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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  A good move.. - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By mrnat - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I have been very happy with this car. I mean this is a car...Once inside of the quite, it is very quite and outside noise is limited. I own a Chevy Prizm, prior to this, which is same as Corolla, and there is no comparsion. If you want a good car.........This is the way to go...

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  Exceptional automobile - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Stewn - May 13 - 8:36 pm

  At this point (500 miles) I am extremely pleased with the 2007 Camry Hybrid. Fuel economy in mixed driving has ranged from 34.5 to 37 miles per gallon which to me is more than acceptable. The car is completely loaded including leather, moonroof and NAV system. The handling and performance have been more than adequate and the fit and finish are superb.

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  Granny pleased - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By Judge - May 13 - 8:33 pm

  The 8 Passenger sold my wife It can haul all of our grand kids and the mid seat that positions foreward is great for the 14 mo old to be accessed while driving and hold car seat. It has been getting over 24 mpg on the road. Fits in the garage better also.

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  Cheap interior - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Alberto - May 13 - 3:10 pm

  This truck has a very cheap interior. The seats are very uncomfortable and the seating position if poor. I,m dissatisfied with this truck, and very disappointed after all the hype and good things I,ve heard about this truck before I bought it. I am definately going to sell it or trade for a truck with a better interior and more comfort. I am not impressed with the gas mileage either, with 19-20 miles per gallon around town.

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  Great car!!! - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Pete - May 13 - 1:03 pm

  Bought mine new in 2000 and have had a no major problems with this car. After 7 years still runs smooth for a 4 cylinder. Love the power and reliability and performance. Great with gas mileage.

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  Tire Destroyer - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By Jeff - May 13 - 11:22 am

  Dont by a AWD Sienna until Toyota figures out how to fix the problem with tire wear. I had to replace all four Run Flat Tires at 15,000 miles. My one year old vehicle wouldnt even pass inspection. The tire tread wear was uneven. The dealer said it was initially alignment issues, which was not the case. Bridgestone pro-rated the tires and helped me with the replacement cost, while Toyota did nothing. Bridgestone indicated that this is a manufacturing problem based on how the tires are wearing down. Additionally, they indicated that this is a big problem on the Sienna only. They have helped customers with pro rating tires, but Toyota is not helping. Its a family vehicle and to have a problem like this boils down to $$ and safety. The fact that Toyota has done nothing to fix this problem is a red flag for me. Each tire is about $260 to replace and to only get 15,000 miles out of the first set is a problem. At this rate, I will put 4 sets of tires on the van by the time my lease is up after only 3 years.

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  Problems with 4 Runners/Toyotas - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By Marion Saffell - May 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd, & my last Toyota! The 1st, we had to sell at at loss with 96000 mi.,with a cracked head. 2 years later, they had a recall on that model for that. This one has fumes in the cockpit; made me very sick going to our cabin twice, before I figured it out! Dealer says fuel injectors going out, over $400 per, (after they get inside, dont know how many, however, they may continue to go out). Also, clutch going out, our 2nd or 3rd on this car! Have had many gear problems! Not going to spend that much to repair. We just spent $1611 on a tuneup. Are there any recalls on these problems?

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  susies star - 1999 Toyota Avalon
  By susan skinsch - May 13 - 10:00 am

  car is very reliable-economical and comfortabl

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  Smoooooth Solara - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Chop100 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I traded-in a 2000 Volvo S70 for the Solara. The Solara wasnt on my radar screen but the salesman suggested I try it and I was impressed from the get-go. It doesnt take corners like a sports car, but the overall performance with the new 157 hp 4 cyl is surprisingly good.

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  A great overall vehicle - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By zaxer - May 13 - 10:00 am

  As a VW loyalist, it was hard to look beyond the VW dealership when I started looking for my next vehicle. Yet, after looking through their offerings, I knew I had to fairly reconsider some of the competition. VWs have increased in price since reinvigoating the brand with the "New Beetle". The 2 models I seriously considered (Golf & Jetta) had cramped back seats and werent places I would choose to spend on a short road trip. Enter the Matrix, albeit funky looks (love it or hate it), the utility of the vehicle was a big seller. Nice leg room in the back seats for my average 60 height, mileage is good, comfortable seating position, all for a decent price.