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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  2008 Toyota Yaris - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Moonlighter - March 22 - 1:13 pm

  Japanese build quality is scarily worth considering over any other country, YES that good. I drove a 2008 4 door automatic during a service visit and got 40 mpg. After driving the hatchback, I purchased it instead due to a more sporty demeanor, again getting 40 mpg. The build quality and quietness of this car has shocked many of my skeptics. I am 6 foot 2 inches tall, weighing in at 235 pounds, plenty of room and love the front seats.

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  4 Runners are the best - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Shay - March 22 - 11:23 am

  This is our second 4 runner. Our first we bought new in 2000 and never had a single problem with. The style compares to no other vehicle in its price range and it is very comfortable to drive. I would recommend this SUV to anyone who is looking for quality in a SUV as well as a smart looking ride.

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  Awesome - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By cisrab - March 22 - 7:59 am

  I have owned jeeps, wranglers and cherokees. This Tacoma with the TRD off road package, supercharger, and Baja suspension is a much better vehicle then the jeeps. Much more reliable and excellent off road. Will it mach a Rubicon no, but it will hang with it. The truck is much more reliable and comfortable on the road then a rubicon. Toyotas dependability is unmatched.

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  Sienna, a worthy people mover - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Big Dog - March 21 - 11:33 pm

  My Sienna has been perfect since purchase. Its everything a van should be and adds comfort and charisma. I would recommend it to anyone, but you will pay a premium price to get one.

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  Love it - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Judi - March 21 - 9:03 pm

  I have had several SUVs prior to this starting with a 2000 Mercedes ML320 which I got rid of under the lemon law. Then 2002 Envoy, then 2003 Trailblazer both of which had transmission problems. 2005 I purchased 4 runner sport 6 cyl No problems. 2007 purchased 4 runner sport 8 cyl which actually does better with mpg. Not very stylish but love the comfortable drive does well in 4x, handles great. ample storage in rear including room for a full size wheel chair. Just wish the dash lights were no so hard to read during the day.

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  Very good car overall - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By iserum - March 21 - 8:03 pm

  This is my first toyota ever, I am very impressed with it, the interior fit and finish is very good, and i like the quietness of cabin the most. Now I can understand why Toyota is so far ahead from competition. Standard LE is very reasonable for most people. I have drove almost 250 miles mostly city driving and gas needle is near half way now. I think it do much better in highway driving.

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  wow camry - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By jhise85 - March 21 - 12:41 pm

  when i bought my camry 4c 4a i was expecting to get a car that would need work done on it and engine repairs i am use to driving fords and chevys and after 100000 miles they start acting up i bought the car with over 110000 on it i bought it because it was a deal well since then i have had to change one wheel bearing and thats the only major thing i have done to it my camry now just rolled over 245000 on it and still rides smooth i love my carmy i wish i would have bought a camry long ago i am now a toyota fan

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  toyota quality - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By johnp - March 20 - 7:36 pm

  Great car, bought it used with 8000 now have 67000 miles on it. Only problem we have is the CD player died and the throttle plate sticks which I need to clean (maintenance issue), solid, solid car

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  So far so good - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By SC - March 20 - 4:16 pm

  After driving it for 14k miles, Im now not so excited, but still satisfied with it. The only complaint besides the rear blind spots, is the original front tires worn out at 13k miles. Its fun, fast, stable, beautiful, and comfortable on the road. Very good for a V4. We like it.

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  Best Value of any Car...Period - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Tony - March 20 - 3:50 pm

  I have owned the car for over 5 yrs now and have minimal problems. Purchased car with 22k miles in 2003 and have just put my 2nd set of tires on it (third total set but original Dunlaps were toasted when we bought it). Passenger window is broken, needs new motor. I just also did the front brakes, pads and rotors. New battery a few weeks ago. Other than this, in 5+ yrs, nothing is wron with this car. Nice style and of course, superior toyota quality. This is the BEST CAR VALUE for the MONEY ! I bet with proper maintenence/oil changes, this car would run 300k+ ! If this car fits your budget, buy it, you will not be disappointed!!