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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  I rolled my Sequoia during a tornado - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By ROB Hixon - November 26 - 2:41 am

  Pain, hit my head, pulled a leg muscle. Walked away. When tow truck arrived. It started. Had a Car lot from 1995 -2000. Best vehicle I ever owned

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  Long Term Economy - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By borchert - November 26 - 2:00 am

  One of the most desirable features I have found with the Echo is the motor and drivetrain. It has excellent performance for a 1.5L motor - I assume this is due in part to the Variable Valve Timing. There is no timing belt that will need to be replaced in a few years, it uses a timing chain. There are no spark plug wires that need to be replaced either. I agree with the Edmunds review that the styling is not as desireable as the Scions which use the same drivetrain.

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  Very reliable and a great truck - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By Zac Price - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Had 5 Toyotas now and love em. The 97 4x4 Tacoma is awsome. Have 96k on it witout any probs and love it.

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  Lots of miles...Running Great - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By BTH - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I liked it so much, I now own the 2001 model as well. The suspension problem (struts) mentioned in previous reviews was so common on the 97 that Toyota had a service memo to all delearships. My car was repaired (to my surprise)for no fee in 2000 by a toyota dealer after some frequent complaining on my part. That is the extent of my repairs. After 150,000 miles Im selling the car almost regretably and would absolutely reccommend this Avalon to make it to 200,000 miles easy.

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  Insearch of.... - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By NRP - November 26 - 2:00 am

  The wife and I spent several months debating between a Lexus GS 300 and the Avalon. Recently at a Annual Tent Sale we test drove the dealers 2003 Avalon, we both fell in love with the leather and interior design. Never got a chance to test drive the GS 300 because we were afraid of the sale price for an equivalent year and milage. This car is a joy to drive and most of all our two kids "love it."

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  New Solara No V6 Necessary - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By flfoxy - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Well, Toyota does it again. The new Solara is a wonderful new car. I opted out of my brothers GM Retiree Discount to buy one. The new 4 cylinder is excellent as perfforms better than the 04 8.8 V6 in the Impala I was trying and on at least 25% less gas. Realizing it is a new model there may be a few quirks down the road but so far so great. Now have 500 miles on it from original 12. First tank of gas came in at 28.1 mpg overall. What else can I say.

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  Family SUV - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Bay - November 26 - 2:00 am

  A family SUV with a comfort ride and seating capacity of 7 from a brand which hold its value. Powerfull enough 3.3 engine with most safety features included in Standard model. A well thought vehicle you will enjoy for long time.

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  A rocking car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By sammydavidjr - November 26 - 2:00 am

  The Toyota Corolla is a masterpiece. I love it, my friends n family love it. Even my students love it. They say it looks like a Lexus, other say it looks like a racing car. I think I made a wise choice buying this car. I even love the color ( grey ) Even though looks like silver...hehehehe

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  Demand this car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Wolf Breath - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I test drove many Camrys . . . all good quality. I would have bought sooner, but the Camrys you find with a good deal sell too quickly. Not only that, but some dealerships have jerks for managers. It was a hassle to find a good deal, but the car is worth it. Its good all around, dont expect sport, young or hipness, but very smart and sensible.

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  Could be Better - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By jkjnl - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Typical Toyota quality. Everything works as designed. Not flashy but not a dog. Soft to sloppy steering is way below prior Chryslers. Climate control system is hard to work and balance for front passengers. This car could be so much better with a few small improvements. Still seemed to be the best overall choice (despite being the most costly) due to quality reputation of Toyota. Time will tell.