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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  2006 Camry XLE - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By TCAM - October 26 - 11:26 am

  Purchased 2006 XLE with options GU and HD. Car rides smooth and excellent handling . Placement of audio controls on steering good idea bad location ( should be at 3 oclock or 9 oclock) not 5 and 7.

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  Livin the Dream - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Brian B. - October 26 - 9:43 am

  Made the switch from driving a 2006 6-cyl. RAV4 Ltd to my new Prius 3 wks ago. My first hybrid experience has gone pretty well so far. Purchased the technology pkg with my vehicle, but have come to believe that the added features are not worth the extra cost. Took a little while to adjust to digital speedometer location, but I love the futuristic design of the upfront cabin area. Leather seats are comfortable, with height adjustment on drivers seat appreciated. DVD nav system has led me astray occasionally. Ride with 17" tires is reasonable, but youll get jostled inside on rougher roads. Interior noise can become extensive depending on the road surface. Audio system is avg, at best.

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  Interior Concerns - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Jask001 - October 26 - 5:23 am

  Great car and lots of fun. I purchased the NL package but I should have considered leather seats because of the current material. It seems to be a velour type material that stains and retains... currently at 45-46 MPG

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  Get An Avalon Instead Of A Camry! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Mike - October 26 - 2:10 am

  To start, I have three cars and all are Toyotas. I have 2000 Toyota Avalon XLS, a 2006 Toyota Avalon limited and a 2007 Toyota Camry LE. I do not recommend a Camry at all because it has too many flaws. Styling is bland, the engine isnt strong at all, and the car doesnt deliver good comfort while driving it. Furthermore, the steering feel is awful and so is the handling. My Avalons are far bigger yet, they have better handling and driving cars than this Camry. The seats arent comfortable either. I dont like driving this car at all because it drives awfully. Instead of purchasing a 4cyl Camry or even a 6cyl model, I truly recommend an Avalon XL which is a far better car all around.

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  Most expensive car I have ever bought - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By drayton_cross - October 25 - 2:13 pm

  I purchased this vehicle one year used with 30,000 miles on it. At first, I enjoyed the vehicle but after the brakes went out, the transmission went out at 70,000 miles, and the interior began to peel away, I decided that the vehicle did not meet my expectations. Despite following all suggested maintenance, the vehicle continued to have serious mechanical failures. The day that the brakes went out frightened me pretty badly. Based on my experience, I dont plan on owning another Corolla.

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  2004 Toyota Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Desarae - October 25 - 12:36 pm

  This has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned! I keep up with the recommended maintenance and have NEVER had a problem. The oxygen sensor had to be replaced but that was covered under the warranty. At 73,000 miles, I am still running the original tires (with every other oil change rotation). Sometimes after a check-up, the tire pressure sensor light comes on (on the dashboard) and has to be reset. This usually only happens when the tires are rotated. My Highlander is a Katrina survivor. It survived 4 feet of water (NONE in the engine or interior) and a 30 foot pine tree ($8,000 in damage). We have been considering adding a Hybrid to the family.

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  The good and the bad... - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By JayReddy - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Overall the car is great. I bought it with expectation for Toyotas quality. After have 6 other Toyota. The power train is flawless. My only issue is that I have to remind myself this is a truck Im driving. The ride is rough. The kids complained the back bounced around alot. This could be a problem with long family trips.

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  Its a GoKart with Kick - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Spyder Man - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my MR2 Spyder since they first were released back in 6/00 and I was impressed with the exotic look of the body design and for the fact that it is a convertable. The car drives and makes turns like it was riding a rails. I have heard through rumors only that toyota might be making one with a Super Charger in it as well they should to enhance the performance of this Sports Car the way God had intended Sports Cars to be

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  Better than a Ford - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By prevaly - October 25 - 10:00 am

  This car is the most reliable car out there. I had this car for a long time. It never gave me any problem. I did not have to change anything on this car. I had the car oil change every 4,000 miles and it still run smoothly. I had a 98 ford before and it gave me nothing but problem. if you want reliable car pick a toyota.

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  Perfect on gas - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By Husam - October 25 - 10:00 am

  My first new car, after months of research. Accesstoyota is the best system, straight forward, excellent milage, I recommend to everyone.