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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  My Travelling Office - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By samfatboy - August 2 - 9:16 pm

  I work in outside sales and drive 30-35,000 miles per year. I have 73,000 miles on my 2007 Camry Hybrid. This is my third Toyota car and in over 350,000 miles of driving them, the only non-regular maintenance replacement was a water pump on my 2000 Camry at 142,000 miles. My son still has that car with 176,000 miles on it. I love my Camry Hybrid. I dont know about other reports about tires. Mine came with lifetime free tires and oil change. They just put on new tires at 72,000 miles. The old ones had just hit the wear markers. My only complaint would be that the ride is a little mushy. At this point I prefer comfort to racing performance, and this car is very comfortable.

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  Prius is Tops - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Paul A. Tidemann - August 2 - 1:06 pm

  The most important feature of the Prius is zero emissions. Higher gas mileage is second. We need to create more vehicles that are environmentally friendly as the Prius is. I love the ride and how it handles. I am not crazy about the hatchback feature, but it is not a major drawback, either.

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  Love it. - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jackson - August 2 - 11:06 am

  If youre thinking of getting one, quit thinking and get it. Its the cream of the class. I cant say enough good things about it.

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  Very smart purchase - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By LCPA - August 2 - 11:03 am

  I bought this car for fuel mileage and Im 100% satisfied. Mileage so far has been different every time. Lowest mileage so far was 31 mpg city. City with limited hwy has been around 34-36. My friend told me that I drive really hard but I told him its the cars fault, its hard not to not race around in it. So I tried easing up on my "hard driving" and my last mileage check came in at 42 mpg. Maybe he was right or maybe its just starting to get broken in. Either way the price of gas isnt controlling what I do or where I go like it does with some of my friends. What a great feeling to not have to spend half your paycheck whenever you jump behind the wheel.

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  DAILY DRIVER ! Great MPG very economical - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By LT - August 2 - 3:06 am

  I bought this with 150k miles and it runs like a new car. MPG are 38-40 mpg. Compact car but feels like a mid size. Aux cable is standard on this bad boy. 10 gallon tank that can go 350-400 miles when full. Livng up to the toyata reputation of reliability. Pros: Great MPG, Reliability, easy maintenance,bang for buck. Cheap to own cons, minor engine noise (barely notice OCD) due to poor sound proofing of firewall. Under powered BEST COMMUTER CAR.

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  Still going strong - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Don S - August 2 - 1:10 am

  On Oct 2006, I raved about this car. (see comments). Just turned 100k, didnt have to change brakes (front) until 98k. Vacuum sensor for gas tank has show up as check engine light twice in last 6 mos. Have always had a slight clunk in right door - dealer never found the reason.

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  New RAV4 - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Christine - August 1 - 8:36 pm

  Just took my RAV4 camping last weekend. Lots of room. It performed well in rain and hail. A/C cant keep up with 100 plus degree heat. I like the styling and love the blue color.

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  Im Jealous - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Lost Bet - August 1 - 10:06 am

  The wife bought this in 2002 with 28000 on it. Well I am a Mercedes/BMW man. So in 2002 I drive this and I am saying, while nice quiet ride no engine noise great power. Soon Im trying to get new tires and trying to match her dang Camry ride! She gets all service for next to nothing. Never a prob with this Camry. Last year 2008 Im looking at 2009 BMW or Mercedes, test drives were comparing to Camry ride. Camry wins no doubt. So smooth Im falling asleep. So she wins Im getting her a new 2010 XLE v6. Only V6 by the way. My new car is her old 2001 Camry with 114000 on it. Sweet as ever and quiet as ever. Sweet ride.

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  231K miles and counting - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By howie b - August 1 - 9:06 am

  I bought this new in 98 and it has served me very well. I drove it 231K miles and now I have handed it down to my son and I got a new (well, an 07) one. One brake job at 185K, no repairs to speak of other than a starter motor. GREAT vehicle. Totally dependable and a monster in the snow. This has been a great vehicle and will continue to serve my family well.

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  Great Truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By David - August 1 - 1:46 am

  I bought this truck after trading in a small sports car and realizing I really do need a truck. What can I say, the truck gives me great gas mileage and provides me with all the things I need in a truck.