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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  Camry versus Accord - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Vincent T. - April 28 - 10:00 am

  I own both a 2003 Accord EX V6 and a Camry SE V6. Both are very well built vehicles. I am more impressed with the Camry because it drives better and overall a better built car. For about 25k, the Accord has a lot more options like dual temperature control, heated seats, and passenger power seat.

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  Top rating for 2005 Corolla - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Lorken220 - April 28 - 10:00 am

  I really like everything about the new Corollas. I had a 2000 CE and traded it in for the 2005 CE. Performance continues to be great and will expect another 200,000 miles on this vehicle. I like the newer body style, color selections and comfort. Many more things standard than they had in 2000 and affordable.

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  Uncomparable Reliabilty beyond extremes - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By denzPT - April 28 - 6:10 am

  This car stability was awesome, in extremes weather of -40 degree F during winter, it will cruise to a 12-14 inches of snow (without winter tires). Question of mileage? 29-30 mpg city & 36-37mpg highway... what can you ask for? Side curtain air-bag, TMPs, day-light running time, spacious leg room, wide trunk space, 6 CD changer, good AC/defroster, power locks/window, variable windshield wiper control & the fuel consuming cruise control, excellent brake against crossing moose & deers, and good suspension. Corolla rocks beyond expectations!!!

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  Gotta love it - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By russ - April 27 - 11:46 pm

  Weve only had this car for a week . My wife absolutely loves it .By far a well improved car. The ride is wonderful and it handles great . If your looking for acceleration consider the v-6 . We have the 4 cylinder and its does good but its no speed demon .

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  Very Pleased Prius Owner - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By VeryPleasedPriusOwne - April 27 - 11:43 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for a few months now and am extremely pleased with its performance. Average consistently 50-55mpg (city) and 55-58 (highway). A very quiet vehicle (especially at lights when the engine is off and one hears nothing), very roomy, back seats fold for extra room for storage. Love the energy consumption display, encourages efficient driving and increases awareness of better driving! The energy display also helps learn mpg over a historic period of time. The vehicle is not an especially powerful car and is no sports car, but then again, its a hybrid. The Prius is a great buy for these high gas price times!

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  Camry still living up to its reputation - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Chris - April 27 - 11:30 pm

  This is the second Camry I have owned, having previously driven a 1992 model. The Camry is built incredibly well, gets 30 mpg on the highway, and is large enough to comofrtably seat 5 people. The large trunk is also nice, and the many extra, basic features makes it great to drive. Id get the 6 cd changer, but thats my only complaint. That should tell you something.

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  Happy but can be happier - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By John - April 27 - 9:33 pm

  We have only owned for one month its much better than we thought it would be. At 62 215 I have enough head room in front seat but not the back, my wife is 53" so she is fine. Average 49mpg, happy with that. It is worth the money.

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  Ugly but beautiful - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Mike - April 27 - 9:16 pm

  I always thought the 02 Camrys were ugly as sin, but I dont care about that when I buy cars anyway. In every other way this car is absolutely superb. Im at 112k miles with no significant problems. Only major expense so far was timing belt swap but that was a maintenance item not a repair. With the 4 cylinder engine the pickup is acceptable and the mileage is extremely good considering it is a pretty decent sized car. Im going to go to about 200k on this one and then buy another new Camry - I suppose Im due around 2011 or so. Engine light just went on last week and the code says its the catalytic - that will be a little expensive but cant complain at this mileage.

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  Over 100,000 miles and no rattles - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By NOLA lady - April 27 - 7:36 pm

  This is the most dependable vehicle Ive ever driven. When we evacuated NOLA during Hurricane Katrina, we left the vehicle parked in our driveway (we evacuated in my husbands newer model 4-Runner). Mine sat in over a foot of water for at least a week and was hit by flying debris (probably part of our roof). When I started it up three weeks later, the engine turned right over; I was one of the only people on my street who just got in the car and drove it away. Since then, weve dealt with canyon-sized NOLA pot- holes, street debris, and true off- road conditions every day. Not a problem. She has cosmetic battle scars, but not a single rattle. 113,000 miles and going strong.

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  45K on my 04 Sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By harryliuusa - April 27 - 2:26 pm

  Just passed 45K on my 04 Sequoia, It hurts to drive into gas station. Except that, I dont have too much complaint. It is roomy, comfortable (the best comfortable seats on cars I ever owned), quiet BUT clumsy. What can I complain? It is a BIG SUV, of course, it wont drive/handle as easy as Accord... I would like to see it acclerate a little faster at traffic light. Feel like grandpa when light turns green.