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 My 2003 Camry SE - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Love my Camry - July 7 - 12:20 am

  I have owned the car from 2003 until 2009. I have put about 80000 miles on the car. It is fun to drive and can boogey after an initial realization pause. The only complaint I have is that the tires and suspension are a bit of a worry because it causes the steering column to shake if tires arent perfectly inflated and the weight on the axles isnt great; itll cause you to almost wreck. The car also has a very loose suspension, causing it to "scratch." Most of the time I felt very safe in my Camry... when it was being stubborn, possibly due to a bad mechanic at the dealership.

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  Great car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By The Shadow - July 6 - 3:20 pm

  Fantastic car. Much better looking design compared to older models. Not fast or anything, but I live in the city and gas is expensive so it really doesnt matter. One of the best looking/feeling "budget" cars I ever been in. I have the S version and it black w/ black interior. Most people I meet think its a Lexus.

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  Love my Penguin Prius in snow ! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By ed - July 6 - 11:43 am

  Just bought a used Prius w/ 116,000 miles on it + got a pretty good deal. Took it to work all w/e in heavy 2-day Boston blizzard as I am a nurse + cant call in sick or take snow days. It was surprisingly great in the snow + exceeded all expectations. It is no snowplow but got me through it. The car is a wonder of technology + if @ 1st a little overwhelming it grows on you quick!

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  Best sports car in the world by james - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By puhaha - July 6 - 10:00 am

  i have driven about 8 different cars for few years. however, i have never seen great interior and exterior design, comport and reilability but Celica. i truley recommand this car among anyother compared with Celica.

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  Great commute car - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By allen - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Great quality, tight performance, awesome mileage. I love this car

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  Great Truck - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By bassrek - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the truck for about 2.5 years, 38000+ miles without a snag. Only problem was the O2 sensor needing to be replaced, but was covered on warranty. The engine provides plenty of juice when needed, and the ride is great. Went to look at new F150s and Ram 1500s recently and decided Id be better off keeping my Tundra. Its still a joy to drive. Planning on keeping until the crewcab comes out.

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  Great vehicle, will be very collectible - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Gregus73 - July 6 - 5:20 am

  I have had my FJ for 7 months. One of the best vehicles that I have owned. Have had a 02 4Runner, 91 Toyota 4x4 Truck, and a 95 Jeep Wrangler SE. This vehicle blows their doors off. I cannot wait to take this on the Rubicon. Last year took a Wrangler on the trail, and cannot wait to compare this vehicle to the Jeep. As for day to day driving, this vehicle is great. Have also taken this on road trips from Austin, TX to New Orleans. Plenty of room for luggage. My father likes the head room, he is 6 2". I plan on keeping the FJ for a very long time.

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  Wow! - 1997 Toyota Celica
  By Oh, joy! - July 6 - 5:16 am

  I bought this car just shy of two weeks ago and I cannot believe how pleased I am already. The GT is a performance machine that lives up to every expectation. It gets going in a hurry, feels like it will never let go of the road, and makes the driver truly a part of the drive. Sitting in this car felt like home to me right from the start of the test drive. It is also a Toyota, which gives me every confidence in its reliability. Finally, the fun-to-drive factor is way beyond a mere "10." The only negative I can find about it is the placement of the cupholders. But this is a non-issue placed alongside the overwhelming positives. Its a winner.

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  Reliable Work Horse - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Larry Cass - July 5 - 8:20 pm

  I bought the car used with more than 70,000 miles, and has been a very reliable, and trouble free car. The powerful V6 engine delivers a lot of power even when climbing hills and mountains--lots of torque.

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  Worth the money and the ride - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By hydrosport - July 4 - 7:30 pm

  I have owned my tundra for four years. It has been a workhorse and still rides like the day I brought her home. Mileage is 15/18 which isnt bad. No problems and engine is still silky smooth. Would buy another one. Tows my boat well and limited slip is very sure footed.