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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  worth the wait - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By D Goren - May 7 - 2:40 pm

  Before considering the TCH, I read every review on this site, as well as comments in the forums. The overwhelming positive responsive combined with my initial test drive sold me. Ive only had the car for 2 weeks, but absolutely love it. It has plenty of power, is extremely quiet (even running on gasoline), and has lots of cool features (nav, JBL stereo, iPod connection, etc.). So far Im getting about 38 MPG without even trying.

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  Weekends with the boys - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By JayhawkGrl - May 6 - 4:23 pm

  Im a designer and I love this true-to-form vehicle for all it allows me to do -granted its not ideal for parents or carpoolers. I like that the utilitarian design isnt disguised by pricey leather and superfluous features. An avid mountain biker, dog owner, hiker, camper, fisherwoman this SUV does all I need it to with plenty of space and comfort. I do a lot of city driving during the week and Ive gotten impressive gas mileage. Its perfect for weekend trips and vacations. What I appreciate most is the customization and easy pricing. If you want to add components you can wrap in what you need without getting sucked into manufacturers packages. I love my FJ- spring for the woofer!

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  Awesome - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By abcde - May 6 - 3:33 pm

  I bought the car new in 2002 and now have 98,000 miles on it. It required front brake pads due to squealing brakes at 25,000 miles and was done free. Have performed routine maintenance - battery 60,000 miles, tires 60,000 miles, brakes 85,000 miles. After the brakes at 85,000 there was a persistent squeal and the car needed 2 more trips back to the dealer. Was given a free loaner car for the 2 returns and it was handled very professionally. Other than that I routinely get 34-35 mpg with about 65% highway driving. The car is actually fun to drive and I am always the first "out of the blocks". Minimal road noise at cruising speed and very smooth highway manners.

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  Awesome 2007 Camry SE V6! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By lovesucker - May 6 - 10:50 am

  After looking at many competitors, I made a final decision that Im very excited about. The Toyota SE V6 is one incredible car. The power that comes with the V6 is such a great asset to have. While cruising at 80 MPH on the freeway, you cant even tell how fast youre going and if you need to gas it, boy, this car has some major power! Its clean and luxurious and the rear seats for the kids are very roomy. The Nav with bluetooth is something you just have to have. The bluetooth is so convenient and easy to use. I used to always want to hang up while driving on my cell but now Ill talk all day. I LOVE MY CAR!

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By Fulf - May 6 - 10:00 am

  The first 9 months I owned this car I put on 23,000 miles driving 100 miles roundtrip to work each day. The time flew by due in part to the comfort of the ride, quietness, and ease of handling. It handled extremely well in the WI winter weather of snow and ice. Im ready to buy a 2004!

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  Love it! - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By JKFlip - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Love my truck. Bought it 3 1/2 years ago already 3 years old and have never had a single bit of trouble with it. Great in snow/ice with 4 wheel drive on and couple sand bags in bed. AC ice cold, runs smooth, great for hauling stuff around. Seems to be holding its value great and every time I got to Home Depot someone offers to buy it! Id buy another in a minute!

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  Car salesmans review - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By bruce - May 6 - 10:00 am

  After 27 years in the car business, I have the pleasure to own & drive one of the finest built mid-size sedans made. I bought the car with 77000 miles, replaced the timing belt,water pump, drive belts and tires, and have thorughly enjoyed the car. I consistently average over 30+ mpg. The suspension could be a little firmer,but a very nice touring car.

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  Cant Lose - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Quinton - May 6 - 10:00 am

  The Camry LE V6 is an outstanding vehicle because it does everything very, very well. Reliability is outstanding, servicing cost is reasonable and the car is a joy to drive. Interior is absolutely functional with clear,easy to read dials, knobs and controls. The most satisfying car purchase I have ever made. Cant say enough good things about the vehicle.

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  Great ride - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Jack Durban - May 6 - 10:00 am

  What a well designed and built car. I say car because it does not ride at all like a SUV. It is fast and nimble and gets incredible gas mileage. I just turned in a Chevy Tahoe on an expired lease. To be honest GM had to send someone from another state to pick it up because no dealer would accept it back! No lie, no one wanted the pile of junk even though they were under contract to accept the vehicle at lease end. I will be buying more toyota vehicles in the future. Cant say that about GM.

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Tylercom87 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Love the styling of this car. Brisk acceleration without going over 3,000 rpm. Cruises at 70 mph at about 2,300 rpm. Interior is luxurious compared to the Honda Civic. Has it over the Honda in every interior and exterior dimension. Feels as fast as our 2001 Honda Accord V6. The build quality and paint are excellent. Im glad I bought it, and not one of the other 10 or so cars in its class.