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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  Relaiable and rich toyota heritage - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By CorollaS - November 14 - 11:20 pm

  Corolla s 2009, sporty look, comfortable, nice to drive, reliable, safe, great mileage, many features and largest car of its class. What else is missing - yes you may find it a little lower on the pick up but after all its v4. We cannot compare it with v6/v8. But anyway driving on more than 85 you will not realize a noise or vibration but be careful on steering. Civic also is good car but is smaller than this one and corolla s looks more sporty than civic. Its just 2nd week of purchase and did put more than 1000 mile just love this car for its look, reliability and space. Its like a little Camry and is very similar to Lexus people say so.

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  Solara - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Marie - November 14 - 11:03 pm

  Living in Ohio I was nervous about buying a convertible but this car handles as good in the snow as the Taurus I owned before it. I bought my car in the winter and I felt no drafts. The best options about the car are the heated front leather seats, large back seat that comfortably seats adults, and the large trunk size. These are rare options to find in a convertible.

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  Terrific! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By C. - November 14 - 2:30 pm

  This is a great vehicle! Handles like a car and is very responsive; tight turning radius makes it easy to get into parking garage from the back alley. V6 is fun to drive - I almost regret the short commute. Great mileage. Sleek look, not clunky or boring like other SUVs. Lots of space for passengers in back seat, with huge storage space. Couldnt be happier with my choice and I still admire it everytime I see it! Love the MP3 capability and bottle holders in the doors. Also love adjustable backseat headrests that can be minimized to avoid blocking rear view - unlike some cars, including other Toyotas, in which they block a large portion of the view!

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  In heaven - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By steve - November 14 - 12:40 pm

  Well, maybe not in heaven but very close. Averaging 36 mpg mixed city, highway with 1500 on the odometer. The a/c is a blast and so are the cvt transmission, audio system, brakes, steering, and everything about the car. Wow factor - was just stopped pulling out of a parking lot by a couple. They were wondering why they did not hear any engine noise. When they realized the Camry was a hybrid they wanted to know all about the car & couldnÂ’t get over its looks. Frankly, after 2 months, neither can I. Seat comfort, layout, headroom all are tops. Frankly, you really have to scrape the barrel to even find something you canÂ’t give a 10 to. Toyota has a keeper. Oh, the $2600 tax credit aint bad either.

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  Avalon Limited - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Avalonbuyer - November 14 - 11:50 am

  The 2005 Avalon Limited is a great vehicle at the right price. Lots of luxury accessories; smooth and quite ride; lots of interior room; and lots of truck space.

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  97 Tacoma 4x4, 2.7L - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By knut - November 14 - 10:00 am

  This truck is a great value. Its tough, dependable, reliable, and considering these trucks are "Built to last" many years, the slightly higher price is well worth it. Very low and easy maintenance- have owned since new (currently 135K mi), mainly just change oil, add gas, and drive!!. The only repairs of concern were A/C and a new fuel injector. The 4cyl. manual is suprisingly powerful, the hauling capacity is "at least" 1/2 ton, and the 4x4 system is, from what Ive heard...superior to all others. Right now for small trucks, the Tacoma is the only one Id consider.

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  everyone needs one - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By hediedforus - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. Drives great. You gotta drive one!

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  room to grow - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By jama15 - November 14 - 10:00 am

  this car could have a little more leg room,they should listen to american airlines,"more leg room is better".im 6;0 tall and just about fit.is not cramp but could used more room.the manual seat adjustments is cheap too.for the price i paid i expected more like a full size spear tire.

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  Great car! - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By lauree - November 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Corolla, and wouldnt buy anything but a Toyota. These cars are extremely reliable. With just under 100000 miles, Ive only had to change my starter, and that was a few months ago.

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  First foreign car purchase - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Matthew Rosenberger - November 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is very confortable to sit in and smooth on the road. I had a Cadillac and that car doesnt even compare. The car is quiet and workmanship is solid. I always heard that people who have Toyotas drive them many miles and that cant be cant be said about American made products. Im sold on Toyota!