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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  Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By jabber - July 11 - 11:30 am

  Once broken in mileage is steady at 29-32 mpg. Cannot find anything that would prevent me from purchasing another as my next vehicle.

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  Corolla review - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By Jim - July 11 - 8:03 am

  The wife loves the car in all respects. I do not like its comfort level for me, although she is 5"1 and fits in it easily. I dont. Driving it is a pain for me at 510".

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  Awesome little car - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By Joe Toyota - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought an automatic, kept it for two years and then traded it in on a manual. Both are very nice. Manual is harder to get the seat set just right, as you have to reach the peddle. Regardless, manual is the only way to go.

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  Best Ive Owned - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By msmurray - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This Camary wagon is awesome ! I have owned many cars and none have been as reliable. The interior is still perfect,the exterior could use a mirror glaze. The oil consistently has the look of Honey...Excellent Car !

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  THE BEST - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Toyota4Runner - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Toyota 4Runner and it has 45k offroad miles on it. Only time it drives on pavement is the freeway, to the offroading trails, and when I want to take it to the twisty winding roads. I really love the 5spd Manual tranny, over my 2002 4runner sport edition. The only thing I changed on it was the ripped off fender flare, side mirrors and bitten off mudflaps,(Stupid Dog). EXCELLENT! ;)

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  I love it! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Reynolds853 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I havent given this car a second thought since buying it, which is EXACTLY what I wanted. Its easy to drive, gets good mileage, u-turns on city streets are no problem, and with the rear seats folded down it can hold my bicycle without taking the wheels off. Fold down the front seat, and you can fit all that stuff you bought at Home Depot. I also like the driving position - you sit up higher than in other compact wagons. The seats are tall, like in a minivan, which gives you much better visability in traffic. Visability out the back is compromised by the narrow windows back there, but once youre used to it, its not a problem.

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  Great car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By nejos - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Nice car. Styling is great, I can finally win an ugly car contest. Everyone I know that has looked at it likes it. This car has definately been worth it.

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  READ - Serious Alignment Problems - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Intruder - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Pretty good value but far too many problems on delivery. Tried 2 different dealers for warrantee repairs but couldnt get ANYTHING fixed. These cars have a sub-standard suspension. Many Camrys & Solaras pull to the left and it cannot be fixed. Before buying, take any comparable car for a ride and compare the cornering and then let go of the wheel on a straight road. It will probably pull to the left. Lots of discussion about the problem in Web forums. Search on Toyota Owners Club Executive cars - alignment problems.

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  Good Choice - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By therock - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Overall, I love this truck. I look for excuses to drive it around town. It feels extremely well-built and confident in even the most severe conditions. I previously owned a Pathfinder that didnt feel nearly this "buttoned-down" in bad weather. The brakes are far superior to those on the Pathfinder as well. Interior space isnt as good as the Pathy but its definitely a sacrifice I am willing to make given all the other features the 4Runner has. Its a great choice if youre in the market for a mid-size SUV.

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  I love my Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By miki12 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  The Highlander has great pick up for a 4 cyl. especially when entering the highway or in a passing situation. It has handled very vell in snow/ice conditions. The front wheel drive seemed to have a smoother ride than the AWD during my test drive. More car like thank truck like. The interior is roomy. My only regret is that I did not get the optional 3rd row seat. The dashboard is easy to read and controls are "user friendly"