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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  Oh what a feeling! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By hodadernie - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I was very surprised at the comfort and quietness at freeway speed, awesome sound from the c/d cassette combo, and plenty of storage from the well designed two seperate storage areas center console. Outstanding rapid cool down from the a/c.

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  built to last - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By RHOPE - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Good quality,ok pickup,stops great,quiet ride,great CD and radio. 32mph on the radd, 30mph in town,Heated seats are nice,impressed so far

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  Honda is out, Toyota is in - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By dwarflord - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I looked at Accord and Camry. Looking at the Honda I noticed a lot of fit and finish problems I had never seen on any of my previous 4 hondas. I then drove a camry and the comfort and feel was a big jump over, not only the civic, but the accord as well. The ride was so quiet, no engine noise, no creaks, no rattles and very very smooth. I owned a tacoma in the past as well and had 0 problems in the 4 years I owned it, never ever took it in. In the 8 months I owned my civic I had it in the dealership 3x for all different issues, last of which was a transmission problem at less than 6k miles. I guess its a good time to trade up to a toyota now.

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  Nice upgrade from the Echo - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Bob L - June 17 - 11:06 pm

  Has a big car feel yet its classified as a compact. Feels solid and has reasonable acceleration. Ours is the CE SE version from Canada. This was an upgrade from our 2004 Echo, which gave us no trouble at all

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  raving fan - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By rav4fan - June 17 - 10:30 am

  unbelievable, the standard model is like other manufacturers limited additions.

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  Transmission not a problem to fix - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Mike - June 17 - 5:43 am

  I noticed the transmission problems with my 2010 Camry. After having a 1998,1999, and a 2009 Camry I realized this transmission was different. I took it back to the dealership and explained problem. I was told that there where some problems with the fluid and they would need the car for about two hours of changing and driving the car then changing it again. Happy to report that it has worked.

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  Quality and gas mileage - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Steve - June 17 - 12:13 am

  After driving 2 Chrysler 300s previous to owning this Avalon, I am particularly impressed with the overall quality of the vehicle. Lots of small and some big problems with the Chryslers, but none with the Avalon. I continue to be amazed by the fuel economy of this large sedan. I consistently get 29 to 31 miles per gallon on the highway at speeds of 70 mph. I have actually gotten 33 mpg on two trips.

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  Love My Big Luxury Toy - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By DC - June 16 - 3:36 pm

  I have had my Sequoia about two months. I went all out. Got the red- rock leather interior, navigation, DVDs in the headrest, etc. My family and I love this SUV. The ride is so smooth and quiet. The leg room for all seats is wonderful. Love the heated and cooled seats. I think once you play around with the navigation it gets easier to control.

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  THE BEST Car that you can buy! - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By gtgtcobra - June 16 - 3:30 pm

  I just leased this car for 3 years. My 2010 Camry LE 4 cylinder automatic is VERY comfortable and VERY quiet. Everything about this car is excellent. Its economical and it also has a large gas tank so you can really go a very long distance on a full tank of gas. I got an average of 24.6 MPG on my 2nd tank of gas with only 708 miles on the odometer. I went 444.4 miles on a full tank of gas on the 2nd fill-up. The MPG fuel economy gets even better to 30 MPG as you put more mileage on the car. The Camry is also very nice looking and it has plenty of room inside and it also has a lot of trunk space/room. The fit and finish on this car is very good. You cant go wrong with this car. This is an excellent car and this car rocks!!

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  Cruising Machine - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By JCBMinn - June 16 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 97 Avalon used with 48K Miles, now have 68K. Only problem was the front strut mounts had to be replaced (not in warranty) which is a common problem for this year. But dont get me wrong, this is a great car that I will keep to well over 100K miles. Rides smooth, classy car with lots of rear leg room and good size trunk. Toyota quality can be seen and felt all thru the car. I recommend the XLS version, the little extras are worth it.