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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  Third Camry - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By dave - January 9 - 1:23 pm

  Had some trouble initialy with a pulling to the left problem but it was corrected by the dealership. Had awful conntinental tires. Replaced them at Sams with Goodyears. It drove better than new. No other problems of note. Test drove all other cars in Camrys price range and slightly above. None even came close to the tight sound and comfort of Camrys quality.

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  A Great Automobile - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Bill B - January 9 - 7:46 am

  I have owned 30+ cars in my life and this is by far the best one of all! I bought the whole "package" leather, sun roof, and nav system. My first long trip (325 miles) with only 1000 on the odometer I got a remarkable 40.1 mpg! Considering the comfort of the ride, the safety features, the fact that I was driving a 3600 lb+ auto and getting that kind of mileage, was truly impressive! Oh and did I mention that since driving it off of the lot, that I havent had a single problem!

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  Return to Reliability - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Ralph - January 8 - 1:23 pm

  Ive had my Corolla S for two weeeks now and really, really like it. Its comfortable, very quiet and, yes, its actually fun to drive. Personally, I like the way the steering feels, and I like the position of the clock (and other trip information). I drive 250 miles a day (yeah, Im nuts), and do mostly high speed Interstate driving. This thing keeps up with no problems, and the fuel economy is great. Smart move on my part.

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  Its simply amazing - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Matt D. - January 8 - 12:13 pm

  The Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition is simply an amazing vehicle. I have owned the car for just over six months now I could not have asked for anything more! It runs like a Lexus but has the price of Toyota. The interior is stunning with a slick exterior to make the vehicle aesthetically pleasing. The engine runs magnificently with good pickup and a smooth ride. Off the road the shocks are perfect! The ride is soft but you can still feel a little bit of vibration, a true sport vehicle. I have driven and owned many other SUVs in the past but this one is certainly at the top of the list. It is simply amazing!!

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  New Yaris Owner - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Bill - January 6 - 3:40 pm

  New owner of a 2008 Yaris. Always loved Toyotas. This one is no exception. Great handling, good gas mileage, which is so important in todays market. Priced right. It is well worth a trip to your Toyota dealer to test drive this vehicle.

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  my celica - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By the_craze_one - January 6 - 10:00 am

  i enjoy driving it. one down fall to the car that i have found is the blind spots, due to small windows and side mirrors. the only other down fall to the car is the limited leg room for the backseat. besides that this is an excellent car.

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  Big Toy Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By jbeasley - January 6 - 10:00 am

  My third toyota and the most fun to drive of all. Everything was working upon delivery and continues at the same performance. I found no flaws , defects and everything fit(no gaps).

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  Reliability problem - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Tycam - January 6 - 10:00 am

  At 2000 miles and 2 1/2 months ownership, cars power steering pump failed while driving with a friend on a trip to Florida. Three months later charcoal canaster was leaking and needed to be replaced. Enjoy everything about the car, am considering replacing it due to reliability. I need a car that is dependable.

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  So Far So good - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By miapoet - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I researched extensively before going to test drive Escapes, Libertys & the RAV4. Right after driving the RAV4, I bought it. The heck with the others! I think the engine is peppy enough & the gas mileage is comparable to the Ford Focus I traded. It rides good and looks stylish, sporty and cute. I now have a lot more room and the first day I made sure it could cross the creek to my favorite campsite! No problem!

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  WOW!! This is what I was looking for. - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By trophycat - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Really wasnt looking to buy, but after a test drive I found myself sitting at the table with a salesman working on numbers. I was impressed with the new V6 engine and the quietness of the cabin at speeds. Vehicle had all the features we were looking for which came standard.