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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  24,000 miles in - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Stormman87 - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car 4 years ago I have put 24,000 miles on it no problems other than replacing front brake pads tire tread is at 60% no problems otherwise think some of these reviews are bogus

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  Fun to drive, great gas milage - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Don Thomas - September 1 - 12:33 pm

  Insurance costs lowered, handles and steering very tight and can turn on a dime.

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  LOVE my new RAV4 Limited - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By jude - September 1 - 6:16 am

  Ive had it less than a week and couldnt be happier (so far). I had test driven six other vehicles from Subaru to Honda to Jeep, etc. It is such a comfortable drive, esp. with the power drivers seat that includes lumbar support. I find the ride to be quiet and it accelerates quickly. I absolutely love the design of the dashboard and the displays. The leather wrapped steering wheel is wonderful and it can be adjusted easily. This vehicle has far exceeded my expectations, esp. after having driven six others.

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  Love my Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Mike Denny - September 1 - 3:26 am

  I cant believe how much I enjoy this car. The comfort and economy are great. I use it most for commuting 70 miles round trip on the freeway, but it also performs well on trips weve taken for 300-400 miles. The gas economy isnt as good on these trips, but still better than we were getting with our Camry. People seem to be very curious about it and ask a lot of questions... especially "how often do you have to plug it in?" Ive had it for a year now, and wish Id gotten it sooner!

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  Amazing Reliability - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Go Tarheels! - August 31 - 11:03 pm

  Going on my second year driving this great car. After dealing with a lemon for three years, I held my breath waiting for this one to break down too but it never has. The car rides perfectly, needs only regular maintenance, no trace of an oil leak, and gets pretty good gas mileage. The rear end is rather large and makes backing up difficult in tight spaces but this is the only flaw. After the car proved herself over several long trips I could enthusiastically recommend CamryÂ’s to my mom. She has since traded in her huge, wasteful SUV for a newer model Camry and loves it. When a car is safe enough to put your mom in, thatÂ’s pretty darn safe.

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  Amazingly wonderful - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By nelhig - August 31 - 8:26 pm

  Ive wanted a Prius for years, but havent acted on it because of the unavailability (so it seems). Then I saw one at a local car lot. Since my daughter recently started driving, I jumped on it so I could give her my old Volvo. I didnt get a screamin deal, but it was the color I loved and low mileage for a used 2008 Prius. (Supposedly, the former owner was a big guy and didnt feel comfortable in it.) As for me, I love it! Its a blast to drive, sturdier than I thought, mileage is excellent (55-58 mpg around town), and comfortable. The front window is like a big screen t.v. I drive slower too which is a good thing for me. Ive not had buyers remorse at all. Im very pleased with this car.

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  21 and still going! - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Rochelle - August 31 - 12:59 pm

  I bought my wagon at the age of 7, with 97,000 miles on it. It was the only reliable car Ive ever had. Sure it needed repairs, but it never left me in a lurch anywhere. And I never had to replace the same part twice, except for tires .Some of the parts I replaced recently were still OEM parts. Now it has 208,000 miles, and I would have kept her another ten years, but I totaled her last month. They stopped making the wagon in 1996, so here will never be another like her. But I still see them on the road. From the technology point of view, nothing was digital except the radio, and she came with a cassette player, but at that time, most of my music was still on cassette. The other controls are simple and easy to figure out.

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  21 and still going! - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Rochelle - August 31 - 12:59 pm

  I bought my wagon at the age of 7, with 97,000 miles on it. It was the only reliable car Ive ever had. Sure it needed repairs, but it never left me in a lurch anywhere. And I never had to replace the same part twice, except for tires .Some of the parts I replaced recently were still OEM parts. Now it has 208,000 miles, and I would have kept her another ten years, but I totaled her last month. They stopped making the wagon in 1996, so here will never be another like her. But I still see them on the road. From the technology point of view, nothing was digital except the radio, and she came with a cassette player, but at that time, most of my music was still on cassette. The other controls are simple and easy to figure out.

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  21 and still going! - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Rochelle - August 31 - 12:59 pm

  I bought my wagon at the age of 7, with 97,000 miles on it. It was the only reliable car Ive ever had. Sure it needed repairs, but it never left me in a lurch anywhere. And I never had to replace the same part twice, except for tires .Some of the parts I replaced recently were still OEM parts. Now it has 208,000 miles, and I would have kept her another ten years, but I totaled her last month. They stopped making the wagon in 1996, so here will never be another like her. But I still see them on the road. From the technology point of view, nothing was digital except the radio, and she came with a cassette player, but at that time, most of my music was still on cassette. The other controls are simple and easy to figure out.

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  Gone but not forgotten - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By pprodshd - August 31 - 9:26 am

  This is an epitaph as our "toy car" was recently totaled while parked on the street. At 93K miles, we had done oil changes and a $150 brake job. We enjoyed 2+ years with no payment or service needs. Was a great city car and always an adventure going 70 mph with a cross wind. It had 100% more charisma than any other sub compact from then or now. She will be missed. Probably moving into a civic. BORING