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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  Not bad for the price - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By A pretty good car - September 11 - 7:43 pm

  I am pretty much impressed with the handling of this car and the good gas mileage for a big car. I bought this 2004 Salsa Red Pearl Camry last Nov. 2003 and have used 18K to date. I normally just use 12-13K a year but I loved driving it so much my wife and I use it more than her car. I just wish it had a sportier look like the Altima or Accord. But overall its worth the money!

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  What i expected - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By papjc - September 11 - 12:30 pm

  The Venza has been everything i expect so far. MPG 23.5 around town. Expect better of open road. More than enough power for my driving style. Family of 4 loves the room, comfort, sunroof and being able to play Ipod. Did not want the key-less system at first. But, have actually come to like the system.

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  Great Car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Bob Mcgraw - September 11 - 10:23 am

  Bought new in 1999. I have replaced only parts that I expect to. Belts, hoses tires etc. It has never failed to start. Safe, secure and keeps its value. I liked it so much I bought a 2006 Camry last year.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Khoa - September 11 - 10:06 am

  Ive owned an 03 Camry LE and there is no comparison to this car. The new design is very aggressive on Toyotas part and the interior design is very contemporary. The suspension on the SE is "sport" to every sense of the word. The steering is much tighter than past Camrys.

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  Awsome family vehicle - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By Jimtsr - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Really wanted to get a SUV, but wife insisted on the functionality of a mini van. Now that we have it, I am converted to the world of mini van fans. The Sienna XLE is a very well designed vehicle that offers practicallity and luxury at the same time.

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  Perfect Car - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By luvsfastcars - September 11 - 10:00 am

  This car would be great for anyone who loves fast, performance cars with out the MSRP of a Porsche. A Bonus: Several people have commented that they like my "Boxter."

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  A True Keeper - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By KMW - September 11 - 10:00 am

  We purchase our first Toyota last year, and wish we would have done it sooner!!!!! We couldnt ask for a better vehicle. The reviews say "truck- like ride", they are so wrong, and we would know we also have a F-250; now that is a truck ride. The only drawback is the seats are a little small, but not too uncomfortable. Toyota has found a loyal consumer in us!!!!!!!!

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  Land Cruiser #1 - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By jcoulter - September 11 - 10:00 am

  This is an outstanding vehicle in every respect. It is quiet, comfortable, reliable, safe, roomy and a pleasure to drive. I have not had a single maintenance problem since I bought it. The build quality is second to none. If you are looking for one of the best vehicles made, look no further than the Land Cruiser,

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  Great Ride - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Steve M - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for two years and it is great fun and a great ride. The mileage is acceptable at 20 or so. It has smooth acceleration, good power, comfortable leather seats, good visibility with the roof down and excellent suspension and steering. I am only able to keep the top down 6 months of the year, but it is a pleasure to drive in the winter too. With the roof down, it is still quiet and very fun to drive! The only thing I do not like is the cover for the roof. It is hard to put on and the one I got with the car broke fairly quickly, but I got it replaced on warranty. This is overall the smoothest, nicest, funnest car I have owned!

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  Love the Rav! - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By oneknightonly - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Great handling - I love being up a little higher that in a car but yet still having the "drive" of a car. It is extremly well built - love the looks and would definetly recommend it to everyone!