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:

• 

  Awesome car, but get rid of the SMELL! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By ColeyLongwood - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Ok, so I bought this car last August to get back and forth from college in ... which is a 3 hour drive. I LOVE driving this car. It has a sleek design and a great stereo system. The major problem I have with this car is the smell of sulfur. I cant figure out how to get rid of it ... and its quite embarassing when people ride with you and you have to explain its something under the car and its not you. Other than that, I will definitely buy another Corolla ... its a much nicer ride than the Cavalier I used to own.

• 

  Corolla S - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By oomonkeybuttoo - May 14 - 10:00 am

  My parents just recently bought me a 2004 toyota corolla type s,and my sister a 2004 toyota corolla LE.We got the cars through Carsdirect.com, where they were able to order the car with almost every feature we wanted, and for less!! My sister loves how the LE looks and drives, and i love the more sporty look, the corolla is definatly a car for many different personalities.

• 

  LOVE my 1997 RAV4 - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By teresa31 - May 13 - 9:57 pm

  I purchased my 97 Rav4 14 years ago with approximately 30,000 miles on it. Today it has 103,000 miles and is still going strong. The paint looks fantastic. The sunroof has never leaked. Seats still look great. It isnt a "peppy" driving vehicle but it is the most reliable car that Ive ever owned. It goes in ANY weather. The amount of storage with the seats down is unbelievable. In 14 years the only repair (other than scheduled maintenance) has been to replace the oil pump. Since they had to pull the motor I had all belts replaced at that time (at approx. 85,000 miles). Ive test driven a few newer vehicles with all the bells and whistles, but they dont compare to my 16 year old Toyota.

• 

  2004 Sienna XLE at 180,000 - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By jnykodym - May 13 - 9:52 pm

  This minivan still rides like a cloud. Relatively minor repairs and maintenance: new timing belt at 120,000 and a warranty replacement of the rear gate lift pistons. I will never go back to a small car. At 180,000 miles it runs like new. Very very very happy. I expect to get at least 300,000 out of this van, very comfortably.

• 

  Love My Yaris! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Karen - May 13 - 10:30 am

  I bought my Yaris about 2 months ago and so far it is meeting all my expectations. The dealer only had one lift-back and one sedan on the lot the day I was there. I chose the lift-back over the sedan because I didnt want a car that looked like every other car out there. This car is different - it draws a lot of attention. I love that this car is roomy and comfortable to drive. Compared to my last 2-dr this car is easy to get in and out of the back seat. I am getting around 35 mpg and hope for better as I continue to break her in - but even if 35 is the best I get it beats my last car by 10 mpg so Ill take it! Its a lot of car for the size and the price. Very satisfied.

• 

  A good improvement - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Delta_man - May 12 - 6:40 am

  I just replaced my 2009 loaded Camry Hybrid with a 2010. I did it because I really like the change to the front end of the car, plus the wheels and rear camera. When I finally got to drive it, I was surprised to also see an updated computer interface for all of the functions, Everything, e.g. phone, contacts, energy use menus are more modern looking, and easier to use. As a former BMW 7 series and Audi A6 owner, I like this car as well as either of them, except for the lower power, but the hybrid is surprisingly peppy. I managed to stay up with an Infiniti G35 tonight as we roared off on an freeway entrance ramp. I managed to stay in the lead. Highly recommended car.

• 

  Its good - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By jerry - May 12 - 1:43 am

  Drives like a high performance car, lots of get up and go! Great transmission and power to the road.

• 

  Father loves it. - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Marti - May 11 - 1:40 pm

  Love this little car-I went from 90 s10 blazer to this veh. Great gas milage. I have hauled a double-size bed, lumber,dining room table,replacement windows-all stayed put thanks to tie downs. We also haul large dogs and they slide a bit-a rug held down with hook/loop tape solved this problem. My father made fun of this little car, til he drove it. He is now trading his 05 Ford for a 06 Matrix.

• 

  Toyota V6 LE - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Destella - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car 2 months ago at 132,000 miles and I have put well over 3,000 miles since! I have had the brakes services and 2 oil changes. Other than that I have been driven happy! It rides nice and the V6 provides plenty of power and a smooth ride. I decided to buy this one with the cash for a new Camry after a dealership tried to sell me a new one with a 25 percent interest rate. My 92 Camry came with a Kenwood CD player, woodgrain, power everything. It is a great car and I get so many compliments on the body style and ride. I love it!

• 

  celica gts - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Jenns gts - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Extremely fun car to drive. I get a lot of compliments on my gts. Never had any problems whats-so-ever out of it except the antenna is a little loose and makes some noise