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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  Fits my needs exactly - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Retired - April 10 - 4:56 pm

  I purchased the car when in real estate to save on gas. I found it very dependable, reliable and fun to drive. I like the layout and the instrument panel as well as the 6 changer CD, the 2 glove boxes, and the cargo space in back with seats laid down. I do not get as much gas milieage as advertised, but about the same as I expected from talking with others. I would definitely buy another Prius or a hybrid vehicle in the future.

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  2000 vs 2002 - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Bob - April 10 - 3:33 pm

  We have two Camrys. The best by far is the 2000 4 Cyl. Its road manors are much better. This car has 70000 miles on it and handles better than the 2002 with 52000 miles and the 2002 is a 6 Cyl. Never had a problem with the 2000 but had to align the front end of the 2002 twice.

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  New 2007 Tundra - the best pick - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Dave In Prescott - April 10 - 11:23 am

  This truck far exceeded by expectations. I had my doubts when I saw the size of this thing but even my wife enjoys driving it - and her car is a Lexus RX400h! Tight fit as expected from Toyota. Ive driven in my friends new F150 Super Crew Lariat and Dodge 2500 Mega Cab and the Tundra is quieter smoother and has no rattles! The SR5 has a nice set of standard features. I always recommended test driving competing models back to back. This one is a real winner!

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  Whats there not to like! - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By DON - April 10 - 8:53 am

  If you have to move people, cargo or even your pet goldfish, why would anyone buy anything but a minivan? SUVs play to the ego but minivans play to the practicality. I use my minivans for business and have found nothing better to move equipment and people. Ive also owned many kinds of minivans and until now thought they were pretty much all the same. But not this time. Toyota tops them all. It drives with incredible stability, small turning radius, smooth riding and super easy to drive. If you own a minivan now and its not a Toyota, it will be well worth your time to drive this around.

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  Just incredible - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Magitu - April 10 - 8:40 am

  As I approach 300k miles, there is a single, slight rattle coming from the interior of the drivers door. Other than that, this thing is still tight as a drum. I have had to change the power antenna a few times. The drivers side door broke and wouldnt open from the inside at one point, and I got that fixed. Other than that, I have had ZERO mantenance done on the machine other than the Toyota recommended routine maintenance. I cant imagine a higher quality vehicle - and after ten years. I pay $70-$90 for each routine maintenance event, except for major tune-ups and timing belt replacement. My old Ford Bronco II cost $600/yr in brake work alone. 4Runner is an awesome vehicle.

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  Just purchased - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Chuck - April 9 - 7:50 pm

  Just purchased 08 HLtd with all the toys. Drove the only one they had on the lot and bought one being delivered in two days. Drove Mazda CX-9, Murano SL, Dodge Nitro R/T (my wifes choices as this is her vehicle). She picked Salso Red with Nav, DVD and everything but remote start. She loves the HL over the Murano and the Mazdas front head rest would not adjust and hurt her neck. The outside front and back looked great to her, the side view is very bland. The inside set-up and handling sold her. Shes going from a Chevy Avalanche to the cross-over Toyoto. I hope she loves it for the next 4 years.

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  LE Sienna van - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By chris - April 9 - 4:53 pm

  Me and family just took 1000 mile trip, enjoyed having plenty of room. The van rides very comfortable and has plenty of power. We really felt very safe traveling in it.

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  Blind Spot - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Debbie - April 9 - 2:16 pm

  So far the only negative thing I have to say about the Solara is the blind spot. Quite frankly Im surprised more people have not mentioned this problem. I even had my 21 yr old daughter take the car to a trip to Orlando and she came back stating that shell never drive it again due to the blind spot. Ive had other convertables and have never noticed a blind spot. I am never quite sure that I am in the clear when I change lanes!! This problem could cause me to sell earlier than I would want to.

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  Love It - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Rhonda - April 9 - 1:50 pm

  I love this car. Fun to drive, great with the top down. Its comfortable, reliable and performs great. Gas mileage is better than my 1998 Camry.

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  AUDIO SYSTEM (POOR QUALITY) - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By Veronica Rivera - April 9 - 11:09 am

  My car is a Camry 2013 SE only has 61,000 miles and the Audio System suddenly stopped working. Is sad having to drive everyday and not been able to listen music... Is an expensive car and this is a common problem... :(