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:

• 

  A DEPENDABLE CAR @ A BUDGET PRICE - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By B FAFEL - December 12 - 10:00 am

  A DEPENDABLE SOLID CAR THAT DELIVERS GOOD HANDLING EXCELLANT FUEL ECONOMY IN A QUIET, STYLISH PACKAGE.GIVEN TOYOTAS REPUTATION FOR BUILDING RELIABLE AUTOMOBILES, I WILL BE ENJOYING THIS CAR FOR MANY YEARS

• 

  Love my 2003 - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Tami - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 97 sentra for the 03 Corolla, I am very happy that I did. I went test driving the civics and almost bought one. I decided to stop by the toyota dealership before buying the civic, I am glad I did. The corolla has a lot more room than the 02 civic ex. I bought the le corolla, it has been great. I cant wait until the break in period is over so I can drive past 55!

• 

  Best Camry Style - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By 1989 Mark 7 - December 12 - 9:36 am

  I bought this 100% brand new. Had just came off the delivery truck the day before. With 60,000 miles on it today I still believe its showroom new as it was on 2-16-1999. I drive it on long trips because of its comfort. Thats only time I do drive it.

• 

  Great car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By cherie - December 12 - 3:10 am

  I just love this little car, great get up and go and mileage is better than what dealer states. I get 45 miles to gallon hwy, 40 city. I can go to the beach and not worry about spending 55.00 to fill up the truck. Plenty of leg room so you dont feel cramped, only 1 thing I wish I had is cruise - when it comes available i will get that installed. Other from that great buy for the money.

• 

  Quality gone bye bye. - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By sdcatoydriver05 - December 11 - 8:56 pm

  The car has had noises since it was bought. Brake muffler on master cylinder installed wrong, vibration on acceleration. Took 3 days to find problem. Recall on retainer clip for floor mats. Recently steering makes clicking and felt like parts are loose. Car went in twice and took 10 days to fix. Steering shaft had to be replaced it was defective. Rear doors rattle when car is warm. Two trips to find problem. This is the 5th toyota I have owned. Never had these type of things happen on the others. So much for toyota quality when put together.

• 

  Still working on the gas mileage - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Retired in Illinois - December 11 - 4:23 pm

  We waited almost 4 months to get our TCH but havent regretted the purchase (even though gas prices have come down since we ordered it). We had a Camry before this one and were always happy with Toyota. For a recent trip, we ended up buying two smaller suitcases as our two large ones wouldnt fit in the trunk. We arent getting the gas mileage we had hoped and plan to take it back to the dealer to see whats going on. It seems like the gas engine comes on even when we are going slow, so it may need some adjustment. The lights above the visors shine down, not in your face, so you can use them at night without distracting the driver.

• 

  Good car but.... - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By jonhalli - December 11 - 3:36 pm

  I have had this car since July 2005. It is a great little car with a few flaws. Living in NYC, I have to say the gas mileage is great (anywhere from 25-29mpg in traffic, 32+hwy), it is easy to park, and generally fun to drive. I have some minor complaints with the tin- like metal used to cover the car at the top. This car is prone to dinks and dents from minor contact. And a driver really has to "drive" this car in foul weather. But for a compact, this car is stylish and sporty looking with excellent features.

• 

  So glad I bought it! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By ace1632 - December 11 - 3:00 pm

  After driving the Camry, we forgot about the new Civic. The car is wonderful. It is so quiet, even @ 75 mph. Mp3 player is really cool, acceleration is ample and the look is not boring like the previous model.

• 

  Gerat car - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By roro - December 11 - 1:46 am

  Bought it 4 years ago. It is so reliable and gives you the best gas mileage ever. 38 mpg on the highway and it is comfortable to drive

• 

  Corolla is number 1 - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By JP - December 10 - 10:10 pm

  Ive had this car for 6 months now and think its a joy. Smooth ride, great gas mileage (averaging combination city and highway about 35) and awesome looks. Ive heard the Camry is having a lot of quality control issues lately but the Corolla (at least this bodystyle) has been bulletproof. As for the engine...yes its a 1.8 4cylinder but I installed a k&N air filter and it greatly increased the power. I think the acceleration is fine and you almost forget youre in a 4. If you want anything faster, get a 3.5 V6 in the Camry! The 1.8 is a great combination of gas mileage and performance...for those that dont know its the same engine Toyota puts in the Celica GT (2000-2005).