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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  2003 toyota tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By george painter - August 30 - 2:03 pm

  fun to drive. very reliable. good simple interior design. gas mileage is poor.

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  Well thought out car. - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Jerry Alland - August 30 - 2:03 pm

  This is one of the more pleasurable cars I have owned recently (owned several including CX7 traded for this car). If you would call it negative, the ride could be more plush & I am dismayed that no optional wheels are offered as well as the Memory function for the seats/mirrors. Gas mileage is very good & I keep a log of gas used.

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  I love my Camry!! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By lovecamry - August 30 - 10:53 am

  I have had my 2009 V6 Camry XLE since March and I fall more in love each day! It is so gorgeous on the inside and out, I hardly hear road noise, it has great "get-up-and-go", I love the sports shift option when I really need to move quick out of traffic! I also love the way the front dash and gauge area is designed, its very aesthetically pleasing! It is truly a luxury car. I almost went for the SE, but chose the XLE for the leather interior, sleeker design, and the color options I wanted. There is just no beating this Camry! The only bummer is the rising gas prices, $50 only fills my tank to 3/4 full for about 1-2 weeks! But its worth it! It is an absolute pleasure to drive!

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  Fun, Reliability, and Comfort - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By JIMEL - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I love this car!!! It is fun to drive, smooth, and powerful. I feel like I am driving a $60K SUV. The feature that can be added is the NAV system.

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  great SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By SBMNC - August 30 - 10:00 am

  After owned 98 Expedition and 99 RX300, this new Squoia provides the best overall SUV we ever drove. Up to this date, I have to drive at least once every day just for fun. One time we had 6 adults and two children with their car seats install on the road for 3 hours. None of the passagers complained about too crowded. They all felt sitting comfortable.

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  Good car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By counselme - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Good car. Had to trade in a new Mustang for a family car. Looks sporty and has plenty of room all around. Miss the horsepower, but it is reliable and safe. Great visability and easy to drive.

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  Camry Review - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By chilkat - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This car has experienced zero problems. All that has been needed since day 1 is routine maintenance.

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  great 3rd toyota - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By sbrunelle - August 30 - 10:00 am

  The best car Ive ever owned. How do they get 130hp from 1.8L? I had to take the premium sound, cruise and Winter Pkg. 100 watt stereo sounds great! Let NHSTA know about the visor hitting the rear view mirror, though. I did.

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  Very nice car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By WITIM - August 30 - 10:00 am

  So far, so good. We have about 7000 miles on car, getting over 30MPG in combination city/hwy driving. Car is quiet and predictable, sound system in XLE and climate controls are first rate. Everything works well, including power roof. Traded a Chrysler Concorde for Camry, and feel we made a good move.

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  Toyota Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Marie D - August 30 - 9:26 am

  The Prius is a joy to own although I miss the sporty sleekness of my Toyota Celica. It has been a very economical car to own so far - fuel & no repairs.