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:

• 

  Camry.com (not real website) - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By 3rdcamry - June 18 - 7:49 am

  This is my 3rd 4 cylinder Camry 89, 98, and now 2006. The previous ones reached 200k miles with ease. The 2006 now has 144k miles. The real treat about this car is that the 4 cylinder 06 Camrys have a timing CHAIN, not a belt--which is a bargain for those of us Camry owners than run up the mileage. This is simply a reliable car. The spark plugs are platinum so you dont have to change them unless you are having a problem with performance. The 98 camry had the original plugs and wires when I traded them in (I have an honest mechanic) and the car ran smooth as ice. I need a reliable vehicle for commuting to work and this is it. Fun, safe and reliable, just keep fluids changed and fresh.

• 

  Camry Great NEW - SO SO Used - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By JJ - June 18 - 7:40 am

  I bought a 96 Camry brand new and sold it Aug 2005 with 45,000 miles. Never hit, paint/interior perfect. The resale value of $5,500 is great for a 9 year old car. However, the car had some repairs, the motormounts went, cracking the exhaust pipe, the flimsy door handle cracked off in the cold and the drivers seat belt stopped working. Now at 60,000 miles it will need a timing belt, tune up plus the 60,000 binding U joint camry defect and in a few years an expensive exhaust and strut issue. Camrys are great, but dont believe the hype, they break a lot less than a similar american car, but with the added price and expensive parts they are not a good used car choice.

• 

  Great Car - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Vetteman_LT4 - June 18 - 2:00 am

  The Prius has been a great car for the last two years I have owned it. My car is a 2001 and has around 50,000 miles. I have owned many cars such as Jaguars, Corvettes, Cadillacs. This is one very unique car. I bought the car new and have never had a problem. It is a great running car. No one believes me when I said I have had it up to 100mph just to see if it would do it.

• 

  Cheap Parts, No Service - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Gerald Peal - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive put over 20K miles on this car, driving it over 100 miles daily. It zips through traffic and handles satisfactory. I am disappointed in Toyota build quality and the service you get from a dealership. CD player went out almost immediately. Brakes wore out (and we dont ride them) too early. The cheap tires are unreal! Impressed with safety tests. Would recommend this car to young set.

• 

  Not too big/not too little/just right - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Gigi - June 18 - 2:00 am

  I had a 2001 Celica I loved but I needed more room with new granddaughter. The RAV4 is great. I had a Durango and it was too big and the RAV is roomy but not overpowering. I purchased the sport package in the graphite pearl and everyone thinks its sharp.

• 

  The best economy car out there - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Matrix - June 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought it a few months after it came out. It has power! The interior is very roomy for an economy car. Im 59 and I have plenty of room. On cold sunny days I go for rides because I love this car so much and it takes forever to go through a tank of gas. The LE model is gorgeous with wood interior and plush feeling seats. I adore this car and am truly grateful it updated this car. It doesnt drive, look, or feel like an economy car except for my insurance rates, my car payments, and my gas usage!

• 

  Love this car! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By kchuskermom - June 18 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our Sienna last weekend and we absolutely love it. Toyota has given this family everything it could want in a minivan and more. We have spent the week thinking of reasons to drive it! I love the looks, the feel and definitely the safety of this van. It is very fun to drive and is LOADED with features that make it the most convenient car Ive ever driven. Worth every penny and more!

• 

  I heart yaris, I hate cupholders - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By michelle in valencia - June 18 - 1:06 am

  When I see another Yaris owner driving nearby, I just want to "high-five" them. The gas mileage is great, and it is NOT sluggish on the grapevine (you know what I mean) and the cupholders and aux jack are terrible but forgiveable. My friends all love it. However, if youre in the wind, just BE EXTRA CAREFUL. I came from a huge suv to this little car so just be aware that you cant drive it the same. U-turns are the best now. Parking? Yeah, buddy! Racing? Not so much. Toyota, if youre reading this, change a bunch of stuff!! Then give me another one! I heart Yaris!

• 

  Take the HIGHLANDer - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Romo - June 17 - 11:43 pm

  What else would you expect from Toyota? The Highlander has the legendary quality and performance in a package that also has the SUV look without having to pay the price in ride or economy.

• 

  Not bad - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Billinin - June 17 - 10:26 pm

  Ive been a Toyota guy for the past 20+ years. I was looking for a vehicle to pull a mid-size fishing boat. Got the base 6 cyl long bed. Its been an okay truck but not on par with other Toyotas Ive had. No serious problems-- just not as nice. Ive had it for 7 years and its served us well. Getting about 15 mpg in town...21 on hwy