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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  A darn good buy - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mike - October 14 - 7:50 pm

  Dont think you can beat this one for the money. Good, strong engine and real driver comfort. The only pickup in this price range which gives you a full size spare tire as standard equipment. Installed aftermarket rain shields so I can leave the window open in the rain - very necessary and worth the cost. Only complaints: seems like exterior paint was applied with a microscope - scratches very easily; also problems with the radio/CD player, which will have to be replaced. However, the audio quality is quite good - no complaint there. Good gas mileage on the highway - this little truck feels like a flying bird at highway speeds. Overall, very satisfactory.

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  One awesome truck - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By FFT - October 14 - 5:16 pm

  I recently bought a Tundra after I lost my beloved T-100 in an accident. I am as happy as I can be with the 2010 Tundra. I get a million compliments on it from everybody both friend and stranger. "Nice Truck" is all I hear. It is well designed and I call it my no problem vehicle. It can handle anything I ask of it. Nice engine, nice radio, smart design. Best vehicle purchase Ive made. Cant wait to finish the break-in period so I can start putting down the gas.

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  My Ride Camry V6 - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By kdavis - October 14 - 3:43 pm

  I test drive the Chevy Impala and the Ford 500, employee pricing gimicks aside I thought the Camry V6 LE was in the end the better car. It was easy to get below invoice quotes from the big 3 US dealers, Toyota had a year end rebate and I got that money. I paid right at $23K for a new just out of the wrapper grey cloth interior, mine is Lunar Silver with polished alloy wheels. It looks right at home in the company parking lot or at the country club, at home anywhere in this car. Still in brake in mode, so I havent given it full throttle yet. 4 wheel disc brakes are nice, the tires Bridgestones really pick up road noise and all. Im glad I shopped, but Toyota had the car I liked best!

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  be carefull - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By stevenh2 - October 14 - 2:57 pm

  I had wrote a previous review which i like to update. HERE IS A WARNING ON KEYLESS IGNITIONS.. I went to a restaurant and parked my camry. i was distract, i thought my car was off , the lights and the engine was off. 1.5 hrs later i returned to my camry to find the lights on and the engine running. if this had been in my garage i could have died from carbon monixide poising.. the engine goes on when the battery runs down. this is scary and a feature that has to be recitified. they were 4 deaths in palm beach cty from this from a gasoline engine lexus.so a hybrid could be worse. make sure you button to the ignition is off.the car recoginizes the wireless key.it doenot dissengage when leaving

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  A Keeper - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By Roadrunner - October 13 - 10:43 pm

  Handles excellent after installing KYB gas adjust shocks. Driving mellow brings 24.5 MPG. The engine just purrs! Poeple inquire about it all the time as I keep it super clean. By far the best Ive owned.

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  Problems - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By ProblemToyota - October 13 - 9:10 pm

  When I first purchased this vehicle I was excited about the quality of the vehicle and the smoothness of the ride. However, after approximately 22 months and 23k miles the check engine light came on. I brought it to the dealership and it was fixed. After 26k miles the tires were worn and needed to be replaced. Now, at 27.5k miles the check engine light is on again. After the first few weeks of owning the car I noticed a rattling in the dash that just cant be solved and I am still driving with that rattling. I am extremely surprised by these issues. I will have to evaluate other options next time Im in the market for a car, which may be soon.

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  Very Uncomfortable - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By James - October 13 - 3:56 pm

  I like the styling, performance, quality of build. However, the seats are very uncomfortable! They make your back hurt if you drive for any distance. I even had the cloth seat covers replaced w/ leather. It did not help. I am seriously thinking about trading this vehicle for something else. I have never thought about getting rid of a new vehicle! Stock stereo system and speakers are WEAK! I replaced them.

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  Great car!!! Gonna miss this baby! - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By gavmat - October 13 - 2:36 pm

  I leased this car back in December of 2009 and my lease is now up and I extended an extra six months cause I simply dont want to give it back and cant afford to buy it. I love the car and feel like it should be priced higher. As for people saying its bad in the snow you just dont know how to drive in it. In 3 years of PA weather I have never once got stuck in snow. I live 15 miles from work and take all back roads the entire way. Its great on gas and is very comfortable. My only two complaints are how light colored the interior is and the transmission. My interior was dirty the first week from the messy weather in January. The transmission is always searching for a gear. Great car tho!

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  Mountaineer Replacement - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Cape Cod Dad - October 13 - 2:03 pm

  Divorced father, 2 kids (13 & 10), needed a replacement vehicle for a 97 Mountaineer. Looked at Acadia, Enclave, TaurusX, Mazda CX9, CRV & Odyssey. Purchased V6 Sport 4WD 11/07. Vehicle has 24,500 miles on it now. Very pleased with the gas mileage (averages a consistent 27 mpg when driven between 60-65 mph). Very quiet riding vehicle, nothing rattles or squeaks, very tight. JBL sound system is wonderful. Kids love positioning options of backseats I should have purchased more comfortable / flexible leather/ powerseats. On long rides its worth the extra money. My 1st Toyota, wont be my last. Very pleased.

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  Runnig great for over 125,000 miles - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Momooe - October 13 - 1:30 pm

  I had this car from day one and has no major repairs, no leaks. The only replacement I made was the FR axle and rack pinion. The secret: change oil every 5000 m thru 100K miles, then 3000 m after.