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 truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By truck lover - January 29 - 10:00 am

  This truck is excellent. They redesigned the grill for 2003, which I like. The ride is pretty smooth for a truck. It has plenty of power (its hard not to speed). My only gripe is that compared to other extended cabs, the rear seats seem smaller.

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  Lukewarm feelings - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By bettyboop - January 29 - 10:00 am

  reply to SAMSUN79 I had identical problem with brakes slipping while waiting at red lights dealership stated they couldnt duplicate it. Also while Corolla CE is parked on a downward sloped driveway, the suspension creaks loudly when exiting vehicle & I only weigh 115lbs. dealership also couldnt duplicate this ...the hype has warn down a bit since FEB 2002

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  Highly Recommend! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Waddysgirl - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I am very pleased with my 2002 Camry XLE. It was a replacement for my previous 1990 Camry which had 191K+ miles. I trust that my new 2002 will last as long. I am impressed with the MPG on road trips (30 MPG) and the comfort of the leather seats. I am also impressed with the Camry road handling. It may have been a bit pricey compared to the Honda Accord or Nissan Altima, but this 2002 is my fourth Toyota and I have had good experience with Toyota quality.

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  "klonk" noise - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Mary Jones - January 29 - 10:00 am

  When putting car in reverse and then going forward there is a "klonk" noise. Was told this was normal and nothing could be done to change it. It is very annoying and friends have asked what was causing the noise.

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  I am in awe at what a piece of crap this car is - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By yousmell102 - January 29 - 8:23 am

  Leased a 2009 Camry Le back in the summer of 08. Couldnt be more disappointed. I have had the weirdest problems with this car, ie accelerator and brake pedals that have a mind of their own. In the past year the car has developed an annoying and extremely dangerous problem where the tension of the gas pedal seems to be constantly changing. Sometimes, it responds with just the slightest amount of pressure, other times, applying it with the exact same amount of force results in no acceleration at all. Its like the car encounters dead spots where it simply refuses to accelerate. Youll need a burst of power to pass or just to get out of someones way, and it wont be there!

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  Buick Convert - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By LS - January 29 - 4:43 am

  Having been a buick fan (last one the Ultra) I am finding this car to be far superior. Allthough the car seems smaller and more sporty to drive the overall size, comfort and interior room are equal to the Buick and provide plenty of room for a large person. Interior storage compartments are vast and handy to access compared to the Buick (dont have to jamb the door shut on the glove compartment). The quiet motor provides all the get up and go that I require with extra to spare. The bumps are noticeable on inferior roads, but on a quality highway it rides and handles like a dream. Am constantly finding little extras like the hold down clamps on the floor mats.

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  Prius after 100k Miles... STAY AWAY! - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By Alert Toyota Prius! - January 28 - 4:10 pm

  I purchased a "Preowned Certified" Toyota Prius 5 years ago with 30K miles on, my car has now 115,000, the ECU went 3 times already, the ECM and the catalytic converter need to be replaced. Anyone out there with a Prius.... Good Luck! What I saved on gas all these years Im paying on parts, I cant wait to get rid of this car.

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  Reluctant Toyota Convert is Thrilled - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By CarKings - January 28 - 3:50 pm

  Always hated Toyota, but after Dodge experience only considered Honda and Toyota. Love driving this van. VERY comfortable, excellent feature, and feels very solid (in a good way, not like a tank). Because of the options we wanted, we had to go for the limited (pricey) and ended up getting the power 3rd row seat. Thats a pain b/c it is much slower than manual and everything must be perfectly out of the way for it to work. Gratuitous technology, but we love the other features.

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  First Corolla and Lovin it! - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By DD974 - January 28 - 3:10 pm

  Have around 900 miles on my new S and have to say am pleased with my second ever Toyota (first was a 2000 Tundra). I traded a 2004 Jeep Liberty that only got 15 mpg. Performance of the 1.8L is snappy and it sips the 89 octane, which is the real reason I bought it.

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  The Greatest SUV - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Mari - January 28 - 10:43 am

  I would really recommend this car to just about anyone. Its comfortable, fuel efficient, especially for a 4 wheel drive, and it looks great. It comes with great standard features like the mp3 player plug in. If you are looking for a reliable, fun car, this is it.