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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  Best Convertible for the Price - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Art007 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Exellent JBL sound system, impressive fit and finish, well laid out interior, head turning exterior design, padded convertible roof. Loaded with little extras: one button to raise/lower all windows, simple and speedy top, intelligent front passenger seat airbag. Glove box and center dash cubby open as if on hydraulics. Tilt and telescope steering wheel and full power drivers seat ensure a comfortable driving position. Optional Day Time Running lights is a plus.

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  Appraisal Value for Trade Purpose - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Benito C. Lim - August 6 - 10:00 am

  We find it very reliable to reach our destination. It is fun to drive and listen to its CD, radio gadgets. All seats comfortable and we feel proud to own and use for our family.

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By BigJ9425 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Toyota. My first was a 94 Celica (+130k miles) a few years back and I never had a problem. Being a stupid teenager, shortly after I wanted to get a big Explorer. I had too many problems with fuel economy and reliability that I decided to go back to Toyota. The biggest reason I bought my Corolla was for gas. I save 14 dollars every week driving a Corolla over my Explorer. The car is great.

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  Great Car...No Regrets - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Yasmine - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Im inlove with my Corolla. Ive had it for 18 months and Ive had no problems; just regular maitenance. I would definitely buy this car again.

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  2004 corolla s - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By jason - August 6 - 3:13 am

  Experience has been better than I expected. Overall performance has been awesome. With my oil changes every 3000 miles and rotation of tires, manufacturers maintenance, I have only had 1 new belt and new water pump since I bought the car. Great car as far as gas economy. 30-40 mpg. Definitely will buy again when im thru with this one. Hopefully not until 10+ yrs or more.

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  Its still going! - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By cbrown - August 6 - 2:06 am

  Bought my car when it was 2 yrs old w/ 35k miles. It now has over 260k in original miles and its still chugging along. The most reliable car Ive had! Got it fixed maybe a couple times mainly due to an accident it was involved in-other than that it doesnt give us any problems at all.

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  Failure - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By danger - August 5 - 10:20 pm

  Watch out for ball-joint failures. Toyota wont cover. Dealer claims theres nothing wrong, but car wont go straight above 45mph. It rattles, the rear shocks thump loud and hard every bump (like the 1996). JBL radio is low quality cd, fm, and mp3 all sound the same. You cant open the rear windows above 30 because of the deafening wind noise. The large trans-tunnel gets hot and is tight to the drives right leg.

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  First Toyota - last truck ever! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By tennriverrat - August 5 - 6:03 pm

  If someone wouldve told me ten years ago that today I would own any truck other than a Chevrolet (especially a Toyota), I wouldve died laughing at them. I bought a left over 08 model for my wife and she cant keep me out of it. The performance for a full sized truck is amazing. My daily driver is an 06 Nissan Altima SE-R, and the truck is as fun to drive as the car is. Im actually thinking about getting rid of the car to buy one of the Tundra TRD Sport Editions for myself. Gas mileage is my only complaint, HOWEVER, I knew it wasnt going to be great when I bought it. Lets face it, in order to tow 5 tons, you gotta give somewhere. Having said that, it still gets 18mpg on the highway.

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  My Big Mistake - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By FjLoser - August 5 - 5:40 pm

  This vehicle is a Big disappointment. In wind over 25 MPH it is all over the road like a hound dogs breakfast, too many blind spots due to oversized pillars, paint is chipping off faster than you can touch it up. At 3000 mile rear diff replaced. Weather stripping on windows deformed roof leaking form roof rack mounts and the list goes on and on. And the dealer I go to would not do anything about the problems other than the diff. This was the first Toyota I have ever bought and the LAST!

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  Not for TALL PEOPLE - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By swampfox - August 5 - 9:23 am

  The Prius is an excellent car, however, before you buy it you should test-sit in it. The slanted roof makes it almost impossible for anyone over 510" to comfortable see out of the windshield. Depending on your body build, you must test-sit in this vehicle to make sure you can confortably and safely drive this car. If you can, GREAT!!! Because it is a GREAT CAR, but ONLY if you fit in it.