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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  Still the best! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Gene67 - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I waited 4 years to be able to afford my first Camry, and now I cant wait to add a second one to the family. Its everything I thought it would be and m

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  title 1 - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By zman4321 - November 24 - 2:00 am

  great car but needs more hp even though it performs better thaN THE INDICATED HP RATING

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  Great MPG - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Kari - November 23 - 8:50 pm

  We have had our Highlander for 2 years, and love it. We have found after driving for two years you have to pay attention to what is on to get great mileage. In the winter, if you run the heater constantly you will lose mileage. Use a combination of heated seats and defrost, then our mileage is around 25 mpg. In summer, when we run just vent, and windows up we have seen 35 mpg, but usually we get 33 mpg because we like air conditioning. Definitely better mileage in summer. But overall great ride, good touring vehicle. Have had problems with people not hearing the SUV, when we start to back up. We have to take extra precautions, to make sure we dont surprise people walking to their cars.

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  03 Matrix xr - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Brian - November 23 - 6:30 pm

  This car is well built and drives very nice. The lack of horsepower causes the car to have less pep with the 5 speed than I would prefer, but it is adequate for highway driving on average.I may not be able to run with some of the sportier cars , but it gets very good mileage on a tank of fuel and now it is more important than it used to be.

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  Comfortable Car, but Poor Initial Quality - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By dcsj - November 23 - 3:06 pm

  This is a very comfortable car to drive, and it gets terrific gas mileage, but initial quality is unacceptable. I have had this car for 3 months, and it has been back to the shop 5 times. Defective speaker diagnosed on 1st visit, replaced on 2nd visit. Sunroof side garnish came loose and smeared grease on window. Garnish re-attached on 3rd visit. Missing rear seat belt buckle replaced on 4th visit. Functionality problem with JBL premium sound system (complicated) diagnosed on 5th visit. Toyota asked me to bring it in at a later date. Vertical grease smear on right rear power window (undiagnosed) to be addressed on 6th visit along with the radio. Big hassle!

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  Great car. A few improvements - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Daniel - November 23 - 2:50 pm

  Great overall car. Outside it looks very good. Not too sporty. Inside is very solid and has higher quality looking materals around the dash and steering wheel. Toyota plays it safe and didnt try too hard on its design inside and out. I own the blue one. All of the paint jobs are very nice. It drives and handles great unless you are in hilly country. Then it needs some extra pep. The seats have a nice adjustable recline that is very comfortable but could be a little softer. In fact, the seats are very hard and dont break in.

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  Wow, not what I had expected - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Zack - November 23 - 11:26 am

  Not sure what Ive got myself into. Im on the verge of chalking this one up as a huge disappointment. The exhaust sounds like it has a leak and is consistently loud at low speeds. The brakes dont act right, stop fine, but front to back seem to engage at different times. Have noticed a slight lean in the rear of the bed. Front end ride was nice and firm at first, but getting sloppy and coarse - worse with loads. What I had expected was a no frills, solidly built, refined truck. I really cant say thats what I got. Now I have the headache of dealing with the dealership to try to address these problems. Bought new w/7miles on OD. 91 oct reqd 4 quiet engine.

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  awesome - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By charles - November 23 - 3:16 am

  The vehicle is very great and also very reliable and very stylish. You will get so many compliments and you will fall in love with your car.

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  Love this car - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Loangoddess623 - November 23 - 2:16 am

  Bought it in July 09 and coming up to 5,000 miles. Drives great, but will probably have the idle checked at 1st maint. & oil - idles a little rough occasionally when almost to a stop. The standard shift is fun to drive and everything I expected. Gas mileage is about 20 city/31 hwy. Added some upgrades; pin-striping, window tint, key fob and leather. Looks just like an LE and a stick-shift to boot ! Very roomy. Really like the "beefed-up" look of this generation. Was pleasantly surprised to see just how many amenities came with the base model. A lot of car for the money.

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  Top Notch Off Road - 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Top Notch Off Road - November 23 - 2:06 am

  2010 Land Cruiser is my second one after trading in 2008 Land Cruiser. It uses Denco gas pedal unlike other Toyotas that were recalled due to their defective CTS gas pedals. Handling the vehicle off the road is exceptional. If allowed by your local dealer, I urge you to test drive it off the road for a true experience.