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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  Dissatisfied - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Jim - February 3 - 4:10 pm

  The ride is rough, and the wind noise is unbearable. I had the windshield and seal replaced, as per the dealer internal memo to solve that problem, but it made no change whatsoever. I am so dissatisfied, I am searching for another 2007 vehicle and am selling the Camry.

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  No American Car comes close to the Camry - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By EJG - February 3 - 12:13 pm

  I have driven many cars in my time. Saturn L-2000, Honda Accord 1994, Pontiac Sunfire 1996, Buick Century 1988 and 1998, Buick Lucerne, Dodge Charger (recent) and many others. Besides the Honda Accord, no other car listed comes near the Camry. I have had this car for 70k now, and nothing besides the tires have been replaced, not even the brakes. If you want a car that starts up every day, is safe, comfortable, and is refined, buy a Camry.

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  Rock solid - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Jer - February 3 - 5:13 am

  62,000 miles and no problems other than a loose sun visor. 22+ MPG all around, quiet and smooth ride, room for lots of stuff.

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  Amazing car but lurches at stop lights! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By hatedealers - February 2 - 9:56 pm

  I have had my new 2005 Camry for six months now with 1750 miles. I am very happy with it with two problems.It lurches frequently when I come to a stop and have the A/C on. The dealer knows this is a problem on these cars and refused to do anything about it.It also makes a loud grinding noise from the front end when I do a U-turn. They lubricated the steering, dont know yet if this fixed it.But the LURCHING!!! It is a small push feeling that feels like someone rear-ended me at a stop light.I worry that someday the lurch may be a BIG one and I may ram the car in front of me!I dont know what to do about this.The dealership was no help but I didnt talk to the manager yet.

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  Awesome - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By dags2517 - February 2 - 6:26 pm

  Just purchased this vehicle. All I can say is awesome! This SUV is perfect for a large family. We can fit three car seats in the middle bench seat(which is the main reason for purchase). Fit double stroller in back and plenty of room for anything extra. Drive is smooth and seats are comfortable. DVD system is great for the kids. Dashboard setup is awesome and very stylish. Finally the Sequoia has fold down third row. This vehicle as something for everyone.

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  Very Pleased!! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Jeff - February 2 - 4:46 pm

  Very happy with the car. My wife had reservations about the appearance, but she has grown to love it, too. Very attractive in white. My 13 month old fits nicely in the back seat. Im 62" and Im comfortable. This is a commuter car for me. I live 25 miles from where I work. Been averaging about 48 mpg.

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  145,000 & still going strong!! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Chadwicked - February 2 - 3:16 pm

  I got the car in late 2003 brand new. If you keep up with oil changes and tire rotations youll be able to drive it forever. Its got well over 100,000 miles on it and Ive never had a problem with it unless you refer to a headlight bulb and battery I had to change almost 5 years later, other than that, no complaints.

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  05 Tacoma, V6 Double Cab-Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tony Lively - February 2 - 9:23 am

  Ive been looking for MY truck for 40years. Finally they made it. TheToyota Tacoma PreRunner V6 fills all my needs and has extras to spare. Size, holds 5 passengers in comfort, Long Bed is plenty large and I love the tie-downs in tracks with a protected bedliner standard. This truck has power and low-end pull and is at home on the Interstate where it often cruises quietly. Safety is included with 2 SRS front air bags, 3 pt. safety belts, overhead roll cage enforcement, ABS brakes. Ive purchased Toyota Camrys since 1988, 92, 01, and one Corolla for my daughter. The quality in the workmanship and low upkeep, good mileage was enough to make me try my 05 Tacoma. Im glad that I did!

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  Personal experience - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Sun - February 2 - 9:20 am

  Now my Camry is about 2 years old. Dealer has to replace my strut because of oil leak. Also, I was told battery need to be replaced soon. Tire is about to worn out at 27k. I like this car and do maintenance regularly. I was driving 91 Camry for long time and its quality deeply impressed me. I couldnt believe new Camry work like this. I feel disappointed.

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  The Lexus of Minivans - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By jbryson1 - February 2 - 8:43 am

  Weve owned Town and Country Minivans and an Honda Odsy. This Toyota is the most luxurious by far, very quiet and smooth riding. Fuel economy is not great, 16 mpg average over 22,000 miles. Visibility is very good, storage is awesome. Laser cruise control is really nice, rear camera is tops. Thoughtful interior touches are everywhere and, the quality of materials is as good as it gets.