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:

• 

  Just what I expected - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By dave - September 9 - 8:53 pm

  The V-6 has plenty of punch and is fun to drive. It handled quite well going up mountains and negotiating winding country roads. I use to own a Lexus ES 330 and this Camry reminds me so much of that Lexus.

• 

  My third Camry - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By ricus - September 9 - 8:30 pm

  I have been a Camry owner now since 1992. I just bought the Hybrid about a month ago. I really love this car and I am getting right at 38MPG with only 500 miles on the car. I expect to get a bit more once it is fully broken in. The ride is a bit softer than my earlier Camrys but since I am getting older, I do not mind that the car ride a bit softer. I am still learning all that this car can do but I am continually impress on just how quiet the car is and how much better this JBL sound system is. This 2009 feels bigger than my previous models and I have to take more time to get it out of the garage. In 8 to 10 years, I will most likely buy another Camry. These are great cars for the money.

• 

  A solid feeling car but... - 2009 Toyota Sienna
  By Beca - September 9 - 6:23 pm

  We purchased a 2009 Sienna XLE in October. I never thought to ask if it was winterized. With the first dusting of snow I skidded around, and found out the antilock brakes do work. My windows are frozen shut, it is 20 degrees here, but will be getting much colder. So I came home and got into my 13 yr old Ford Windstar, that I did not slide and the windows are not frozen, even though it too is sitting outside. I guess the all "season tires" that are OE need replaced for the winter. And I will have to be sure it is winterized. The dealers said you cant special order. It seems that for $30,000 you shouldnt have to "settle

• 

  Avalon XLS - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By warwick - September 9 - 3:13 pm

  We needed a little more room so the Avalon was the one for us. We are happy with the car but if I could a little more pick-up would be nice. The brake could be better but it is not a huge problem. There was a problem with the brakes after 2500 miles,the dealer resurfaced the rotors which fixed the problem. I expected the rotors to be replaced but the dealer said it was Toyota policy to repair. Well I sent an E-mail to the company and nothing came of it.

• 

  Johnnys Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Johnny Wirth - September 9 - 3:06 pm

  With fuel at $2.00 plus this is the only car to have. We get 52.3 mpg and even higher when we take longer trips. This car is way ahead of its time and were happy to be part of the Prius generation. The room in the back is fantastic as the back seats fold flat making for a lot of storage. The AC is great and all electric as is the power steering. Using AC motors we know the car will be in the junk yard way before those electric motors will give out. We cant wait until the Camry is out in hybrid especially if its the same set up as the Prius.

• 

  GetaRav - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By getarav - September 9 - 7:33 am

  This is the best vehicle Ive owned hands down. After owning Jeep, Dodge, and Ford vehicles, I opted for this Rav4 and couldnt be happier. It handles well and after careful examination of the engine components, it is clearly better built than Jeep Liberty. Plus the Rav isnt nearly as thirsty at the pump as the Liberty.

• 

  Dissapointed Owner - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By 08Tacoma(ex owner) - September 9 - 7:00 am

  I bought this truck Feb 28,2008. I traded out of it with 17,000 mi Jan 1 2009. The front passenger floor board area was "creaking" whenever I drive over an uneven surface. They re-welded a joint that somehow came apart with only 13,000mi. My roof leaked because of a defect on the factory- installed roof rack (took them 3 times to fix). They replaced the outside seal around the windshield because it was making a "whistling noise" at 75 MPH. Truck wouldnt start sometimes and they couldnt figure out why. I just gave up on it and let somebody else worry about what else could go wrong with it. GOOD BYE TOYOTA FOREVER!! Its the end of an era.

• 

  Best I have ever had - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Pamela Byrd - September 9 - 6:46 am

  I have been amazed by the performance of this car. We went from a Lincoln Continental to the Solara and I was a little concerned about the comfort and accceleration. We have enjoyed it and have no complaints other than the heating and cooling system. It seems like it is hard to adjust. Other than that all I can say is THANKS TOYOTA.

• 

  1 Month Review: A Value Proposition - 2014 Toyota Corolla
  By triplebronze - September 8 - 7:35 pm

  I chose the Corolla over the 2014 Mazda 3. I have about 600 miles on mine now. In most ways, the Mazda is the better car - better handling, more power, better fuel economy, better build quality. But I dont regret my choice. The Corolla has more interior space, better visibility, and better features for less money, comparably equipped. Noise levels are on-par with the Mazda, but could be better (sadly, not close to the Chevy Cruze).The handling is well improved over previous Toyotas Ive driven, and the seats are supportive and comfortable. Overall this is an easy, economical car to live with and I quite enjoy it.

• 

  Civil Engineer - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By c. Hodges - September 8 - 4:20 pm

  Truck is five years old and is in perfect condition, no dents or scratches. I use synthetic oil throughout ... with K&N filters. I have never had one thing go wrong with my Toyota Prerunner.