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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  Simply done right - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Mike - October 23 - 7:16 am

  Have owned my FJ for 1 year and have over 30k in that time. Have long daily commute and work in Atlanta, GA. I have had no issues with blind spots in Atlanta traffic or parking, or navigating narrow downtown roads. Great driving feedback from the vehicle allows you to know exactly where you are. On weekends, this vehicle is in N GA on a trout stream or working on family land hauling gear for clearing brush etc. Then it cleans up in a snap and heads back downtown to the office. Does exactly what a land cruiser should do.

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  car making noise - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By miranda5 - October 23 - 5:06 am

  I bought my 2013 toyota corolla LE last July. Ive had two big problems so far. 1) screeching noise when cold start ( it has been going on for the whole winter) 2) starts from last month ( my car has 3500 miles so far), there has been whistling noise come from the front of my car when I speed up ( with the window open, I can hear very clearly. When the window is closed, I can barely hear it). The noise is really annoying......it makes me so worried...Im so scared by car problems.... The reason I bought a new car is because I dont want to have car problem any more...but look at this........... Does anyone has the same car problems as I do?

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  STYLISH, ECONOMICAL & FUN TO DRIVE - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Paulette Blackman - October 23 - 3:26 am

  After stating repeatedly that I would never buy a 4-cylinder, two-door car, I fell in love with the Toyota Camry Solara. Having a limited amount to spend and wanting something more econimical than my last car (a 2001 Nissan Maxima SE), I searched the internet, spoke to people and decided to test-drive the Solara (both the 4 & 6 cylinder models). Both my husband and I were more than satisfied with the pick-up and ride the 4-cylinder provided and purchased the car that same day. Although its difficult for an adult to climb into the back seat, the few occasions I have more than one passenger in the car doesnt warrant another two doors.

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  Love my Corolla XLE - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By rev4 - October 23 - 1:53 am

  This is a great car. I am extremely happy with this car. I think the "road feel" is just fine. Anyway, I think the car is top quality, nice exterior, wonderful interior, great gas mileage, pleasant to drive in all circumstances. I am very pleased with this purchase.

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  love my 4runner! - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By havoc1649 - October 22 - 9:33 pm

  Complaints: noisy blower fan, a little slow to build up when throttled up, complicated NAV (like all others) Pros: Everything else is great! Strong motor, smooth in all facets. Love the rear pull out deck for the kids gear, very comfortable leather seats, awesome in poor winter weather, really just a great all around vehicle.

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  Have fun saving energy with min emission - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Prius - October 22 - 7:03 pm

  I am an electrical power engineer, so I like the technology incorporated in the Prius. I was not in the market, but rode in my brothers Prius in May, read several reviews,and got interested. Then I received my IEEE magazine with an article explaining why the Prius is the only family size vehicle that can provide an immediate reduction in gasoline usage and emissions. It explains why hydrogen fuel cells use more petroleum at this time, and estimates 10 years before fuel cells will be helpful. With pricing starting below $20k, and all the great features and options, I decided to not wait,and placed an order in June. Took delivery in 3 weeks at that time.

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  Great car, Great price. - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By Dylon - October 22 - 8:36 am

  Picked up the 98 Avalon only a few months ago, came with 150,000 km on it, I put on about 10,000 km. Still works perfectly. Absolutely no problems. Only complaint is that my old car was a 92 Camry, it was a cute little car, but it was fun to drive. This one seems a little stiff. Pretty good on gas I guess, I am getting about 23 Mpg city. And the car doesnt have that outdated look to it. The rear looks really modern, love the sunroof, and the headlight cleaners is the cherry on top. Never selling.

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  Super Satisfied - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By CamryFamily - October 22 - 4:06 am

  I bought my 08 Camry in Jan. and couldnt be more satisfied. I was a previous 4-Runner owner and loved it so much I became hooked on Toyotas. My main purpose in buying the car was transportation to and from work, about a 50 mile drive per day. I also wanted much cheaper maintenance. Gas was a huge issue too. I now average about 29 mpg with premium gas and 24 with regular on the interstate. I love the interior even though I sacrificed my leather for a cheaper price. Everything is placed just right for a comfortable ride. My installed bluetooth makes the drive even more easy. The whole family fits great inside. Exceeded my needs

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  OK car - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By okie - October 22 - 2:56 am

  This car is for small people but has perks like the gas mileage. I have a 70 mile commute every workday and only spend 20 dollars on gas every week. It has flaws but they are minimal for the price. Anyone looking for a car with good reliability for its price and doesnt care about cosmetic problems will love it

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  What a vehicle! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Jpooleii - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I could not be happier with my Sequoia purchase. To date I have not had a single problem with it and do not expect to. I think compared to the other SUVs on the market, the gas mileage is great.