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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  Great beater or first car (96 camry LE) - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Jeff - September 30 - 7:06 am

  My dad got me this car when I was 17. It was truly a bargain at $3300. Even though it had 91000 miles, it still runs great. The only problem was that a window did not work. But that isnt too bad. The power isnt great with only 125hp but it uses high revs to maintain better acceleration. It is great with gas and also very reliable. A year ago, my dad brought a 04 camry. It is crazy how much it didnt change since my 96 camry. If you are looking for a cheap car, make sure you get one that lasts. And I believe the camry fits this description.

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  Wow - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Mel - September 30 - 6:56 am

  This is a great car. We shopped for anew convertible for quite some time. Most of them are too small, without sufficient seating and leg room. This car has plenty of headroom, seating width, and leg room. My business partner who is over 6 tall could sit in the back seat with the top up - he was blown away with the build quality (he drives BMWs). The car is quite the eye catcher as well. We have the red one with tan top and interior. The performance is quite sufficient and the ride is smooth.The cabin is very quiet with the top up.

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  Toyota Sienna - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Katherine - September 30 - 4:46 am

  My Toyota Sienna is the best car that I have ever bought in my entire life. Now if anyone that I know wants to get a new car, I tell them about the Toyota Sienna!

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  Great Update - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Husker4theSpurs - September 29 - 9:30 pm

  Came from 08 Prius Touring. Love the remodel overall. Toyota took everything I didnt like about the Gen 2 and improved it. More power, more sporty (although not a sporty car), better fuel economy, more comfortable seats, heated seats, better sound system, integrated XM, LEDs, nicer rims, better overall ride. I was ready for Gen 3 to be an upgrade, but its exceeded my expectations fully (and they were pretty high to begin with). Everything feels upgraded and although this isnt a luxury car, its such an improvement over the Gen 2 that it feels like it to me. A bit more spacious and roomy, more traditional styling inside and out. Available moonroof (which I dont have). Great car imho!

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  Too much fun (causing some guilty) - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Don Huffman - September 29 - 10:46 am

  Style finally grew on me (been looking at it for 3 years)- I was waiting for a Corolla station wagon - to no avail. I love the tight handling. Love the access to the controls. Very accessible for passengers and cargo (love the small liftback door). Well accessorized. Red instruments are difficult to read (I am a little color blind).

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  Great Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By coolfb - September 28 - 4:23 pm

  This truck rides very smooth, everyone who has taken a ride cannot believe how smooth and quiet it is. The powertrain is very refined.

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  Rav 4 is fun - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By Rav Guy - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Bought for my wife because small, sits high and easy to drive. I found I like to drive it more than my Cadillac. Will buy another some day. Great vehicle.

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  The Little Toyota That Could. - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By leftofthenormal - September 28 - 10:00 am

  The mext-gen Toyota Rav4 follows suit with the mini-SUV craze. It does its job, and does it well. It looks GREAT inside and out, with traditional Toyota reliability and build quality. The 2.0L I4 is pretty peppy, abeit it has to rev like mad to produce torque when climbing up hills and hard driving. It wasnt meant to race, so that really shouldnt matter. As long as you dont lead-foot it 24/7, its quick to get up and go. With the L package, the car really shines.Gas milage is OK for a car of this size, but its all in how you drive it. Usually gets around 22-24 MPG.

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  Great Solara Vehicle - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jkolts - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle is fun to drive. Excellent interior design. Minor problem with a rattle in the front passenger door. This is my 4th Toyota (3rd Camry). Toyota continues to make great vehicles. Wouldnt want anything other than a Toyota.

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  Wife wants one too, cant have mine - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By troutfinder - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Had this truck a short time but so far I love it. Cant wait to use it to tow old boat instead of 1980 F-150. Handles great. Rides great. Looks fantastic. Well laid out and easy to use controls, such as 4WD High. And beleive it or not I can see the clock easily and like its placement because you are not always staring at it. Love the look of this truck in TRD SR5 trim, looks like its been to a custom shop. Dealer was very pleasant to work with (Arlington Toyota Illinois).