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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  Great Balance - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Willy - April 17 - 12:20 am

  We traded in our 2002 Monte Carlo SS two weeks ago for this Corolla S. My main motivation was gas mileage. I didnt expect to find a car that can get 35 mpg and zip up the mountains where I live. I carpool with my wife to work 35 miles each way and it is a comfortable, quiet ride. The car has enough power to climb the hills and handles great through the back roads. I thought I would be sorry letting the Monte Carlo go, but with the S I can still "play" when the mood hits. Oh, my wife almost got a speeding ticket... over 100 mph! Thank goodness the highway patrol was busy with someone else! If this car lives up to the Toyota name over the next 7 years, as I expect, Ill be very happy.

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  Just Drive It and Decide - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By AC - April 16 - 1:56 pm

  Ive had the XLE V6 since Nov 06 (15,000 miles) and want to throw in my comments. Most of all I want to address the hesitation issue so many people are whining about. There is definitely a hesitation when stepping down on the gas. It doesnt exist when using the shifter and seems to be part of the Camry "feel". I dont consider it a defect, but Im sure my driving style has adjusted slightly from my Mazda3 days. If you keep in mind that the Camry is a comfort car, you may even enjoy the experience. I havent seen any Camrys causing accidents on TV. Have you? Bottom line: If you want a race car, dont get a Camry. Go test drive the car and decide for yourself.

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  Swagger wagon - 2012 Toyota Sienna
  By Frank - April 16 - 8:47 am

  Great for families

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  Great car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Matilda - April 16 - 6:06 am

  Great midsize hybrid. I test drove the Accord and the Camry and the Camry seats much nicer and looks better too. It rides well, handles easily, comfortable inside (my father in law is 63" and sits well). It took some practice to learn to drive it optimally, but I do get an average of 41 mpg on the freeway at 70 mph. If the traffic is bad, I get up to 55 mpg in bumper-to-bumper traffic! I drive it 40 miles a day on the freeway and is definitely worth the money. If you want a comfortable midsize hybrid, this is definitely worth a test drive. I would buy it again.

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  Great little gas saver. - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Scott Gorbet - April 15 - 12:26 pm

  You really have to drive one to believe it. We were looking to buy the 2009 Corolla but after driving both, the Prius was the clear choice for us. We are averaging 48.34 mpg and what a fun little car to drive. We took a 160 mile round trip on the 2nd day we had it and were very pleased with the comfort and performance on the open road. If you are looking for a gas saver be sure to test drive one before buying a gas powered sub compact, and compare total cost to own and warranty.

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  THE AWESOME ECHO - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By *PrincessHeather* - April 15 - 10:00 am

  The ECHO is a great car. its little, stylish, and very good on gas milage. i would recommend it to any parents buying a car for their teenager. i remember the 1st time i saw an echo...i was in love. though the wind might affect it, its not that hard to control. with the echo you really get alot for your money. i think that the fact that i could have had almost anycar i wanted (except maybe a Lamborghini) and i chose the ECHO, speaks very highly of it. The Rio, Accent, Focus, or Neon have nothing on the ECHO, i truely believe that its the best car of the 21st century.

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  The Good and Bad... mostly Good - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By IrvineGuy - April 15 - 10:00 am

  This car excels in being reliable, dependable, and performance. It has good visibility with no measurable blind spots. Seats seem to be made for smaller framed people. Feels like Im sitting on a stool. Right elbow doesnt reach the armrest in the drivers position. I rated the quality a 7, even though I think the engine quality is excellent, the exterior quality of the metal is weak. A slight tap on the panels will create a dent.

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  Gregs Toyota - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By gregvx - April 15 - 10:00 am

  All round great truck, Ive had fords and chevs, this one beats em all!!!

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  Fun Car - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Bob - April 15 - 2:16 am

  I had my choices narrowed down to a Camry XLE four cylinder and the six cylinder Solara Sport. The dealer was offering them both at the same price and I was leaning towards the Camry in my head and the Solara in my heart. I could not go wrong either way. Ive had the Solara for a month LOVE it! The ride and handling are great and I really like the looks both inside and out. The power is great, but I also dont mind the DC rush hours when it is stop and go. I will recommend the car to anybody who asks.

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  i love my SCARLET! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Gina - April 14 - 11:16 pm

  Overall, the driving is spectacular. its very comfortable and easy to drive, which was unexpected because im a girl. It was a little scary turning the corners because its a tall vehicle compared to the small car i was driving before, but i just need to remember to not drive too fast and to turn the corners softer. the fuel lasts longer than most other trucks do, but maybe thats because its a bit smaller than the other larger trucks out on the market.