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:

• 

  Boat towing highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Illinihighlander - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Compared several midsize Suvs. choose Toyota Highlander for our familys needs. It will be used to tow a 2,500 bass boat on the weekends. Have made 2 trips to the lake so far, over 100 miles each way. I had a 2 inch hitch installed. Very happy with towing performance (16 mpg towing) Very solid made vehicle. Have owned 2 Toyota cars in the past with zero problems both over 150,000 miles.

• 

  I was surprised! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By a.s.w. - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Ive always been a chevy person, but my husband suggested the corolla when we had our child, because we both had trucks. I wrinkled my nose at first because I have always had chevy cars but I have to admitt that now that I have the corolla Im very surprised on how much I enjoy it. This car serves my purpose and its roomy even with an infant and all infants require.

• 

  Great Van... - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Kigem - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I love this van. I am sick of the Chevy Venture I had. It has all the bells and whistles.

• 

  Solid Car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Hybrid - March 25 - 10:00 am

  2002 Toyota Camry! To me that means reliability. The car has a lot of power for a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder. It performs nice with the exception on very loose steering. Uneven pavement will cause the car to pull easily although the alignment is right on. .

• 

  Camry 11 - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By mls4deals - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 03 Camry LE to commute from san diego to LA DAILY...and put 40,000 miles on it in a flash without getting worn out. Im sellin it for almost what I paid for it (on sale @ 15,688) since I put in the moonroof, spoiler and tinted window and the white car looks like the SE sport model and buying a 2004 Camry LE limited edition now that I am driving regular miles again. I love the cars handling, comfort, utility and mileage as well as performance and beelieve it to be the best car offered for the features and value it offers. IF ou havent driven one before you buy any car...DRIVE THIS ONE..and your decision will be a "NO brainer" :)

• 

  Great Value - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By BRJ - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Camry continues to deliver a very reliable and practical package. Ride is comfortable and quiet, very quiet. In fact I would say its on par or even better than some high-end luxury cars. This is my second V6 LE and I am not disappointed. The only gripe I have is the start up pick up and erratic / delayed shifting at start. The pick up issue can be overcome by flooring the gas. Overall, very happy with the choice I made. You get a lot of car for your $$ compared to the competition.

• 

  None Better!! - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By TexExpress - March 25 - 4:20 am

  This is my 3rd Toyota 4x4 pickup (also had 86 and 93 4Runners and 01 Sequoia). Still driving a 91 4 cyl, 5 speed 4x4 and traded off a 04 Tacoma for the 09. By far this 09 is the best! All the elements have come together in a great pickup. Ride is exceptional, power and performance outstanding under any conditions and it looks good too! I have driven city, highway, off road, good and bad weather and this pickup has not disappointed! I have the TRD Offroad PKG (cant live without my 4x4) with Towing. Interior controls are easy to reach and read with a quiet ride for a 4x4. Toyota, thanks for continuing the tradition of best in class 4x4!!!

• 

  Love my Yaris!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Wendy - March 24 - 7:10 pm

  I love this car. It is very affordable and great on gas. I have two kids who have plenty of room in the back seat. The stereo system is excellent and its wired to plug your MP3 player right in. Also like having lots of cup holders and bottle holders (6 total). Had to get used to speedometer in the middle of the dashboard, but its great for back seat drivers. :) The body style is adorable and easy to fit into small spaces. The only thing I dont like about this car is that the acceleration is not as quick as Im used to, but its not TOO bad. I am very happy with this purchase and would definitely buy another Yaris.

• 

  Fantastic Car - better than Honda by far - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By knowpwr - March 24 - 5:01 pm

  Love this car. I drive aggressive and engine is quick from start and passing. Handles well in city and quite on the highway - especially since replaced the factor tires which werent that goo. Drivers seat is very comfortable. Good visibility. Have had for 3 years and not a single issue. I love the interior - it is super functional and easy to do everything. I use the aux input for my iPAD and Sandisk MP3 player. My Son has a Honda Accord (same year) and I like the Camry ride, handling, and interior much much better. The Accord drives rougher and steers harder IMHO. Tough to improve on this Camry.

• 

  Awesome and Rageing - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Anand Raj - March 24 - 12:36 pm

  I have driven many cars in my life. I feel that the Camry XLE V6 4Door Sedan drives no less than a Mercs or a Lexus. The smoothness make me wake up everyday morning to drive the car to work.I love my Camry and yes nothing else can offset the V6 engine and Camry with the price I got it for. My car is 2005 but smooth as a 2009 Lexus. What else can I say and ask more than a Camry.