toyota Matrix 2004 - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By rmcswain72 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I really love this car. Its versatile, has great gas mileage, and a nice sporty look.

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  love toyota - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By bambam - September 30 - 10:00 am

  love this suv. perfect and has a lot of pep.

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  buy this car - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Cool_dadio - September 30 - 10:00 am

  i think this compact suv is one of the best you will ever find we have one and have had problems out of it since we got it it gets very good gas milage about 25 city and 30 highway.

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  SURPRISING POWER - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By JSMUDD - September 30 - 10:00 am

  BOUGHT THIS TRUCK A FEW MONTHS AGO WITH 5000 MILES.I LOOKED AT BUYING A CHEVY SILVERADO BUT THE DESIGN OF THE STEPSIDE CAUGHT MY EYE. UPON DRIVING THE TUNDRA I WAS SURPRISED AT THE POWER IT HAD, ESPECIALLY DURING ACELLERATION. IT IS FUN TO DRIVE. THE GRAY PEARL PAINT IS REALLY NICE! THIS TRUCK HAS MORE GET UP AND GO THAN MY HUSBANDS CHEVY 1500 TRUCK WITH A V 8 5.3 ENGINE.I JUST SOLD MY 2000 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SO I KNOW THIS WILL HAVE A GREAT RESALE VALUE.REAR SEATS ARE TIGHT BUT I WASNT LOOKING FOR A CREWW CAB. I WISH TOYOTA WOULD PUT A COMPASS,TEMP MIRROR IN THIER TRUCKS BUT IF THATS ALL I FIND FIND TO COMPLAIN ABOUT, I FEEL LUCKY!

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  Great Matrix! - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By jon cartridge - September 30 - 10:00 am

  this is the car for anyone who wants comfort, style, and a reliable car!

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  Best Car We Have Owned--So Far! - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Sailorbob - September 30 - 10:00 am

  This is the nicest, and most expensive, car we have ever purchased. I liked the prior years exterior styling a lot more. This is also the first Toyota we have owned, so we bought because of the brands history of reliability and not due to past experience. Is the car over-priced? Time will tell, but so far it has been worth the money.

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  More for the $ - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By DeMolay - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Looks great, rides better. All sorts of room. A Lexus like approach to design and quality at a much lower price. Great for highway driving. I am sold and will go back for another when time to trade

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  2004 4 Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rudedog - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Great Auto, Ok Gas mileage Plenty of Power Smooth Ride