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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  slow trottle responce at low speed - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By jim goodwin - April 20 - 10:00 am

  It accellerates nicely from a start but when accellerating from low speed it takes a lot of gas peddle to get it up to freeway speed fast. It is also hard to read the LCD radio display with sun glasses on. Ohther than that it is quite a nice car alot cheeper than a Lexis

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  who needs an ES 330??? - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By RVB - April 20 - 10:00 am

  This is my first camry and I just love it! I traded in my 2002 aacordLX which was a great car but with a horrible rough ride. The camry rides on the same platform as the Lexus. If your looking for leather and a wood wheel buy the lexus,if you have the cash! The accord was all new for 03 but after a 15 min test drive at Toyota I didnt look at another accord. This car rides and is built superior to anything on the market, and blows honda away. After my test drive I took the car home that day! My father has had american cars all his life and when he drove the camry he went to the dealer and traded in his buick the very next day! mmmm go figure!

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  great 05 tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By benjos - April 20 - 12:00 am

  so far great truck...more stable,more room,& great new options as compared to my 04 tacoma... only setback so far is clunking noise coming from area around the front shocks when hitting a bump or pothole...dealership looking into pro- blem...need more volume from standard sound system.

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  One of the best cars Ive ever owned!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Gaki - April 19 - 9:50 pm

  Ive had my 07 Yaris for just over 3 years now and I must say it has to be one of the best cars Ive owned!! Not only does it get around 27 mpg around town, but the maintenance costs are very small. The only maintenance I put in were oil changes, new set of tires at 40k, new air filter, and new front window blades in order to pass last inspection. So far, the car hasnt given me any problems and is truly fun to drive. It has enough pick-up and handles well in all weather conditions. I highly recommend this vehicle if you are on a budget like I am. I feel that the Toyota Yaris is perfect given what I paid for it!

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  LOVE my Prius!!! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By The Jedi Prius - April 19 - 7:20 pm

  I almost feel guilty about how much I enjoy my Prius. Going from my big, super-trimmed out (but warranty-expiring/$60 a week gas hog) Town & Country van, I worried the Prius would be a big step down in comfort but a huge step up in gas mileage w/ the security of being back under warranty. Forget worry--Im wowed. Although it appears small, its actually bigger than the Corolla, & the cabin is amazingly roomy, even for adults in the back. It has a respectable amount of cargo room, w/ 2 fold-flat rear seats which make for a very spacious hatchback. The navigation pkg is loaded w/ so many extras I havent even begun to figure it all out. Cleverly engineered, sexy, fun 2 drive & very safe.

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  Quality & fun to drive - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Terton - April 19 - 2:33 pm

  My car has been problem free. Its very comfortable and has a sporty feel to it. The lines are great. I have the 6 cd stereo and it has wonderful surround sound. The car just feels like quality when youre in it. I had a 1991 Celica for 13 years and loved it. I still miss the sports car (low to the ground) feel but this car is much more comfortable. The only downside that I see is the few blind spots. These are due to the small window in the back It looks great though and you just use the mirrors:) Definately recommend this car!

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  Endless comfort and solidity - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By olderage - April 19 - 1:24 pm

  At 140k my Avalon seems like it will endure for many more years and miles. Unusual maintenance includes a steering bracket assembly and a failed subwoofer. Also, the drivers seat cushion has collapsed and the airbag light comes on intermittently. The car whooshes to speed, is dead quiet, and has expansive room on the inside. The gas mileage is not great (avg. 22 in mixed driving), but this is a large auto and its substantial feel makes me want to keep it forever. The styling is distinct and operating costs are very low. After driving an Avalon, it becomes difficult to settle for lesser cars.

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  Not up to Toyota Quality Standards - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Eric07 - April 19 - 12:56 pm

  As compared to my wifes 2004 Highlander, my new Camry does not exhibit the same build quality. While I applaud the new design (my previous car was a 2005 SE V6 Camry), Toyota seems to be slipping in quality. Examples include fit and finish; had to have the drivers door realigned due to metal-to-metal contact causing terrible rattling (still not 100% fixed), poor fit of interior parts, which causes a lot of rattling, especially when its cold out; the auto tranny has a history of serious problems and acts weird, and lastly the paint quality, which chips very easily. Toyota can do better!

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  Perfect Car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By MD - April 19 - 12:40 pm

  This car has excellent handling, performance, and gas mileage. I drive 40 miles to work one way. I had to find a car that was great on fuel and comfortable to sit in for 45 minutes.

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  MOM OF THREE AND HERE WE GO - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Florida Mom - April 19 - 8:10 am

  I was very torn on getting another van or getting an suv. I did know I wanted a Toyota. So I took them both home to test drive and my husband ultimatley made my decision for me. We have a boat and we take it places so I needed something big enough to tow that. I love my Sequoia and I dont see myself getting anything else it is a great comfortable ride and my kids all have there own space. Towing a boat to the Florida Keys was a breeze for the truck also we had no problems what so ever. I love the styling of it. Gas is always a problem nowadays with whatever you drive unless they come out with a hybrid I will drive this till I am old and grey.