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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  In heaven - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By steve - November 14 - 12:40 pm

  Well, maybe not in heaven but very close. Averaging 36 mpg mixed city, highway with 1500 on the odometer. The a/c is a blast and so are the cvt transmission, audio system, brakes, steering, and everything about the car. Wow factor - was just stopped pulling out of a parking lot by a couple. They were wondering why they did not hear any engine noise. When they realized the Camry was a hybrid they wanted to know all about the car & couldnÂ’t get over its looks. Frankly, after 2 months, neither can I. Seat comfort, layout, headroom all are tops. Frankly, you really have to scrape the barrel to even find something you canÂ’t give a 10 to. Toyota has a keeper. Oh, the $2600 tax credit aint bad either.

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  Avalon Limited - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Avalonbuyer - November 14 - 11:50 am

  The 2005 Avalon Limited is a great vehicle at the right price. Lots of luxury accessories; smooth and quite ride; lots of interior room; and lots of truck space.

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  Reliable and Solid - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By SHICKS - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 2002 sr5 for 2 years problem free. I have 35k miles and it runs and drives like day one. No squeaks or rattles anywhere. Only one complaint aside from it being outdated, but I knew that when I bought it. The engine is weak. It is very smooth and has good low end torque, but lacks on the highway. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a rugged truck like suv.

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  97 Tacoma 4x4, 2.7L - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By knut - November 14 - 10:00 am

  This truck is a great value. Its tough, dependable, reliable, and considering these trucks are "Built to last" many years, the slightly higher price is well worth it. Very low and easy maintenance- have owned since new (currently 135K mi), mainly just change oil, add gas, and drive!!. The only repairs of concern were A/C and a new fuel injector. The 4cyl. manual is suprisingly powerful, the hauling capacity is "at least" 1/2 ton, and the 4x4 system is, from what Ive heard...superior to all others. Right now for small trucks, the Tacoma is the only one Id consider.

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  everyone needs one - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By hediedforus - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. Drives great. You gotta drive one!

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  room to grow - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By jama15 - November 14 - 10:00 am

  this car could have a little more leg room,they should listen to american airlines,"more leg room is better".im 6;0 tall and just about fit.is not cramp but could used more room.the manual seat adjustments is cheap too.for the price i paid i expected more like a full size spear tire.

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  Great car! - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By lauree - November 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Corolla, and wouldnt buy anything but a Toyota. These cars are extremely reliable. With just under 100000 miles, Ive only had to change my starter, and that was a few months ago.

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  First foreign car purchase - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Matthew Rosenberger - November 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is very confortable to sit in and smooth on the road. I had a Cadillac and that car doesnt even compare. The car is quiet and workmanship is solid. I always heard that people who have Toyotas drive them many miles and that cant be cant be said about American made products. Im sold on Toyota!

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  Very Happy Owner - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By MikeQ - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Traded in 2001 Caravan Sport for 2004 Sienna CE. Wife is 51" and had problems driving/parking the Caravan. No such problems with the Sienna. Plenty of power. Great fuel economy. Quiet ride. Great visibility. Front/rear wiper switches (all on one arm) can be confusing. Very happy with everything else.

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  Toyota Camry review - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Jil - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I have regularly had my Camry serviced and have had no problems. At 40,000 miles, it drives as smooth as ever. The Camry has a very relaxing feel to it, and because of its quality, will be reliable for years to come.