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 am enjoying my Camry - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By WheelHappy - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Very quiet & powerful, but, some lag upon acceleration. Yet no problem in quickly reaching high speed. Ride is cushy, comfortable & quiet. You will feel some sway if you hit a bump turning. Overall design is very smart. Big controls for the sound system and A/C make them easy to operate. The JBL system (6 CD in dash + Cassette)sounds awesome! Ample leg and headroom in front and the back. The trunk is very spacious and has a storage net. Leather interior and the Faux Maple dash rival higher priced luxury cars. One-touch power windows and moon roof. It is a solid car with a very luxurious presence.

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  great decision - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By DAN - May 2 - 6:46 am

  I recently purchased a SLE V6. Great decision! Interior fit and finish is fantastic, the engine is barely audible, and the ride is smooth and controlled. Love all the options for the price-V6, leather, heated seats, sunroof. The 2006s are out and I got a great deal on my 2005 model. Several dealers were willing to negotiate, I think they are trying to move the 2005 models off the lots. I compared it with the Honda Accord coupe (nicer inside, classier styling, manumatic instead of auto or 6 speed), the Infiniti G35 (much quieter, nicer inside!), and the Merecedes 230 sedan and coupe (more horses, much quieter, huge price advantage). I highly recommend this vehicle!

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  Vehicle is simply a marvel in all respects - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By anthony C. Sokoly - May 2 - 5:56 am

  Simply a phenomenon. All aspects of the vehicle are satisfactory and exceed my expectations, I am proud to drive this sexy vehicle.

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  Happy with my Research and Choice - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Mary - May 2 - 1:06 am

  I am very happy with my choice of vehicle, and would suggest the car purchase to anyone.

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  A lot of features from a trusted brand - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By DY - May 2 - 1:00 am

  Ive had the chance to own several new cars in the past 4 yrs ranging from a luxurious sport sedan to a crossover. The engine didnt start to feel "powerful" until about 300 miles. I test drove the LE trim w/ std wheels and it felt like it would tip over in turns, but the S I bought has wider 16" alloy wheels and feels much steadier; XRS w/ wider 17" should handle better yet. Steering is very soft & seems to have a mind of its own. Ride is nicely isolated, and road surface noises are muted well compared to my crossover. Interior looks much nicer than the Civic IMO, but several interior areas like the dash and center console are made of hard "cheap" feeling plastic.

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  Best buying experiance ever - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By B - May 1 - 10:23 pm

  I have had several other import cars in the past mostly Hondas. This was my first Toyota. I am sure glad I went to the dealer to look. I went in and they had the car pulled up. The car was warm inside and it was like the seat just grabbed on to me. It could adjust several different ways and with the telescoping wheel it felt perfect. We took it around the block and it handle like it was a sports car. I could not believe how quiet it was compared to my other cars I have had in the past. The white outside with the dark leather set it off just right. I have had the car almost a year and I like sometimes to just hop in and drive it still. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  XLE - Cushy Smooth Quiet Car Commuter - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By wirelesslink - May 1 - 9:50 pm

  There are several cars to choose from if you still want to sprint on city streets, race in-out of lanes on the freeway and drive canyon roads, but most/all are very noisy, rougher riding, less refined overall and get low mpg. If you want a very quiet, smoother-riding, high mpg commuter or cruiser, at a reasonable price the XLE is a great choice. The engine/auto trans is silky smooth and pulls away from a stop smoothly, not with a jump. With windows closed, auto climate control-set, and your favorite music playing thru the JBL system, your music mutes on incoming/outgoing calls over Bluetooth linked to your phone, controlled by steering wheel controls. A nice ride in a smaller car.

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  Great SUV - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By fred - May 1 - 3:33 pm

  soccer mom car carrying 2 of our kids & up to 3 others, has performed well in town. family vacation Denver to Southern California demonstrated excellent snow performance on non- stock tires (Dayton) which came with our 2nd hand purchase, we were on I-70 in a heavy Spring snow storm which closed the highway - we took a side road & re-joined without any drama. average 18 mpg in town, 22 highway.

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  mannie 1994 - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By honesti eimani - May 1 - 10:00 am

  This car is so comfortable this engine is running strong i change the timing belt at 178,000 it broke on me going up a hill but i got the car 2 year ago with 138,000 and i did nothing to this car beside change the oil.The car has 190,000 on it now these cars is very much reliable get on just these years 1992-1996 great cars :o)

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  A reliable and fuel efficient SUV - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Scott - May 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought this hybrid after months of research. I actually sold my 05 highlander as I wanted the fuel efficiency. The interior is great as well as the outside design. A family of 7 fits comfortably with limited luggage or 5 with ample cargo room too. I love driving my Toyota as it cruises on batteries only. I have snuck up on many people this way. My only gripes are two: the rear 3rd row seats are hard to get into and the Battery only button is nearly worthless. You can drive on battery only if you dont floor the accelerator. Overall a great SUV to pick up used. No problems at all. I average 25 MPG in the city and about 23-25 on the freeway. I do hate one thing, the navigation system.