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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  OUTSTANDING TOP TO BOTTOM - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By PETENAMYT - December 5 - 2:00 am

  We had a 99 4 Runner, and at the time thought it was the greatest, now that weve had our 2003 for a few weeks we cant believe how much it has been improved. Its bigger, faster, quieter and more comfortable, and the price from what I can tell is actually lower even though its an 8 and not a 6.

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  EXCELLENT CAR - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By VAIL - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I drove this car early this summer and loved the feel of the car. It remind me of the 1998 camry for feel and confort. Excellent car and add toyota reliability.

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  Great car!! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Nickie - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I just bought the Corolla LE - it is wonderful! It drives and feels just like luxury car. It has great pep and styling. The interior is huge for a compact car, a lot bigger that the 2002 model.

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  Former Corolla Owner - This Feels Like Real Luxury - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By steve6206 - December 5 - 12:08 am

  2012 Camry SE. I must be different because I find the exterior quite elegant, not at all humdrum like the Honda and Hyundai offerings. Interior is very spacious, especially in the rear and even with the front seat fairly far back. Overall fit and finish is excellent (especially the leather), everything lines up nicely. One quibble is the plastic with the metal finish behind the gear box, could have been a little more robust, doesnÂ’t give off a solid sound when tapping on it. Ride is very smooth, engine whisper quiet and there was no wind noise (some people reported this). I like the "ECO" feature (which you can disable), with some practice IÂ’ve been able to keep it on quite a bit, canÂ’t wait to see the mileage. For the price, more car than I expected.

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  Excellent! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Bill Barnes - December 4 - 5:13 pm

  This car has been a joy to own not only because of its reliability and functionality, but also because it is super fun to drive. We were amazed immediately at how stable and solid the car feels. I have no regrets at all.

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  240k runs great! - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4everRunner - December 3 - 11:26 pm

  Purchased this truck two months ago and am very satisfied with it. The highway mpg is 20 but city driving returns terrible mileage, at about 14. Hesitant before finally deciding to buy due to its high mileage, but after starting driving, it is very satisfying, particularly the engine. Some interior rattling over bumps but highway cruising is fairly pleasant. 4WD is noticeably more smooth and accelerate more powerfully than rear wheel drive, but probably consumes more gas. Perhaps due to its high mileage, when 4WD is engaged, the turning of front wheels cant reach maximum angle. I plan to drive until the truck dies - if gas price allows.

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  Jeep to Prius: Great! Even in the Snow - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By mjacks - December 2 - 9:06 pm

  I must admit that my biggest concern about trading my Jeep for a Prius was the extreme Chicago winters. Yes, the clearance is much lower, but I never once missed work because I could get through the snow. The interior is roomy and very well laid out. While it wont win any drag races, it has more than enough power to drive comfortably in any traffic condition. I will definitely buy another for my next car.

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  Please Change The Name - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Prog - December 2 - 8:20 pm

  I am a long time Toyota owner and a first time Corolla XRS owner. I am a male in my late 20s and for how agressive and clean the car looks, the name evokes a complete opposite response from people. Everyone thinks it is a weak chick mobile. I wish Toyota would keep the platform, change the name and market the car more like the Civic. Anyway, the bottom line is I wanted a car that got great gas mileage, carried 5 passengers, has decent speed, is reliable, and looked good. It was the smart choice due to unforeseeable gas prices, but unless your friends, family, or peers know what the new XRS looks like, they will think you drive that old school rollerskate.

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  Quantum Leap - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Lawrence B. Lame - December 2 - 4:26 pm

  I have driven Camrys for 20+ years. My 07 Camry LE V6 is clearly superior to any prior Camry. While the 03 was roomy and comfortable, the steering and handling were very vague. The 07 tightens the ride and improves the steering noticably. The interior is upgraded markedly, and although there is a bit less headroom, the added telescoping feature of the steering wheel combined with the greater travel of the seat (which is even more comfortable than the 03s) yields greater comfort. The engine is smooth, quiet and powerful. The transmission is seamless and, with six forward gears, the engine is virtually never strained in ordinary driving. I like the exterior styling (see in darker colors).

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  1st SUV - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Tina - December 2 - 11:00 am

  This is the first SUV I have ever owned and I would have to say its a wonderful car, I previoulsy owned 2 Civics but I do really like this truck. Its not too big or too small for me being only 5 tall. Plenty of room for my 2 dogs and they do love sticking their head out the back window. Purchased it with 118k mi and its a little over 120k, have only owned it for 2 mo. The cupholders did keep my tea warm/hot for the 1/2hr drive to work. The original stereo (soon to be replaced) still has some kick to it. The front leather seats little tattered, think it was pretty beat up from the prev. owner. But awesome truck in all!!!!