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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  Basic Truck - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bill - October 17 - 4:33 am

  Great little truck;dependable, not fancy but will get you there every time.

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  Double Pleasure - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Carol - October 17 - 4:30 am

  At 54 yrs of age and the owner of many cars this hybrid car is the best car I EVER owned. It is fun to drive, excellent gas mileage plenty of power and I definitely am doing my part for the environment. Over the past few years it has improved on the looks too. It is truly amazing how much power this little car has. The display on the dash shows in detail how the energy/gas consumption is being used. Its almost a year I owned this car with no problems. The only time it was at the dealership was for an oil change. To fill the tank it cost me about $24. It can get 61 mpg on the highway and 53 mpg in the city. When youre at a stop light or in slower traffic that is when the electric motor runs!

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  Not Grampas Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Ritt50 - October 17 - 2:10 am

  We have had this XLE 3 weeks and put 2000 miles on her with no problems. Driving to MN from MT with 4 people, the trunk full and AC on we got 30 MPG. Every time I heard a rattle I was something I had in the glove box never something loose as in other cars. We looked at Passats and Avalons, but ended up with a Lexus in disguise.

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  Love my new 2017 Camry SE - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Allan - October 16 - 11:32 pm

  Traded in my old 2003 XLE Camry V6 fully loaded. However, I really love my new 2017 Camry SE. Im impressed with the entune technology, moon roof, and Qi Wireless, . The Camry SE is a very smooth vehicle and handles very well on corners. The breaks are awesome. I just wish the heated seats and blind spot monitor feature were included.

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  Great.. until 2/2010 - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By msquickwit - October 16 - 12:10 pm

  I have to say- other than oil changes and tire rotations- the usual stuff; I have never had any major expenses (5 years- second owner). BUT In Feb 2010 I did have to spend 1700 on a new brain and O2 sensor and battery. Now, it is in the shop again- sounding and feeling like a helicopter. So I have to give my old girl credit for 5 years (got her 2005) she has been an angel. Now she is being a bit greedy-but it is long over due. IF I have to buy a new car- I would get a RAV 4 again or maybe a highlander- little bit bigger and those are now HYBRID.

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  Almost Perfect Handling - 2005 Toyota Celica
  By tt7ven - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Best thing about my Celica is the Handling. I owned a 2003 Celica Manual and because of the morning drive to school I traded my car for a 2004 Celica Automatic GT! Acceleration is good but only with 2 people in the car. Breaking is also good, even at hight speeds. Driving it around town, in and out of bumps, is not what this car is made for. When you get it up to the speed, the handling will shock you. It can quickly switch lanes while going through a long turn at 75MPH. It sticks to the ground as you gain speed and take exits and ramps without unwanted noises from the tires.

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  Great Buy - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By Toy4Life - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck used just over a year ago and it was the best vehicle i have ever owned. I used to drive a 1991 toyota 4x4 and i loved it, but this Tacoma is miles above!! Plenty of power for hauling, and it is just a great looking truck!!!

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  The Matrix is a Great Choice - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By plutes - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a Matrix the first time I opened the hatchback and realized that the flat folding back seats would easily fit two bikes inside. And the high gas mileage. For a seemingly small car, it is so very roomy, for the driver and front and backseat passengers...and Ive had some bigger than average folks enjoying the ride. Its zippy, it get great gas mileage, it has a unique exterior style. I got the cosmic blue color and I love it.

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  my car I love it!!! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By suzanne p - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. long trip, very comfortable, wish it had onstar on board but you cant have everything. Only things I have found negative with this car 1. you have a blind spot I have learned to figure it out but a little scarey at first. 2 this is minor but there is a cover for the front seat belt, floor behind the seat.I have had it replaced and again it has fell off and my back seat is not being used. If you push the front seat back it flys off.

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  Toyota Tacoma 4wd, V-6 - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jefft - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The truck seems highly reliable. I miss some of the creature comforts that my wifes Bonneville SSEI has. But overall, a very solid, dependable truck.