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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  Its been a good car. - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Ken Santo - July 24 - 1:06 am

  Just went over 100k miles last year and except for an oil leak its been pretty reliable.

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  Great Truck! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Steve - July 23 - 11:23 pm

  It came down to either this truck, or a Dodge Ram and I jumped at the HUGE rebate offered back when gas was over $4 a gallon. The exterior and interior look similar (better IMHO) to the Dodge. Everyone, to include Dodge, Chevy and Ford owners love my truck. The MSRP was over $32K and I got it for ~$24 with TTT, running bars and a 10 year 100K miles Bumper to Bumper warranty. The only 2 things I dislike are the MPG and the CHEAP radio. I drove a Suburban previously, so I was use to the MPG plus, that was why I saved over $8000. The radio also was the standard one and there was no way I would pay for the Limited package. Almost 18,000 miles and only had to get the radio replaced.

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  King of the Hill - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Cruiser - July 23 - 5:33 pm

  Styling and optional equipment make the FJ Cruiser a best buy. Its about time that an SUV appears free of the gingerbread but equipped with the bells and whistles. This is not your Moms take the kids to soccer practice SUV. The FJ is the real deal.

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  New Hybrid owner - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Lawson - July 23 - 4:33 pm

  I bought one of the first Camry hybrids sold in my area. I have owned many cars, including two porsche 911s, and have never been happier about a car. I was not expecting to be excited about this car, I bought it to try to do my part for the environment/oil shortage. I am now excited. Its handling is exceptional, the mileage is better than advertised, it is well made and quiet. We traveled over 600 miles on our first 14 gallon tank of gas, and I am told the mileage will get better. Finally, and I never expected this of a Camry, we are getting much complimentary attention on this car, even having strangers come up as we fill or park the car.

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  Prius is just about perfect - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By LDb - July 23 - 12:23 pm

  The car has more legroom and headroom,than my 2003 Camry. It is a relaxing and responsive road car. It handles the city-drive easily. I will only trade in this Prius on the 2009 which Toyota announced will get 100 mpg and cost less.

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  Last Gas Powered vechicle I will Buy. - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By FAMILYOF5 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  It`s 2003, I truly believe my truck will serve my family until 2020.200K+ Then I will go buy some solar powered SUV Toyota makes.

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  My sweetheart - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By silvenshadow - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven it HARD for 30,000 mi and it runs flawlessly. Not a 0-60 or a 1/4mi car, but with a skidpad of over .9g it caresses the curves. Balence is excellent. The difference between oversteer, and understeer is only a blip or brake away. Not scary-fast, and the #1 reason I got it: Its the most beautiful thing on the road IMO. Looking for speed-thrills? look elsewhere. Its just a pure experience. I dont need to go past 135mph anyway. And a note to anyone like me: Considering buying one because she shines like a diamond? The feel and spirit of the car will make up for any shortcomings. Ive had mine for 10mo and she still takes my breath away.

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  95 camry - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Iamunsain - July 23 - 10:00 am

  The toyota camry is a great midsize sedan. I have pretty good automotive experience and find the camry to be a good, reliable car. The horsepower is somewhat underdone...at interstate speeds acceleration into higher speeds is slow. At lower speeds, acceleration is fairly good due to excellent torque from the engine. It is fun to drive, gets good mileage, and has good style to it.

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  All around good car - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By AdamT180 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Corolla for nearly 2 years and have not had any major problems. It is a durable and reliable small sedan that can handle both city streets and rural highways with ease. The 4 cylinder engine provides adequete power and gets excellent gas mileage. The 4-speed automatic transmission is smooth. The rear seating area is tight, but otherwise the interior is comfortable and sturdy.

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  Best Car I Ever Owned! - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By SunnyinGalveston - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I have had several cars over the years, but, this Toyota Corolla LE is the best car ever! Ive had oil changes and new tires to sum up the maintenance on this vehicle since I bought it. Ive had terrible luck with all my past cars even though I maintained them as the manual instructed. Ive bought new cars and used cars and never had such success and maintenance free experience as I have with my Corolla.