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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  My Second Toyota!!! - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By centurion68 - December 1 - 2:57 am

  This car is ergonomically sound. I really enjoy how comfortable it is. Road trips are fantastic in this vehicle. Even better than the 07 Camry I had before. It provides a very smooth ride yet it has a beefy enough suspension and clearance to handle some of the more challenged roads in America. Even though I have the 2.7 liter DOHC engine, the performance is sound. Coupled with the 6 speed transmission, it makes carrying five passengers and luggage effortless.

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  Great, no, fantastic car for the money - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Roy - November 30 - 5:43 pm

  This car is all about refinement and silky performance. Fit and finish is outstanding as is ride comfort and quietness. To think I have a car which will get to 60 in under 7 secs, get mid 20s mileage in all round driving, and near 30mpg on the highway, all on regular gas is truly remarkable. Stereo and adaptive cruise control are great but I am disappointed that the memory seat feature doesnt adjust the steering wheel and main rear view mirror like cars in this price range should. Here in North Florida I recommend the extra window tint and the optional rear window screen.I havent ridden in that fabulous rear seat but my guests have commented that the comfort rivals limos theyve ridden.

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  Toyota MUST fix the paint! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By J. Stuart - November 30 - 9:50 am

  Mechanically, this car is fine. A great highway car. Comfortable and quiet with excellent gas mileage. But the paint chipping problem on the front end and hood should put Toyota to SHAME! This is 2008! Why are we skimping on the paint? Looks like a single layer was put on! A familiar and intolerable problem of all owners of this vehicle! Do the right thing Toyota and fix it! You should be embarrassed by this!

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  2007 Corolla Sport - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Kathy C - November 30 - 6:26 am

  This is my third Toyota having owned Corollas since 1990. Previous 2 were LE models. The Sport- with Sunroof and ground effects is by far teh best yet! People comment on the beautiful exterior- especially the "indigo blue" color. I invent places to go just to drive!

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  Best SUV in market today - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Solid performance - November 29 - 8:23 pm

  This is one of the best SUVs out there in the market today. No problem with snow and slippery roads with very comfortable ride on bumpy roads. Great exterior and interior design with reasonable price. Build quality and reliability is excellent so far. Ride is on the soft side but secure. Lots of room in front and back seats, I do not use 3rd row so lots of cargo room.

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  Excellent, Intelligent Choice - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Jenn - November 29 - 3:06 pm

  I bought my 2007 Yaris Hatchback in the end of May 2006. Thus far, I love it. Easy to drive, and much more room than you would think by looking at it. If you are comparing this vehicles to others, dont just look at reviews, go out and test drive this car. The mileage is great and I always have people rolling down their windows and asking how many miles I get to the gallon. Overall, I would give this car a 10 out of 10.

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  poor reliability - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By mharon - November 29 - 1:40 pm

  Not sure if my car just sucks or something, but i bought a camry last year with 112,000 miles on it. I bought it for $2000, and have so far put a total of $4500 into it and now it needs a new transmission. I will not be buying a camry again. yea the car will go forever if you can start it, but once you turn it off, you dont know if it will start again, or if it will just fall apart randomly. IF YOU DO BUY THIS CAR CHECK THE DOOR HANDLES. This is a super common problem ive seen with all camrys of this year. ask the owner if any door handles have been replaced.

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  Wheres the sludge? - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By crew dawg - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Taut, strong SUV. Average 20 MPG. Excellent body trim and fit. Leather seating soft, yet durable. Acceleration adequate, for 183 HP V6.

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  Wait for the 2004 - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Mohammed Saieuertwie - November 29 - 10:00 am

  OOPS. I bought my Solara about 1 month ago, and then I saw what the 2004 Solara will look like. Intro date is in August 2003. Im sorry I didnt wait. Its a great car though

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  What a feeling - great SUV !! - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By skykingrc - November 29 - 10:00 am

  This is one really great SUV. Drive much tighter and quieter than any other car/van/truck that I have owned. Realiability doesnt get any better than this. I know I will be staying with TOYO