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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  1 BAD TOYOTA - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Super Mario - August 18 - 10:00 am

  This is my second 4 Runner and my 94 still runs like a champ. Im sold on these trucks. I got the 2001 with the Sports Package. If you buy one you have to get the Sport Edition Package. It looks like a special edition without the price tag. These trucks will run forever with TLC.

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  Sound System Inferior - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By First Toyota - August 18 - 10:00 am

  All mechanical components seem to be ok. Premium radio system has noticable noise out of drivers side tweeter. Over 5 attempts to fix problem still no solution. Speaker, radio unit, and amplifier have been changed. Toyota has no solution proposed. Speaker noise exists on am, fm and cd settings. Very frustrating.

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  Great Car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Doreen - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I find the handling great on the highway, very smooth ride. No outside noise. Enjoy listening to the CD player good sound system. Would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Its great - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By sz - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Its great. nice features and powerful. very good looking.

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  Great Quality, Great Price...Great Car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Dr. Dave - August 18 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Camry and third Toyota and I have had zero problems with any of them. The low price you pay and the high quality you recieve is something Ive always admired about Toyota. Ive been in cars twice as expensive that didnt have the fit and finish quality of this Camry. If you want the best quality for your money your only choice is the Camry or maybe the Honda Accord.

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  02 Camry LE - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By C.S. - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I love my car. It has a good body style, interior is simple, good build quality. It seems to have plenty of power for a 4 cylinder, and will run right beside a V6. Toyota seems to have hit the jackpot. Another good thing is that a new body style wont appear until the 2007 model year.

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  Good Value - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Satwant Tulsi - August 18 - 7:40 am

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  Love it - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By aj - August 18 - 1:33 am

  Ive had my Solara a little over a year and I just love it. Its so much quieter than my previous convertible. It handles great and the engine has just enough pep to keep my happy but not enough to get me into trouble. I highly recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a good balance between fun and functional.

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  So soon ? - 2012 Toyota RAV4
  By Ernest Bottomer - August 17 - 10:49 pm

  Recently purchased a pre-owned 6cyl.2012 rav4 with 22,000. Noticed a low level droning starting at 40 mph. It would go away with foot off the gas. Took it back to Toyota and they said the Transmission had a bad bearing . Will put in a re-manufactured Trans. Hope that does it.

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  So so - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By BigB - August 17 - 10:46 pm

  This SUV is great until you have to fill it up. It says it is suppose to get 20+ MPG, but I have only gotten 15- 17 MPG, a huge disappointment. If I knew that this was going to happen I probably would of gotten a Ford Escape. Though I do love the traction control like nothing else. On pure ice I have been able to keep control of this baby with no problem. It is absolutely amazing there. Pick up is okay, the driver seat takes a little getting used to feel wise.