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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  Upsetting Mediocrity - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By James - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car used in December 08 for my daughters birthday. I heard they were reliable and held their value well. My daughter had no complaints for the first few months. Then, the infamous pedal sticking problem occurred. Thankfully, my daughter was not in an accident. After this happened, I let Toyota know about it and they finally came up with a new pedal system that was absolutely terrible, way too jittery and makes you either accelerate too fast and slip A LOT or go extremely slow and watch everyone pass you. The interior is austere, exterior is alright, fuel economy is not that impressive for a Camry. It is not all that comfortable inside. Overall, the car is average or even below.

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  So far so good - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By MZT - June 13 - 7:26 am

  I have owned the Solara now since Oct. 2003 and have to say that is proving very reliable and generally a pleasure to drive. Still has a nice "tight" ride with a very quiet cabin. Its the only car Ive owned that has not developed a rattle or buzz of any kind. The engine doesnt feel or sound like a 4 cyl. but has lots of pick up and excellent gas mileage.

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  11 weeks 5000 miles - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Nick C - June 13 - 2:13 am

  Averaging 40 MPG per tankful. 42 MPG was my "high score". This car is awesome. We took it on vacation and averaged 38 MPG on the highway without suffering... air conditioning, 70+ MPH, etc. The body style is tight and makes the vehicle look very classy. Good trunk space fits 3 sets of golf clubs. If I could get my wife to drive with less of a lead foot, we could surpass 40 MPG, but oh well. The service light just came on and it makes regular maintenance easy as it will bug you to death if you dont get it in.

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  I never want to own another veichle - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By DK8594 - June 12 - 10:43 pm

  What I had read was true. The gas mileage isnt great, there are blind spots, and the suicide doors are sometimes inconvenient. Still, I am absolutely in love with my FJ. It sits tall, handles extremely well on the highways, and is the most comfortable car Ive ever driven. I live in Ohio, and we have gotten an unusual amount of snow this year. Im never worried about getting stuck and feel extremely safe driving it.

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  This car saved my life. Highly recommend!! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By raro - June 12 - 6:38 pm

  I was recently in an accident on the hwy where I hit another car broadside. This car did everything it was designed to do. It crumpled in the front end, the hood buckled up and the engine did not come in on me. All four doors opened (I wish I could show you pictures), and let both my passenger and I out. I could kiss the man who sold me this car! I owned this car for three wonderful years and did ZERO REPAIRS. It had 150k and drove like it was new. Quiet, smooth, strong, reliable and SAFE!! Buy this car with confidence.

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  Good all around car - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Speed_Racer - June 12 - 3:26 pm

  There are 2 outstanding features about this car: 1) The engine: It pulls throughout its entire range. 2) Room: So much back-seat room. More room than the previous generation Lexus LS. I have owned many cars, sports and lurury. The Avalon offers a superb ride. There is a little too much lean in corners, and it tends to oversteer when pushed. The flip side of this is a nice ride for commutes.

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  Sportrac to a Camry - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By SW - June 12 - 1:56 pm

  Went from a Sportrac to the Camry when gas first went through the roof. Mileage is not as good as advertised, but better than the sportrac. Wish the Lumbar support would get a little more full. This car is great to drive and is comfortable for the most part. Trunk is huge and expands when you lay the back seats down. Stereo system is awesome. Saw some 07 models over the weekend and they are even better looking. Im sure Ill stick with Toyota, probably even the Camry.

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  97 Toyota Avalon - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By Eugene - June 12 - 1:40 pm

  I have been extremely pleased with this vehicle which has required only a minimum of maintenance. Oil and filter changed promptly at each 3,000 miles.

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  Transmission Problems - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Gino64 - June 12 - 7:03 am

  Fell in love with the tacoma design and had to buy one. I give it low marks on performance because Im having problems with the automatic transmission. The truck vibrates at low speeds and cant seem to find the low gears. Took it to the dealer and was told that it was normal. The problem still persists and I will contact the dealer and Toyota.

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  Love It - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Erin - June 12 - 5:56 am

  This is the first Toyota I have owned and I simply love it. Of course it gets great gas mileage, but it is very comfortable to ride and drive and the Sports series I bought is very stylish and I have received many compliments on the looks. I am very happy with my purchase and would definitely recommend to anyone.