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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  Great Car - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By mrf777 - January 26 - 10:53 pm

  We shopped around for a coupe, and found that the Solara was the best car at the best price.

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  Engineering miracle - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Charlie S. - January 26 - 12:16 pm

  Best design ever from Toyota at a great price. Several years ahead of the competition. Top of the line model includes high end luxuries like leather, navigation, bluetooth, keyless entry, and rear-view camera. In 35 years of driving, I have never been more enthusiastic about owning a car. The electric motor assists the gasoline engine when power is needed and does not disappoint. Even with full time maximum AC, I still get 44 MPG which will save me thousands of dollars at the gas pump every year. Surprisingly spacious cabin and trunk for a compact car.

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  NEW NEW NEW - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Matrixlove - January 26 - 1:06 am

  LOVE IT. What more can I say? Could use a bit more passing power but I dont want to give up the mpg. We got the automatic but I recommend the stickshift. If I had to do it over I wouldnt get the auto. It sucks too much juice out of the engine at high speeds. Otherwise I wouldnt change a thing.

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  80K mi with a Camry 5 sp 2.2L - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Ted - January 25 - 9:13 pm

  I just traded the Camry Ive had for 8 years on a Lexus and cried when I said goodbye to it. I averaged 29mpg in 50/50 city/hwy driving and hit 33mpg on flat hwy. Incredibly reliable. The body style w/ spoiler and alloys still looks fresh. Interior was roomy and well designed. Theres a lot to this major-model Camry has been cost-reduced out of the newer ones. If youre on a budget and need stylish, reliable, spacious transportation, find a well-maintained 98-02 Camry.

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  21st Century Choice - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By 21st Century Choice - January 25 - 7:03 pm

  With the very first tankful of gas I achieved 51 mpg and have averaged in the low 50s ever since. The car is very comfortable, excellent storage space with the hatch back and folding rear seats. Every function of the car is done through the LCD screen with a constant readout of gas mileage so you know exactly how efficiently you are driving. During my research I had read that this car should be driven with the cruise control and that was correct. You can set it as low as 25 mph and adjust accordingly which eliminates the drivers ability to provide a constant gas pedal pressure. Not too heavy, not too light. Other cars love to zoom past me, but I always win at the gas station.

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  Rock Soilid Dependability! - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By TonyVee - January 25 - 3:14 am

  Ive owned my 98 Camry for 12 years. Bought it with 54K as a between cars vehicle. This thing has been nothing shy of amazing and hands down the most dependable vehicle I have ever owned! Nothing fancy here, but everything works as it should and as long as the A/C and Cruise Control continue to work, Ill be hard pressed to sell it. Other than radiator, struts and routine maintenance, everything on this car is original and works great! Even the paint has held up well, every time I wash it, I feel like its 1998 all over again. Ive recently taken this vehicle on two long distance trips and it handled flawlessly. Cant go wrong with Toyota reliability.

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  20000 mile check-up - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By usaret98 - January 25 - 3:06 am

  Love my car 110%. Gas mileage is excellent. Averaging 30 mpg and hit 41 mpg on first long haul. This is with the AUTO transmission. No maintanence problems. Sound system excellent. The tires slip easily in the rain. Excellent rear seat legroom

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  I love my Sequoia. - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Chris - January 25 - 1:53 am

  I have enjoyed owning my Sequoia. I have had it for six years. The only problem I have ever had with it is the rear window not going down. I really dont use it much so to me it is no big deal. It is not great on gas, yet I like everything else about it. It handles like no other vehicle. It hugs the road if you really drive it and respect it like it is big and heavy nothing compares to it.

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  Prius ROCKS - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Debbie - January 24 - 6:10 pm

  Averages 45 mpg city and 50+ highway, very peppy and so fun to drive. Best car Ive ever had.

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  Littlefields RAV Review - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Leslie Littlefield - January 24 - 10:26 am

  The only challenge I have with my Rav is that it takes a while to gain power when passing or going uphill.