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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  Good overall package - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By rdt_ag - August 15 - 2:43 am

  The structural integrity is good, as the car was rear ended hard, which I then learned about the whiplash protection system in the car. Interior still has too much hard plastic, especially the steering wheel, which has a raised crease hitting on the fingers as a constant reminder. Comfort is great, mileage is good overall, better on the road than expected (35 avg mpg at 70 mph) but less than expected around town (23 mpg avg), compared to my 1999 Camry. Spend the extra for upgraded stereo system as the base unit and speakers are very poor and tinny sounding. Downshifting on grades is annoying, but overall car is good with decent mileage, and good value for the money.

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  08 Yaris, the future of cars - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Chris - August 14 - 5:43 pm

  Ive had my 08 Yaris, 5 speed for a little over a year. I drive conservatively and average between 37-40 mpg. There is nothing fancy or luxurious about this car, and if you rely on your car to impress your fellow man, this is not for you. But, if your desire is to have affordable, economical, and reliable transportation, image be damned, then you want a Toyota Yaris. This car just keeps running, requiring only gasoline and the 5K mile routine maintenance (oil change, tire pressure check, etc. This is an excellent car and I heartily recommend it to anyone who asks. Buy this car, and you too will have a hard time keeping a straight face when passing the Escalade, Hummer saps.

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  Im Happy! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By R.J. Arkell - August 14 - 5:00 am

  Although Ive had this truck for three months, Im completely pleased with what I bought. It has exceeded my expectations in comfort and funtionality. I love this truck! My Prerunner with its 4WD suspension and being 2WD is very comfortable on long trips.

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  Fastest 4 cylinder - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Dave_PA - August 13 - 11:23 pm

  For less than $19k, I got a larger, comfortable, and pretty fast car. I searched for a black Camry for about 2 months, and I found a STD. The gas mileage is as it states appox 30MPG, unlike other manufacturers that like to round up to 30. I drove an Avalon and a Camry V6. Performances were so similar, the price tag decided.

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  Best car I have ever owned and I am 57 - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By nickel1951 - August 13 - 9:20 pm

  I bought this car used after owning a 2001 Echo for six years. I sold the 2001 to my son who was just graduating from college and bought this car for myself. I have never bought another car that was identical to the one I had had for six years already before but this car is special. I actually made my son promise to sell me the old car back when he wants to get rid of it so I can have a backup. The only thing that was not satisfactory in either car were the floor mats. I have no idea why, but they wore out quite quickly. The dealership even gave me a full replacement after the first year and those wore out as well. I bought some after market ones from Walmart and they have been fine.

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  Wanted it the first time I saw it! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By GMB - August 13 - 4:23 pm

  I just purchased this car last week and already have 400 miles on it. All I can say is: WOW! I really like the performance of the V-6, enjoy all the features (I traded in a 2000 Dodge Intrepid). I had to wait for the dealer to get one in and I had to put down a deposit. Great handling, great sound, roomy (a must for me as Im 63"). Love the option of 6 speed throw shift or going across the column to the automatic. This is the seventh car Ive owned and my first import. The handling is tremendous like Im riding on rails. Steering has great response. I tried the heated seat option for the first time and that was fantastic as well. Trim is excellent. THANKS, TOYOTA!

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  I love my Toyota T-100 - 1997 Toyota T100
  By Sportwoman - August 13 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my T-100 new in 12/97 and almost 6 years later I love it just as much as I did the day I bought it. I dont know why it wasnt such a hot seller back then because I could have sold mine at least 5 times in the past 2 years. People have actually left me notes on my truck asking me if I want to sell it. I havent had any problems with it. Its excellent in the snow and the bed is big enough to haul whatever I want. My only complaint is the front of the truck is uneven, but youd have to stare at it for awhile to notice this. This is an awesome truck and should definitely have a higher resale value.

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  THE BEST! - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By toy4runner - August 13 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 4runner is the sexiest looking SUV in the market. You have to agree with me on that. The 4runner is also the best offroader in the suv lineup. I used to love chevy and ford but when u drive this thing and feel its power its a totally different STORY!

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  We love our ECHO - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By disa2k - August 13 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I drove an ECHO back in 2000 and fell in love with it; however we couldnÂ’t afford one at the time. We just bought a 2003 4dr/manual and we love it. Very roomy and you canÂ’t beat the gas mileage. We do think the manual is a little peppier than the automatic.

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  fun car to drive - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By afarmgirl22 - August 13 - 10:00 am

  this is my 3rd toyota, 1st a 79 supra, 2nd an 84 celica gts, now an 01 celica gt, i have 31k miles now & my 5sp man trans whines in 4th & 5th gears, my dealer tells me they will replace the trans before the powertrain runs out @ 60k, love the style of the car outsidde & in, except for the back seat cover & the center caps on the gt alloy wheels, view over the rear spoiler not great, ive had 3 interior dome light bulbs replaced, acceleration not great with AC on, even with 5sp,auto is worse, drove auto before bought 5sp.matt of front seat cover not very durable.