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 Car! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jazzman1 - September 14 - 4:56 pm

  I just sold my 2001 Ford Mustang and bought a red SE convertible. The seats are so much more convertible, great reliability, great look, and fun in the sun. I am now hooked on Toyotas and I have only had the car two weeks.

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  Best Car Ive ever owned! - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Gary - September 14 - 10:07 am

  I bought my 1997 Camry new in 97 and it is still going strong today (2016). The only issues I have had was to replace the spark plug wires at 110,000 miles, up until that time I still had the original wires. The intermittent wiper control bar malfunctioned at around 105,000 miles, so I replaced it. The paint on both side mirrors began to peel off, so I had to repaint them. My driver side inside door latch broke, so I had to replace it. Other than those minor issues I have not had any problems other than normal maintenance. It still runs like new at 120,000 miles. I plan on keeping this car until it falls apart, but I dont see that happening. I am retired now and dont do a lot of driving so I know it will last longer than I will. I love my Camry!

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  Id buy another one today - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By as400guy - September 14 - 10:00 am

  If I needed a new car today, Id buy another Avalon...sight unseen.

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  great car - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By nathan - September 14 - 10:00 am

  i think that this is a great car anyone would be lucky to have it.

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  BEST CAR IN THE WORLD - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By KOONEY - September 14 - 10:00 am

  this is the best car ive ever seen looks great lots of fun and a great price. If everyone could drive a car like this everyone would be happy. i think that this car is GGGGGRRRRRRREEEEEEAAAAAAAATTTTTTTT

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  As A Commercial Truck! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Wireless - September 14 - 10:00 am

  This truck has a GemTop Cap with side tool doors and ladder rack. It is carrying about 450lbs of tools and equipment. It was a bid truck against a Chev 4x4 extended cab PU and came in $120 less. We like the V6, 5 Speed, and manual 4x4 transmission. To make this truck move you have to shift...and to get mileage keep a light foot on the throttle. This IS NOT a heavy duty construction type truck...better get a C20 or F250 for that. We bought this truck for the Toyota quality name and better fuel economy.

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  It just wants to have fun! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Julie Foster - September 14 - 10:00 am

  This was my first new car and I love every minute of it! It drives beautifully and rides extremely comfortably. Its the perfect sedan!

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  A Pleasant Surprise - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Gas Saver - September 14 - 6:23 am

  For a little car it has just enough low end acceleration and handles tight. I bought it strictly for the mileage it gets expecting a cheap chunk of plastic. However, it was anything but. The outer body design is kind of funky. The interior is surprisingly comfortable as well. I am 62" tall and have plenty of leg room.

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  Reliable, Economic and Valuable - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Luis - September 14 - 12:40 am

  It feels as though youre driving in a cloud. The kids fall asleep in it instantly even though the powerful stereo system may wake them. Its a very quite car. You do not hear any noises coming from the engine and for me that is a plus. You get over 600 miles to the tank full and it only needs 17.4 gallons to fill up approx. I love my Camry. First time owner and will continue buying Toyota from now on. Its like buying gold. Try it out I think you wont regret it.

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  Fantastic - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Becca - September 14 - 12:36 am

  Our Camry is a 1997 XLE V6 fully loaded with 107,000 miles and still looks, feels, and drives like a brand new car. We had the car checked out before the purchase and were told by our mechanic that the Camrys will run forever and that the XLE V6 is the Lexus ES300 with the Toyota label. Every single part is interchangeable. We couldnt be happier with our decision to purchase this car.