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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  Awesome first New Car! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Nate - July 1 - 1:20 am

  I bought the car for price and MPG, also because I havent seen many around. It was a must to get the S package and a must to get the manual transmission for its performance. I got the tan (bisque) interior which I think steps it up a notch from the dark alternative. I feel like Im driving a mini Camry which is my next car in a few years.

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  Could get more for your money - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By Ben Makowski - June 30 - 2:16 pm

  I have owned many new cars and feel I could offer a solid review on this Toyota. Cheap plastic everywhere, but I thought the industry standard of Toyota quality would prevail, until recently. NO problems to date but am disappointed with how cheaply this $60,000.00 SUV is put together, thankfully i do not have a record of keeping vehicles beyond 2 years and am know realizing come trade time is when i will pay.

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  narender truck - 2012 Toyota Tundra
  By narender71 - June 30 - 12:05 pm

  in 2008 I bought Tundra 5.7 was a great truck but engine is too big, than I switch to Tacoma 4.0L in 2010 after Tacoma, In Dec 2011 I bought 4.6 liter Tundra I think this is best truck I ever bought This is best engine Toyota ever developed If you want to buy Tundra just look at 4.6 liter engine You will be happy like me. Thanks for reading

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  2007 toyota camry great used car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By tom hunsberger - June 30 - 11:48 am

  this is my familys 8th toyota. we are very happy with the quality and durability that toyota has to offer. i purchased this 2007 camry for my daughter who is in college it has 65,000 miles on it and is in great shape. i bought this car for toyotas reliability and safety.

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  Awesome Buy - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Sunit Mathur - June 30 - 8:26 am

  This is my third Toyota. This time I traded in my 05 Camry LE to get the 07 Camry XLE. Only two words can describe this for me: "Awesome buy".

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  I like it! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Melinda - June 29 - 9:33 am

  This is a great car. Performance is excellent. I got the 6 cylinder because I am used to power - prior car Camaro Z28, and I am not disappointed. The ride is comfortable and it seems to ride a little higher than the average sedan, which I like. Its easy to get in and out of. I feel like I have a luxury car. No rattles or transmission problems. The interior looks great to me. This interior is as good or better than others in its class.

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  Ill Keep It - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By cdysma - June 29 - 3:40 am

  I do love the FJ. I drive a jeep 80 miles a day (mail) then drive my FJ the rest of time. The FJ is better in every way except the jeep warms up much faster. My 16 year old likes driving it better too. I havent had one problem. I grew up going to Bajas and with dune buggies so its pretty special.

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  My Part - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By gailh - June 29 - 2:26 am

  My car just saved my life. On I-5, a 18-wheeler threw an exploding tire at us while we were traveling at 70 MPH. First bounce was only 5 feet in front of us and the Prius steering and braking system handled it beautifully. I sustained some significant damage to the front bumper system, but we were unscathed. I love the car! I love the mileage! I love the feeling I have driving it!

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  Best Hybrid Car Hands Down - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Mark Levin - June 28 - 11:36 pm

  I purchased a 2008 Silver Touring Edition with package 6. I am very impressed with the entire car. I have been averaging 52 to 64.9 miles per gallon on my 24 mile city commute to work. The A/C and Bluetooth work great. I also enjoy the aux jack with my iPod. The upgraded sound system is excellent. As far as I am concerned this is the best hybrid car available and blows the Honda Civic away in versatility and mileage. Tough to get, but worth the wait. The Touring Edition adds some flair with the 16" wheels and larger spoiler. The extra stabilizer bars are also included but are not visible. My other car is a Lexus so I am very familiar with quality.

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  I LOVE this car - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By Ronnie - June 28 - 2:56 pm

  It gets good mileage, average of 36 mpg, and it handles well for a small car. Its comfortable, though I find my shoulder hurting after sitting in it too long since Im 61 and the armrest on the door isnt quite high enough to sit without slouching. The only problems so far are a catalytic converter and a charcoal canister. The Catalytic Converter was replaced at 79,000 and now needs it again at 90,000, thats a major expense only 11,000 miles apart. I do love this car, so hopefully once its catalytic converter is fixed it will be back to its excellent driving condition. The Toyota dealership was happy to see it and told me they are the best of the used Toyotas out there.