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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  2005 Sienna - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Toyota customer - June 21 - 3:16 pm

  After owning a Grand Caravan for so many years, this van is a huge leap forward. The Sienna packs a lot of value into a package that doesnt cost that much more than the Caravan. The Sienna has noticebly better desinged and built interior and exterior. The seating is very comfortable and spacious, but the legroom in the third row is a little tight. The six-speaker audio system is excellent, with stunning clarity and a plethora of bass. The ride and handling are also leagues ahead of the Caravan. The stiff unibody construction and finely tuned IRS allows the van to manuever easily with little roll and under- steer. Overall we are pleased with our Sienna because of its value and quality.

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  I Love My Little CarCar! - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By claybirdie - June 21 - 12:36 am

  I am so in love with my Celica. I bought it new in 2002. Ive put on so many miles! I drive a ridiculous amount and this car has never let me down - including the time I drove it home 85 MILES after being rear-ended - the exhaust pipe was COMPLETELY bent in on itself and the car made it home like a trooper! This car corners like its on rails and has the most awesome breaks ever. It stops on a dime and gives you 9 cents back! It is a sporty car so you definitely feel every bump on the road, but let me tell you, this car makes you ONE with the road! This car is so responsive! I love it!

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  love my toyota - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By joe colon - June 20 - 11:56 pm

  IÂ’ve been driving this car for 11 months. I drove to Richmond Hills GA, a distance of 421 miles on 10.6 gals of gas. On interstate 95 it handle very well was able to cruise at the posted speed limits of 65 to 70 miles with no effort. In town driving IÂ’ve received 49 mpg by staying off the interstate. When I drive in town and the interstate I average 43.3 mpg. I find it a fun car to drive. I like it clean lines, it a car who time has come. IÂ’m looking forward to driving it cross-country. IÂ’ve been driving for 55 years and truly enjoy driving this car. Before I purchase this car I drove a Buick Park Avenue Ultra for over 100000 miles on it.

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  Pruis is great - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By pencowgirl - June 20 - 9:53 pm

  I have owned the Prius only 2 months, and love the nav system, the handling, and the cost to fill up a tank of gas. I went from driving a BMW and think the handeling is comparable although the braking is not as good. It is nice to have the back up camera although on rainy or foggy days visibility is limited. I have a small dog and he sheds, the dash is a hair magnet as is the CD holder. I wish the seats were a little more cushy and electronically adjustable. I would recommend this car in an instant and have requests daily for people to test drive it.

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  Great Car! - 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Thomas - June 20 - 3:03 pm

  Had the care about 5 months now. Really like it. Great fuel economy, fun to drive, lots of interior space, and generally feel good driving it. Trunk is a bit smaller than I would have hoped, but to be expected. Overall, I love this car, best I have ever owned to date.

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  PROVEN RELIABILITY - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Stutz - June 20 - 4:26 am

  55,000 miles since new and other than oil changes I just had a new set of tires installed !!! No problems whatsoever !!!

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  Surprising Performance - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Darren - June 19 - 6:53 pm

  I needed something with a little better gas mileage than my 98 Olds Bravada (18 MPG). I am sure there will be times when I will miss the SUV thing, but not yet! This thing is fun to drive. I cannot believe this is a 4 cylinder. I must be getting old. I found a great deal on the SE version and love the suspension. We bought an 04 Rav4 for my wife and I was always driving it. Now Id rather drive the car. I have had an SUV for so long I forgot how much fun a car can be.

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  Very Pleased After 2 Months - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Gil V - June 19 - 2:13 pm

  This is a great small SUV. My MPG has varied from 24 to 29. It is fun to drive and just the right size. The only minor issue I have is that the I notice the A/C putting a minor drag on the engine when I am doing around 30 mph. Is is slight but I am going to ask about it when I go in for an oil change. Ive also notice that the slightest hill causes a downshift when I have the cruise control on. Other than that, this is a great car.

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  230K and counting - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By 61Lakewooder - June 19 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car for my teenage son for his first car with 217K miles on it. The lady we bought it from bought it new and put three teenage girls through it as their first car. She had all of the maintenace records and cried when we drove away. In the last year Ive put on brakes, struts, stabalizer links, etc. Nothing major and it just keeps on ticking.

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  100,000 plus - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By toyotafan - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new, today showing 107,000 miles and doing better than the Energizer bunny. Other than the routine caretaking suggested by the mfg, nothing has failed.. There is no need to apologize for the always in style good design looks. The real excitement shows off as a low cost operating machine that goes and goes. Our fierce south Texas sun has done little to harm its ice cube cold A/C or tough white exterior paint.