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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  Best Car Ive Ever Bought - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By talmy - November 22 - 8:56 pm

  Weve only had it a week but have put it through its paces in everything from city traffic jams to winding mountain roads and got 38 mpg on the first tank. Contrary to the EPA figures, it does better on the open road (at least with the lower speed limits around here) than in city driving. Extremely quiet and smooth operation. You can tell when the gas engine starts, but it is smoother than an auto transmission shift.

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  Great to drive in luxury - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Charlie - November 22 - 8:26 pm

  Exremely quiet and it handles like a sports car. Gas mileage is superb for the size and power it exhibits. I hesitated about trading in my 2005 Prius but after the first day of driving this machine I forgot all about the Prius. (If I could afford it I would still own a Prius as well.) This vehicle is the best I have driven on long trips. The seats are like sitting in a recliner in my living room. The gas mileage difference is worth the extra cost (from my Prius) to drive my Solara.

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  2010 SR5 Sequoia 4X4 - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By charfarrow - November 22 - 4:23 pm

  Traded in a Nissan Armada that I loved for the new 2010 Sequoia. While I could have saved $4,000 with a rebate on the new Armada, after I test drove the new Toyota Sequoia I had to have it. It is simply the best large SUV on the market now. It handles almost like a car, rides great, and gets better EPA than my Armada. BUY NOW - YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!!

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  Little beast of a truck - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By wade - November 22 - 3:26 pm

  I have used this truck to pull a 2500 lb. trailer 100s of miles every weekend for the last 3 years. The only parts I have had to replace are the clutch, tires, ball joints and shocks. If I had not towed so much weight (probably more than the intended towing capacity) Im sure I would not have had to replace the clutch, ball joints or shocks. This thing has been one hell of a little beast for getting the job done. I have just replaced it for my towing purposes with a three quarter ton van. I sure couldnt have towed my trailer with any other manufacturers 4 cylinder mini truck. Toyota rules this market.

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  This is my 2nd Camry Hybrid - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By jools606 - November 22 - 11:26 am

  Just traded my 2007 Camry Hybrid for 2009 This is the first time that I have ever bought the same car twice and this is the 58th car that I have owned. I think that the build quality is excellent even better than the 2007 and it is quieter (maybe because the other one had plenty of miles on it). The Bluetooth works better on this one, too. The last one got 37 to 42 mpg and this seems to be about the same so I dont understand why one reviewer was getting 26- 28. I have several co-workers who have now bought either Prius or Camry Hybrids. Love this car.

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  Great Car for Family and Work - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Osbornes - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Great DEPENDABLE suv. When we just had our first child....we needed something BIGGER and wanted a safe car that we knew wouldnt let us down. We have an 97 Land Cruiser and a 99 four runner......so we knew a 2003 Land Cruiser would be perfect for our NEW family.

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  Owner of 02 Solara Convertable - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Steve Beeker - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a convertable to use primarily in the summer that was reliable, had enough room to carry two sets of golf clubs in the trunk and carry 4 persons, even though its primarily used by only two people. It has exceeded my expectations and its a great automobile. I recommend it to anyone looking for these traits. Winter usage in Michigan has been very satisfactory also.

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  Hybrid Fun - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By B. Olive Young - November 22 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is very spunky, lots of fun to drive, lots of get up and go. Lots of leg room for my grown children, who are very tall. All my neighbours are very envious, and interested in the new style with all the special features in the dashboard. I love passing all the gas stations and laughing.

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  Preferred over my Camry and Van et all - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Faith - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Love my RAV 4! Easier to enter and exit than cars or trucks. Much more comfortable to sit in for long periods of driving than my Camry or van was. Can actually get out without walking like Grandpa McCoy. Handles great in country on dirt roads, mud, sand, and fields. Easy to maneuver in interstate and freeway traffic and great visibility. Parking is a cinch, even parallel, and even I can back into a parking place with it - no problemo!

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  My Rav4 - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Maria Marciano - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I love my 2004 Rav4. I got the sports package which has a little scoop in the hood and metal roof racks and a spoiler. I got the Rav4 in blue which is my fav color. I feel like i have a one of a kind Rav4.