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 car - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By LAE9 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Toyota, I purchased after extensive research. I was discouraged with repair costs and quality of previous cars. I have put 80K plus in 3.5 years on this Camry. Not one problem, regular oil changes etc. only. Yes, it could have more power, but well worth living without considering all the other good things. I will always buy Toyota based on my past experiences with other cars. Toyota has more recommended used car models than any other make, and I know why. My kids are tired of me saying "BUY A TOYOTA" !!!

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  Wish I had my Camry back - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By RJD - January 3 - 12:06 am

  My 07 Camry LE was wrecked and not the same after being repaired, so bought this Corolla. MPG is excellent, but the interior is cheap, with hard plastic everywhere. Center console has uncomfortable hard plastic to rest your elbow on. The car handles well in the snow with the traction control. Outside/wind noise is quite apparent at times. In spite of these complaints, its a very good little car and Id buy another one if I had to, but wish I had my Camry back. The Camry was luxurious compared to this Corolla. This car sits low, making it hard for me to get out of, even with the seat elevated as high as it will go. This car will run 70+ mph on the interstates without batting an eyelash.

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  V6 Base AWD - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By mjt - January 2 - 10:43 pm

  I compared the RAV4 vs CRV and eventually got the RAV4. The RAV4s interior feels cheap - I like the CRV interior better and the CRVs top mounted rear door make more sense. But the RAV4 won me over the CRV with the V6, handling and the interior cargo space. CRV only has 52 inches while RAV4 flow flat back seat gave me 70 inches. The RAV4 has more room and is more comfortable.

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  01 tacoma - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By john9310 - January 2 - 7:53 pm

  I live in northeast Ohio and the winters are bad here. My driveway is straight uphill so I need 4wd to get up it. I had a full sized Chevy 4wd but that truck was old and tired and didnt owe anybody anything. My buddy had a 99 Tacoma and I liked it so I bought mine. I only had a few problems 3 bumpers (the clearcoat peels off and rusts), power steering pump went out and catalytic converters rotted out, otherwise a great truck. I only have about 53,000 miles on it. I can beat on this truck and it asks for more.

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  Wish I kept my 2000 Camry - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By JULIE - January 2 - 2:13 pm

  The car is beautiful to look at but that new computerized acceleration is for the birds! The car hesitates too much then kicks in with a jerk. Only two interior colors to choose from.

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  No more Tire Pressue display? - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By nlwalden - January 1 - 3:59 pm

  I bought a 2012 SE for my daughter. I liked it well enough to buy a 2013 for myself. The only differences between this years and last years models Ive noticed are two: 1) 2013 has the lane-changer blinker function. On the highway, flick the blinker arm and the blinker blinks three times without having to hold the arm down. Nice feature. 2) This is really annoying. On the 2012, you got two options when you pressed the Car button: Fuel Consumption and Tire Pressure. On the 2013, theyve somehow gotten rid of the Tire Pressure display. Now the only way to check tire pressure is the old fashioned way. Unless it didnt work well, I cans see why they got rid of that function.

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  Pleasantly surprised - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By ss63 - January 1 - 10:53 am

  More room and acceleration than expected. Ride is good but not great. So far we like it a lot.

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  another review - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Rickem - January 1 - 10:23 am

  This is my very first car. Like alot of people, it was either the Camry or Accord for me. The $1000 price differance sealed the deal for me. Extremely quiet car. Be warned, the acceleration is tepid compared to the Accord. I would have gone with the V6 if gas prices werent so high. Camrys look great in black!

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  Stylish economy car - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By Peoples car - December 29 - 1:13 am

  I was lucky enough to find a used coupe with a five speed, I was reluctant about that, but I love it and no power anything, less to break. This is as close to a poor mans sports car as you can get and given the prohibitive price of cars, and its excellent mpg its a gem and a lot of fun to drive. Also unconventional looking with a hi-tech interior design and an amazing amount of space inside. Ive added a sunroof and cruise control so I have a poor mans convertible and an additional comfort feature. Parked next to a conventional sedan, lets say a Camry, Im amazed at how big the Echo looks. Its a shame this car didnt make it, Corollas dont come in two doors and they are so boring looking.

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  missing seat belt - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Lee Goodman - December 29 - 1:03 am

  Like the car, BUT I find the transmission indecisive and "quirky". The manual shift option on the automatic trans is better on the Chrysler. I know. I owned one. Further, the trans up-shifts at inappropriate times; as when coasting or when applying the brakes lightly. Just the opposite of what it should do. Left rear passenger seat belt missing (the part with the red button). Sound volume on DVD players (in head-rests) cannot be adjusted.