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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  Absolutely Nothing to Complain About - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By ccgecko - March 23 - 12:46 am

  Ive had this car for approx. 9 years and am very pleased with the gas mileage, appearance, and performance.

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  Its Ravulous - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Camille Saccente - March 23 - 12:40 am

  I love to drive my Rav4. Fortunately, having a manual transmission helps with giving me that extra pick up when I need it and it helps me get excellent gas mileage. My Rav4 averages between 25-30 MPG in mixed driving situations. The only issue I had was with a computer chip that, once corrected, has not given me any more trouble. Although at times I have considered getting a new car, Im having a hard time giving up a vehicle that has been so good to me. I wouldnt be surprised if its still running after 200,000 miles. It has 80,000 miles already and still feels like a new car.

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  The future of all cars - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By NMpriusman - March 22 - 10:00 am

  The Prius has done nothing, but lived up to every expectation I had, and even surpassed them. It is a fine machine, worth the small extra cost, and its a wonder that more people dont drive them. I achieve 55 mpg in the city, and 43 on the highway. The trunk is a little small, but can carry all of the recycleables. All my friends think its an awesome car, so do I. The CVT transmission is seamless, and the interior is beatiful. I will only buy hybrids from now on until, there are no- gas cars. Absolutely a dream.

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  Great Vehicle - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By ctl - March 22 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car used in 98 and have put on many miles. We love it! Never had any major problems, very reliable.

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  One of the best cars built - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By camryman - March 22 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our Toyota Camry LE in 1997 with 40,000 miles on it. Since the day we sold it in 2002, it was one of the best cars you can buy. Rarely did it ever have any mechanical problems. It is extra safe, and even at 140,000 miles, when we sold it, it still ran like a new car. Sometimes we would put at least 1,000 pounds of yard rubbish, or construction equipment in the rear and in the trunk, and suprisingly, it held up, almost like a little pick-up truck. This car is good for anyone, or anything. I highly recommend it.

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  Camry - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Trick6960 - March 22 - 10:00 am

  My girlfriend and I have had our Camry v6 XLE for almost two years and all we have had to do is change the oil and the driver side cv axel. It drives great, handles great, has enough power to keep up with everybody, and its just fun.

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  The Best Full Size Car For The Money - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Robert Dye - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Moving form a performance oriented BMW to the more serene Avalon took a little bit of an adjustment. But I needed room to carry three adults and one child. The Toyota Avalon more than fills that need and does it in a level of comfort never expereinced with the Beemer. All the bells and wistles, and a powerplant that is Lexus quality. This car is hard to beat.

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  Best everyday car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By DTM - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Its comfy and has low fuel requirement. Its cheap and yet reliable. Its also beautiful! What is strange though is that it feels like youre driving a bigger car while in it. I dont need more when I go to work or need to go from point A to point B. The 2003 Corolla also has this "solid" feel to it. The dashboard is very well laid out and easy to use! Friends compliment me on how much space and comfort they have while sitting in the rear seats. Great value overall! Great to go to work and great to go golfing on weekends!

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  Dollar for Dollar - Worlds Best! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Kevin Demeter - March 22 - 7:30 am

  You want speed? The car will do 130 mph all day, all night guaranteed by Toyota. You want quiet? Be careful because you might turn the ignition key while the engine is running because you CANT hear it. You want value? Just talk to any Toyota Camry owner. The reason it is so hard to find used Camrys is because nobody will trade it in for any reason. You want comfort? My own son parked cars for summers at a hotel and said: "They took the Lexus design and no car matches the Camry for interior comfort. Not at that price, anyway." I could rave all day but I asked a mechanic - "Which is better, Lexus 300 or Camry?" "Theyre the same car - I cant tell, the Camry is so good."

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  The Best Camry of them All. The 2014 SE - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By abeman - March 22 - 4:57 am

  This is my third Camry, 2014, 2001 and 1995. And without question the Best Camry of them all. This car has Speed, Comfort and Supreme handling. The three major components as well as interior and exterior styling. The car is fast for a 4 cylinder and provides great mileage. Its comfortable with its basic seats. The handling is superb in the corners and at high speed. The gauges are large and easy to see. The bluetooth and the rear view camera are the best features I have seen in a car and they all came standard. I chose no options and this car has more than enough features. The Michelins tires are a bit noisy on the highway and I think the Bridgestone will be a better replacement.