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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  Love it but ... - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Krystyna - August 12 - 8:10 pm

  My 2000 Honda Civic was stolen and completely stripped and I was forced to purchase a new vehicle. I looked at the Chevy Aveo, the Nissan Versa, the Honda Fit, and the Yaris. The Yaris was the most affordable and I was able to get the options I wanted (i.e. alarm, car starter, ABS, power package). I enjoy driving this car and it is very comfortable for me. The only thing is, this little car can be quite noisy when switching gears and the ABS feel a bit "mushy" for a lack of a better word. I have 1,300 miles on my car right now and I am concerned I need to have the brakes checked. People have said that I am just use to a Honda which is a much quieter car with smoother braking.

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  Dependable car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By carmom22 - August 10 - 3:56 pm

  It is one of the best cars we have ever owned. LOVE the V6 interior very roomy. Like the seat control on drivers side. It allows my husband (who is 6 foot 5) fit in the car.

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  Camry SE V6 - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Chuck Buston - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I like the car. Its roomy. The navigation system is very good. My main complaints are: 1 The engine(V6) is way under powered. 2. The transmission is very very unresponsive. The car cant get out of its own way. The dealer says it a break in period thing(I dont believe it). They say Toyota never has any problems with their transmission. Well mine stinks. Its too bad too because my rating would be much higher.

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  Upgraded From 1999 LE to 2006 XLE - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By humanimal - August 10 - 7:46 am

  I just upgraded to the fully loaded (except for navigation package) V6 XLE Auto Transmission. I drove it a lot today and loved it. I bought a new LE in Jan. 2000 and never did anything to it except oil changes, tires, brakes,and alignments. Heres hoping the new one does me as well as the old one. With my familys history owning Toyotas & Toyotas rep for quality...Im sure it will.

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  great car for a great price - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By mluu510 - August 9 - 1:50 pm

  i got mine for $18.1k plus tax/etc. i love it so far. although, i think my radio atenna is malfunctioning. i love the seats! theyre very confortable and sporty. the 07 model is definitely better. they have nice upgrades like HID headlights, LED tailights and mp3 player but i got the 06 model at a big discount.

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  Old Reliable - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By FREDRIC PALMIERI - August 7 - 10:36 pm

  Look anyone who owned or currently owns Landcruisers should be fairly well-versed with them. Everyone knows of their reliability & craftsmanship, areas where they are 2nd to none. No doubt they are huge and ponderous to drive and like any other large SUV are big boxes in the wind that return poor gas mileage. However, for pure reliability and comfort, toyota comes thru. This is a pricey vehicle, no doubt, and you would expect memory seats and a more appointed interior, but a true toyota buyer does his homework thoroughly up front and knows their strength is in the fact that you will own this vehicle for years to come and when you move on, most likely your loyalty will remain with toyota

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  I like it but Im nervous - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By ATL Driver - August 7 - 9:20 pm

  I did not notice any hesitation with the transmission until after I read about it last summer, and now I sense a slight bit occasionally. Seats are fine, in fact of all the smaller sedans this is the most comfortable I found for the price as I am 6-2" and 250#. Front cowling split on a high curb early that will never be fixed. I have not had it in for any problems in 15 months or 25K miles. It appears to be luck of the draw with the drive train.

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  Great All Around - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Mike - August 7 - 9:33 am

  Great car for many different uses. Large driverspace! Im 65" 265 and I fit in there somehow. The rearview mirror creates a blind spot for me. Great gas mileage. Great trunk space! Road handling is nimble and can handle cornering well when pushed to the limit.The base model Corolla and the S model share the exact same engine. I would have boosted the engines horsepower output. Maybe use the Camry motor found in the new Scion tc. The manuals gearing is so long 55 mph can be reached in 2nd gear at 6500 RPM! Also the vvti kicks in too late in rpm range making it almost useless.

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  Clapped out camry but still runs well - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By vitzy - August 7 - 2:36 am

  I bought it second hand from a first owner who had from th start to now, its totally clapped suspension and some exterior panels needs serious attention, hoping to restore the car. I love this car.

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  Sleeper - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Dave - August 6 - 11:33 pm

  This is my 4th Toyota and may prove to be the best vehicle I have ever, or will ever own. Make no mistake, this is a light truck chassis. It rides and handles like a box on frame pick up truck. I had to replace the starter motor right after the warranty ran out. Irritating, but thats the only problem the thing has ever had. A service at 78K miles indicated that the original brake pads and shoes were only 40% worn, and I drive hard. It would be a fine family hauler with its stock 180 or so horsepower as long as you dont mind the truck like ride. I added a TRD Supercharger and Exhaust System which has made a huge difference when entering the freeway.