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:

• 

  It ROCKS!!! - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Spydy - March 30 - 10:00 am

  This is my favorite car Ive ever owned!!! Its HOT looking, nimble & quick! I search for curvy roads! I drove BMW Z4 & 330, Z28 & Vett, 911 & Boxster. Give me 2 or 3 MR-2s any day for the same $$$ of any of them! It maintains 80mph up 6% grades w/ no down-shifting!!! Wouldnt mind more storage, but not if it changes anything about the car. Chased a 911 thru curves @ high-speed w/ no problmes! Everyone is shocked when they find out it is as inexpensive as it is. If Porsche was still building the 914, this is what it would look like! AWSOME CAR!!!

• 

  200,000 and Counting - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By Nic Tesla - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Sure, there were some problems, but overall, this baby never let me down. As some others indicated, I too had to replace the head gasket at 120,000. I bit the bullet and moved on, hoping for problem-free years to come and I got it.Mileage is consistently around 17-18 MPG, rare occasions up to 20. Got 120,00 out of my first set of tires. 4- Runner been very very good to me!

• 

  Former Jeep Owner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By o - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Just replaced a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited V8. Was going to buy a car this time after my latest Jeep experience, but the new 4Runner blows away the Jeep in comfort, features, space, interior and exterior looks, build quality, cost to own, etc...it brought me back. Cant wait to take it on a trip, and drive it off road.

• 

  Excellent, is all I can say! - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By suspicious - March 30 - 10:00 am

  After loking at many cars, including BMWs, Accords, Maximas, and 626s, I had no choice but the Camry. Price, features, comfort, looks, and ride could not be better. Even to this day, the car feels exactly the same as the day I drove it off the lot. Id do it all over again. Excellent car! Please sir may I have another?

• 

  FJ Fun - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By LAS - March 30 - 8:10 am

  This vehicle is just plain fun. I have the bright yellow color which is quite an eye catcher. Performance is excellent and it is unusually comfortable.

• 

  Great Car - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Craig - March 30 - 3:50 am

  Bought mine with 116,000 miles on it. It now has 169,000. Replaced tires, clutch, changed coolant, had it tuned up and had all 4 struts replaced (not out of necessity, just because I wanted to). Its been running perfect ever since. I get (30 mpg) even when I drive it hard and have fun. Check engine light came on about a year ago, I replaced the Cat. Converter, light still stays on, but the car runs fine. I keep waiting for it to give me a sign its ready to be traded, but I believe Ill be waiting a while for this to happen.

• 

  Really happy with this car - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By AK - March 30 - 12:10 am

  Im only averaging 42 mpg, but thats probably because I havent been driving to maximize mpg - this car is very zippy, and I cant resist! Its also very maneuverable, with an incredibly tight turning radius. Its also darn cute, like a cross between a VW Beetle and a Camry. Complaint: the transition from park to 1st gear is very jerky (and means I stall out a lot if Im wearing other than my normal sneakers). I highly recommend the manual transmission with power package and ABS brakes, giving you maximum control over the car. (That way you also get a radio.) This car will last ten years no problem, and will carry me in style all the way.

• 

  Most comfortable car I have owned - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Marla - March 29 - 10:53 pm

  Driving this car is like sitting in your living room recliner with surround sound on. Seats are VERY comfortable, sound system is magnificent. Has all the safety features standard. Gets 4-5 mpg better gas mileage than my Nissan Maxima did. Comfortably seats 5, huge trunk space, and most importantly phenomenal pick up. One downside, bumper is a blindspot while backing up. I suggest a back up alarm be installed.

• 

  Unlit dashboard switches - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Jean - March 29 - 1:46 pm

  Overall I am quite satisfied. Theres nothing like a Toyota for dependability and style.

• 

  I Love my new Camry - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By JJ - March 29 - 1:30 pm

  This is my 4th Camry and 5th Toyota I have owned. In the past I had always purchased the LE model. After my girlfriend purchased a late model XLE with a 6 cylinder engine I decided my next care would be a 6. The XLE is an amazing car. Very luxurious and a pleasure to drive. This by far the best car I have ever owned.