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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  Why buy Lexus? - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By ltjggillespie - March 18 - 2:20 am

  I had spent weeks researching different sport-luxury sedans including: TL, G35, Azera, Maxima, and ES330 but had never considered the Camry until we saw it up close and personal. This is not your fathers camry! Other than the name sake, why would I spend another $10,000 plus for an ES330. This has most of the same amenities including a 268 HP engine, similar low-depreciation, and a 440 watt sound system (which is the best factory system I have ever heard, better than TL 5.1 even). Honestly, if youre in the market for one of the above models, do yourself a favor and take a look at the Camry; I dont think you will be disappointed and youll have another $5,000 to $10,000 to spend elsewhere.

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  Excellent Car - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Excellent Car - March 17 - 2:43 am

  This is an exceptional vehicle from the outside styling to the inside floor plan. Easy to carry 4 big adults including height. We take our car on the road and what a wonderful way to travel, easy to carry your luggage with the seats down and a clothes rod in the back. Recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for simple, quality and a good investment.

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  Camry LE V6 - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By James - March 17 - 2:40 am

  I have Toyota and BMW cars. For the price, this Camry is a better buy than BMW. It does everything well as BMW except handling. Among my Toyotas, this is the 1st one that Ive felt fast.

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Jerry - March 16 - 11:20 pm

  I have had my Highlander for 11 months and have little over 12,000 miles. The car is great to drive it handles better then any if my previous SUVs (Suburban, 4 Runner, 2002 Highlander Limited). The mileage in town (all city driving) is between 23.5 to 25. There is a sweet spot for the EV at 35-40 MPH.

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  Very nice car - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By cleveland,ohio - March 16 - 9:40 pm

  i have 189,000 and i bought this 2 years ago from a 2 owner and the for 1700 hundred dollars car has a small oil leak but thats ok a put cv joints on it 8 months ago and just put sway bar links 2 days ago and a year ago put strut on all the around and change timing belt a year ago very clean car and i will by one more. get one soon.

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  Almost perfect - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Tony - March 16 - 9:26 pm

  We live up a winding country road with a 55 mph speed limit ... at the suggested tire pressures with the supplied tires the car still tends to "wallow" through the curves. Increasing the pressure to 40 front, 38 back helps. Road noise is a big disappointment ... going freeway speeds over "gravel cement" pavement creates a harmonic roar that needs to be muffled. I would have been happy with more insulation, less mileage. Ford Fusion hybrid was much quieter. Everything else is great... maybe using better tires will solve the above problems.

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  Small issues - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By king - March 16 - 2:36 pm

  Prior to purchasing a 2006 Corolla, I had a 1991 model for 15 years. I loved it so I wanted another. I have only had the 2006 for a few months, but I wanted to give a review after my first trip to the service department at 6,000+ miles. The trim on the roof was coming loose at one end. The initial prognosis by the service department technician was to replace as this occurs occasionally. They instead glue it down (something I could have done). The second issue, which is more unacceptable, is a spot protruding under the carpet on the hump in the back seat area. I noticed the carpet wearing (at 6,000+ miles) and they said the protrusion is part of the carpeting and all corollas have it.

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  Disappointed - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Nashua NH - March 16 - 10:10 am

  Bought this car based on owning other Toyotas. After slowing down, transmission has to be "kicked" to speed up. Doesnt have quick pickup to pass or after complete stop. Visibility terrible due to airbags and head rests. Cant believe any engineer would pass these defects. All tires replaced 26,000 and two more a year later. Every maintenance appointment brings a new problem. Ride seems comfortable and gas mileage fairly good averaging 26 city and 30 open road. Not like my 1996 model, though.

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  great car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By aldkj - March 16 - 10:00 am

  this is a great car if you are looking for something that give you great mileage and camry size interior.

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  Nice - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By bhd - March 16 - 10:00 am

  We just drove our new SR5 on a 1500 mile vacation. The vehicle was great to drive. It was smooth, comfortable and had lots of power when passing. I couldnt wait to get back into the seat and drive it some more. I couldnt be happier with our choice of the Sequoia. I had to watch myself as I wouldnt be paying attention and I find myself doing 90 on the highway and it felt like 50. I really like this car.