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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  Unhappy ex-owner - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By wysiwyg - September 2 - 2:06 am

  I had the car for 1.5 years and just got rid of it - I couldnt wait to do so. The auto tranny is awful. It hesitates when starting from full stop. Even worse, I had to make way for other cars when going uphill - it doesnt downshift unless floored. The car has big bodyroll when cornering. The steering is so light at high speed and it pulls to the right. Vague steering and a soft suspension make it drive like a boat. Worst of all, if you open the window when theres water on the roof, water drops into the car right on window & door lock buttons - a poor design. Bright spots are great fuel economy and large space. Camry is a pain.

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  Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Chris - September 1 - 10:33 pm

  This is a good example of Toyota quality for a reasonable entry level price. In this day of increasing fuel prices this is an exccellent commuter car. My car has 15" tires and the ride is considerably better than one would imagine with a small car. The back seats slide fore and aft to create either more leg room, or more cargo room, a nice feature at any price point. A/C is standard and the electric power steering is the best yet. For those who care, you can connect your iPod to the center console. It takes a little getting used to to have a center gauge stack, but the resultant three gloveboxes are worth it. The EPA sticker is accurate, which is nice for a change!

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  Not well designed. - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Larry - September 1 - 9:40 pm

  I bought the package 6 which has navigation, upgraded audio, and leather. It gets good gas mileage, but not the 52-60 that was on the sticker. Audio system has respectable sound. Ride is uncomfortable on trips, mild winds pushes car around. Manual seats are hard to adjust, spoiler obstructs view, dash lights are hard to see in sunshine and there is a reflection on the windshield, gas gauge readings are not accurate, navigation system awkwardly placed.

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  Check the Reviews BEFORE you purchase!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Nancy L - September 1 - 8:36 pm

  I have to agree with BCQVETTE, HUGE Mistake. I purchased my used 2007 a couple of months ago and have become increasingly disappointed. After driving it a few days, the interior squeaking and rubbing noises increased so much that I drove to Toyota and had the body shop manager check to see if it had been in a major accident. He didnt feel that it had. The squeaking has progressed to actually being very annoying and now the front end makes strange noises. I also had the leaking roof and the Toyota service dept. charged over $200 to clean the "drain tubing" around the sun roof that became clogged. They attribute this to the previous owner parking under trees. Excessive Paint chipping.

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  Toyota Corolla 1995 - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By dly - September 1 - 2:40 pm

  Best car I have ever had. First Corolla 1979 model had over 300,000 miles before engine was done. 1995 Corolla have only had to change starter couple of times.

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  if you need it all, it has it all - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By toyotaluver - September 1 - 10:00 am

  great design and comfort. I suggest if you have children to consider purchasing the all in one DVD player. OUr kids love it.

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  253000 miles - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By rboyda - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car new,it is a 4 cyl. Changed the oil every 3000 miles, timing belt every 100k and usual maintenance items. Still has the original engine, trans, etc. Has always been reliable, passed this to my son. Wife has a 96 with 110k, again no problems. Recently bought a 2000, hope to get 200k+ miles from this one.

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  New Jersey - Matrix XR - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By tekcom - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Great car... Looks cool and sporty. Excellent interior design (guages, instruments, etc). And for a small compact, it actually is pretty spacious. Nice car all around.

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  98 Camry LE 4-Cyl - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Steve in Ohio - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Usual Toyota good build quality. Car is comfortable and quiet. Engine needs more punch but is surprisingly responsive. Steering is a bit light but car sticks to road on curves. Suspension is tight so that small bumps are felt but car keeps its cool on uneven roads. Interior is bland but seating is comfortable. Trunk is good for small car.

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  Best value and good looking coup - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By cooldad24 - September 1 - 10:00 am

  1. Ride is smooth, and relax. The suspension is firmmer than Camry like Lexus ES300 in sprot mode. Maneuverability is good. The steering weight toward the light side. Neither wind nor road noise was heard. The ambient is very like the one in Lexas. Materials is first rated and on par of Lexus. Leather is great on touch. Engine is Quiet, smooth & strong. The AT works great and smooth. Everyone laid eyes on it liked it. It looks very sporty and sexy. The cosmic Blue metallic I have is a very soft color and pleasant to eyes. Overall, we are satisfied with car in every category including the price. For 26K+, it provides features better than we expected.