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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  A Second Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Enjoytheride - October 22 - 12:56 am

  Our household just purchased our 2nd Prius. We have a Tahoe, Carrera C4, STI and a 2004 Prius and found we were always fighting over who gets to drive the Prius. Both Priuss have all options for the model year. The 2008 model has an improved display and easier Nav system operation. (I still prefer my Garmin.) The 2004 was purchased used and has been a great car. These cars are very well built (bulletproof), adequate acceleration, low CG flat handling, very quiet interior, very good sound system, comfortable for long drives and dazzling fuel stinginess. They are great daily drivers. I would not hesitate to buy a used 2nd gen one, 2004 or newer. They will hold their value well!!

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  The car, but not the dealer - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By smin - October 21 - 5:06 pm

  I bought my 4Runner new in mid 1999. Love the car! Its sturdy construction gives a sense of security. PLENTY of power.

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  nice buy - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Patrick - October 21 - 2:06 pm

  Very good manuverability, peppy, ride is very smooth, I get caught in Downtown Buffalo city traffic every morning with about 10 miles of highway miles and I consistantly get 23-25mpg. I paid $24000 and it was a GREAT BUY!!! I am completley satisfied with my purchase

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  Just the car I needed - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By donpar - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I mostly do relatively (less than 10 mile) commutes which involves a lot of city street driving. Under these conditions, the mileage is excellent, never less than 40 mpg. Dont do a whole lot of highway and hill driving so cant comment on that. For what I need the car has exceeded my expectations.

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  1995 toyota review - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By arthur joyal - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Probably the worlds best auto design, for quality and reliability and economics. Toyota should be congradulated for making a sound investment in engineering and manufacture.

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  Great Car - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By mcrews1407 - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Bought at 40k, now have 175k. Lots of room, very comfortable after long trip. I am 63" and fit!!!!! Very reliable. Have regular maintanience done. Replaced strus and shocks at 100k. Alt. at 125K and rack and pinion at 175. Great engine and Trans. I run a 225/60 tire. a step up from the factory size. Helps handling.

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  I love My Camry - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Robert Martineau - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought this Camry as a program car in the winter of 1995. I had a few problems early but they were covered by the waranty. Since 1997 this car has been the best. I have a daily commute of 28 miles each way and I have enjoyed the ride as much the last time I drove it as I did the first time. I would highly recommend a Camry to everyone who enjoys a trouble free, quiet riding, smooth ride.

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  23456789 - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Talamera - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Its a great car, built to last a long time as long as a dealer or a mecanic do not touch it, otherwise it will be the end of it. At least you have an honest mecanic. Forget about the Peoples Courts. That are for the birds!.

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  Ava, the Avalon - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By Danielle J - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I love my Avalon. Its not the most flashy car out there, but dollar for dollar, it is absolutely the most reliable!

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  CBs 1995 Camry Review - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By BarnesCC - October 21 - 10:00 am

  This has been the best car Ive ever owned. There have been no major problems with this car except the A/C went out in 2001. I have it maintained regularly (oil changed, tires rotated, front end aligned, tune-ups performed, etc.) and as a result, Ive had very good performance/luck with this car. Ill never buy anything but Toyotas!