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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  Toyota Corolla S - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Renee Ortiz - July 14 - 9:50 pm

  The Corolla S gets excellent gas mileage, which makes for a great commuter car. Its really fun to drive and has a smooth, comfortable ride. Ive received many good complimants from numerous passangers. With the S edition, you not only have fun driving this car, but you also do it in style. Who could have guessed that a Corolla could look this sporty and sharp? I absolutely love my Corolla S and would definitly buy another one if I was looking for a new car. I have had no problems with the car so far.

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  Excellent Choice - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By veleven - July 14 - 5:53 pm

  I just bought this car and couldnt be happier. Traded in a 2001 Accord EX with 4 cyl. Love the ride and the quiet. Wanted 6 cylinders and leather so opted for the SE since I didnt want the faux wood interior, very happy.

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  Very pleasant to drive long distances - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By gagrice - July 14 - 3:43 am

  As a confirmed Toyota hater, I was surprised at how much I liked this vehicle. Not sure how long I will keep it. I wanted a diesel Mercedes. I did not like the MB 7 speed transmission. This is MUCH smoother and less intrusive.

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  Great Buy - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By kim - July 13 - 10:16 pm

  I was bugging my husband for a new TRUCK. We went to the dealership - looked at what they had in stock and was told that there was a shipment coming in the following day. He returned to the dealership and brought home my new toy - I LOVE IT!

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  Outstanding Car - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By Elizabeth - July 13 - 8:50 pm

  We bought this car used with 34,000 miles on it in 2001, now in 2006 it has 120,000 and shows no signs of wearing out anytime soon. Transmission glides, engine is strong, interior is elegant and comfortable and gas mileage is 31 on the highway. The trunk is huge and the seats feel like your sitting in your favorite chair at home. The only thing Ive had done is regular repairs and the air conditioning was charged this year, thats it!

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  My Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Karen - July 13 - 6:40 pm

  Funnest car that Ive ever had! Plenty of power, great milage, plenty of room inside. Now that this technology exists, I cant imagine why another car of any type should be built without it.

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  22k Miles and Still Loving my Matrix - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By mst3kzz - July 13 - 6:00 pm

  Was deciding between the Vibe, Mazda3, Mazda6, Passat, and Matrix. Decided on the Vibe/Passat based on price, gas mileage and test drives, then chose the Matrix because I started to prefer its style over the Vibe. Love the Matrix, kicks the crap out of my old 99 Chevy Metro which got a little better MPG, had no acceleration, but was a great college car (cheap and reliable). Love the storage space. I have been keeping a complete record of the gas mileage since I got the car and it gets an average of 28 MPG (the way I drive), but is capable of getting up to 33 MPG (if you drive really efficiently).

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  Problems so far - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Donald - July 13 - 1:43 pm

  Overall I am very pleased with my Camry SE, though I did just have it in the shop for a creak in the seat which Toyota is aware of. Toyota did a TSB on the seat, which did not fix the problem. So Toyota had to replace the seat assembly. Other than that, no other problems to report. Still a great car to own and drive.

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  Best all around 4wd SUV! 27mpg! - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By TK - July 13 - 8:20 am

  I have owned over 30 cars in the last 11 years-- many lux/sporters as well as 6 SUVs--suburban, 2 mits monteros, suzuki, 2 pilots and a Honda ridgeline too. I had always thought the 4runners were over priced--until I found a used 2008 Toyota certified one owner 45k mile sr5 in Denver for ~$22k. Very impressed with the ergonomic/practical design AND I actually get 22+ mpg in city and 27+mpg on highway!!---puts my Honda pilot and any other full sized SUVs to shame. None better! Now I know why they are so popular.

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  Like my Camry - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By John - July 13 - 3:06 am

  Never a single problem.