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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  Disappoined in MPGs in my 2006 Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By marjie - September 19 - 9:13 pm

  I really enjoy drivig the car. Tire pressure has been checked, I am driving in the most efficient way that I know of; no flooring, lots of coasting, avoiding complete stop at lights if legal, slowing down for a turn using low gear and very little of any, brakes. So why am I getting a high of 36 mpg? I brought it into the dealer but they have no suggestions.

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  Solid vehicle at a fair price - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By TerryTheSwede - September 19 - 5:10 pm

  The 2007 Camry is a well built car. It handles nicely, and offers a cofortable ride, and great features. I have had this Camry LE for only a month, but I have no regrets. My conclusion after doing a ton of research regarding safety, reliability, comfort and gas mileage: the Hyundai Sonata is thousands of dollars cheaper and matches the Camry in all respects except comfort. Bottom line was that I was going to be in that drivers seat for years to come and I was not going to skimp on the critical comfort factor.

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  Als Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Albert - September 19 - 4:13 pm

  My wife and I both love this car! Its fun to drive, and gets good mileage. Im a retired engineer, and Im amazed at the excellent engineering design and workmanship that has gone into this car. It way ahead of the competition. Its fun to talk to other Prius owners and compare notes. Looking forward to future Prius car clubs and rallies.

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  Whew never again - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Kathi - September 19 - 3:37 pm

  Be sure to drive this car on bumpy roads. I feel every small bump in the road. Wind noise inside is terrible. Should have bought the Hyndai, much quieter interior. Truely hate the black dashboard, I am in and out of my car all day. Gets very warm. Thank goodness the full blast air conditioner cools it quickly. I bought this car too fast , felt rushed by the dealer. Needed a car, my trade in had a major sunroof leak. Should have walked away. Already looking for another car. Would not go back to Sloan Toyota.

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  not happy with our Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Kevin - September 19 - 3:36 pm

  I purchased two 2007 Camrys the same day; one for my wife and one for my daughter. My daughters has been great from day one, my wifes although it was always dependable had engine hesitation and the drivers sun visor continually fell off into the drivers lap every time you tried to move it up or down. With Toyotas current problems I decided to dump it and buy a Volvo. Yes, I took it back to the dealer several times and finally got tired of dealing with them - now ai dont have to.

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  4Runner 4Real - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By mikee Likes it - September 19 - 10:50 am

  So far, so good (purchased 02/23/02). Performs smoothly; the rear cargo window features power-window capability; deceptively roomy interior. Perhaps its best feature is the SUVs "quality" feel that one gets only when driving in a Toyota. On the non-plus side, the interior dash looks rather bland, despite the "walnut" wood trim. Also, the 4Runners various accessory pieces (i.e. plastic lumbar adjustor thingees)are, to be frank, cheap; Handles curves in a "so-so" manner.

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  MR2 SPYDER - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By horsemom45 - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Great car! Its my second one. Handles great and economical.

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  An ECHO to shout about! - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By tallcooloneny - September 19 - 10:00 am

  This is my 9th vehicle in 20 years of driving, and I must say, it is the BEST one so far. I am a TOYOTA convert thanks to my ECHO, with build quality better than a $40k Caddy....lol

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  Turns Heads - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By The doctor - September 19 - 10:00 am

  A great little convertible , that is fun to drive and responds well. Unique styling and limited availability which means you dont see many on the road. Great gas mileage averaging 32 MPG. Only drawback: very limited storage space.

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  Pre Mid-life Crisis FUN - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Marzee - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving Toyota automobiles since 1984. We currently own three other Toyotas. This is a fantastic car. It is a total blast to drive. Everyone stops to ask questions or comment on the car. Its one of the best looking cars on the road.