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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  Perfect car - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By George B. - March 4 - 6:16 pm

  Ive had this car for almost a year and wouldnt trade it for anything in the world. Ive hauled some things with it as well. When my co-workers and I go out for lunch, we use my car cause "Im saving the planet".

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  215,000 miles and going strong - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By J. Cop - March 4 - 9:28 am

  Im not your typical highway-only driver. I live in the country on dirt roads. I drive this car hard and fast. It gets driven through mud and down dirt roads every day. When I finally make it onto the highway, I drive it at least 60 miles a day and usually closer to 120 miles a day. I bought this car used with 25,000 miles on it. I now have 215,000. The only thing Ive done other than oil and tires is fix one thing (I cant remember what it was called) that cost me $200. I did that around 200,000 miles. It came with a lot of warranty but I never had to use it. I drove the miles out pretty fast because I drive a lot. The only problem I have is my road is terrible so I wear tires out pretty fast. I get mud on the inside of the tires and they wear unevenly sometimes. But, that is not the cars fault. I have had two deer hit the car on the drivers side. It did some cosmetic damage, but the car held firm on the road and no passengers were injured. So, it can take a hit and keep on trucking. The last hit was pretty hard. I never hit my breaks because I didnt see it coming. So, the air bags did not deploy and were not needed. It was a large buck. Took out most of the front, drivers side. But, Im still driving it. The insurance company says it will cost more to fix it than it is worth so that tells you the damage. I think this car is amazing. And, if I can drive it off-road, you should be fine driving it on paved roads. :) Even after 5 years of a hard life, it still handles great, the interior is great (2 kids later). All the bells and whistles still work - windows roll up and down, AC works, etc. I have had to add some freon the last couple of summers..but other than that the AC has worked great. If I were being overly picky, my only complaints would be...I dont like the USB connection location. It is hard to get to. And, it doesnt charge when the car is off. It does have cigarette lighter chargers that are better located. But, the fuze went out and I havent replaced it. Tthe charcoal gas emissions thing is malfunctioned and makes it hard to pump gas. The pump clicks off several times before i the car is full. This happened on my previous camry also. I think the canister is full of dirt. But, it is expensive to fix so I live with it. If you have the chance to purchase a 2010 Camry, do it. You wont regret it. Oh...I also average 25-32 mpg and I drive at least 75 mph because Im in Texas and we do that here. :)

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  Third Sienna (Limited with convenience pkg., nav and entertainment pkg.) - 2012 Toyota Sienna
  By minivanmom123 - March 4 - 1:44 am

  I previously had a 2004 Limited, 2011 Limited and now the 2012 Limited. My 2011 Sienna was totaled (not our fault). I was very happy with how well the Toyota protected my entire family. My kids begged me to replace the 2011 with another Sienna. The Sienna drives well and feels like a luxury vehicle (as far as minivans go!). Its comfortable, drives smooth, has great features and proved to be a safe vehicle. The pickup power is good, the doors open smoothly and quietly. I looked at luxury SUVs and many didnt have all the features the limited Sienna had (and were $15K more.) Gas mileage in the city, for me, averages 18 according to the display monitor.

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  Echo rebukes OPEC - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By amosgirl - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Traded in my fine Camry for this awesome best- kept-secret blessing of a car! I have nothing but praise for its Lexus-based engine that electronically discerns how much fuel is necessary for moment-by-moment driving conditions. No profit margin in it so advertising is sparse; dealers will not mention it, nor have many in stock. I encourage you to pursue checking it out. Much better value than a Civic or even a Corolla. The interior is so roomy it seems to be an illusion. Great interior cubby places for storage. Brilliant!

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  I love my RAV4 - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By Massage Therapist - March 3 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle in April 1998 so I could make out calls. My massage table fits so easily in the back, as does groceries and luggage. The car has taken me and my friend on many out of town trips. I have never had any mecanical problem. I have only done routine maintenance.There are no rattles nor are there any cracks in the dash. This is my 6th vechile and by far the best one Ive owned.

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  Now Were Talkin Coupe Again - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Now Im Driven - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Yes! We just purchased a Toyota Camry Solara SE V6 coupe and got a great out- the-door-deal. That aside, the engine is smooth as silk, the ride is quiet and not too harsh. We elected to go with 16 in. aluminum wheels to avoid excessive tire wear. Back to the engine. It really is a sleeper. Like you may have read, its not the fastest coupe, but boy is it stronger than my 83 Pontiac Trans Am (175 hp) and it is certainly better built and more reliable based on Toyotas anal fixation with quality, fit, and comfort. Hurry and get yours before theyre all gone. We now own 2 Camrys (same color, sedan and coupe, 03 and 05 repsectively).

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  great truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By hoffman - March 3 - 10:00 am

  wounderfull 4X4 great work truck

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  Happy with my sienna - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By krisgopi - March 3 - 10:00 am

  So far so good. No complaints.

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  It Doesnt Get Any Better! - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By MISSRIA310 - March 3 - 8:03 am

  I mean its no Lexus but boy can this car go and go and its still going. It is now 15 years old with 136k miles. This is my first car and I have developed a special type of appreciation for it. I have never done anything except for the reg. maintenance, all of the parts are still original and my mechanic says it still has a long way to go. My uncle was the previous owner and he took great care of it. I am so impressed with Toyota that I wouldnt even consider another make. Why should I. This is a great first car and its great for college students like me. And another great thing, the body of the car doesnt look like that of a 92 model, it looks way newer than it is.

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  2WD is fine with Traction Control option - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By TomGab - March 3 - 7:30 am

  Im extremely happy with my purchase two years later. Vehicle performs flawlessly in the snow and ice of the Massachusetts Berkshires. Insist on traction control options if you live in a similar locale, they have done the job consistently for me. Meanwhile, I get the mileage advantages of a 2WD power train. Seats are a little thin but not uncomfortable.