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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  I bought it for quality...so I thought! - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By EricAB - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I drive about 100 miles a day; after a few months of spending about 60-80 dollars a week just to get to work I decided on a toyota 4door tacoma after a little research I found they are horrible on pollution & gas(17mpg hwy POOR) but I had my heart set on this model so I bought it. I ended up regretting (dont go to Toyota of Claremont) theyre tactics are unsavoury!

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  Nice but falls short... - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By null - June 30 - 2:00 am

  The most dissappointing thing is gas mileage. I drive in suburb n even tho its winter, i am only getting 25-26. Camry gets better mileage lol. I dont like left foot rest, it sticks up too much forcing me to bend my left leg more then my right. Steering wheel is too far away relative to legs from pedals. Visiblility is poor cuz car sits up high. Expensive for car in this category. Comparably equipped Nissan Sentra would b better deal n can save $3500. The stereo has nice base but no mids. Had to lower bass to -3 to hear anything in mid. Everything about the interor n exterior design is basically a copy off VW (nice). Chrome trims n black stylish look.

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  Best people mover in town - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By kinglion - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Tested all Minivans and the Large SUVs out in the market. All had their pros and cons. What sold us on the toyota was the comfort factor and the 2nd row windows roll DOWN. Also has a smooth and quite ride. The engine has adequate power and quite. Like the way the 3rd row seats fold away flat. 2nd row seats are cumbersome to move. Toyota increase supply to meet demand!!!

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  The Best Ever! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By JVP06 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  This minivan is perfect. Way better then the Ody. Great looks inside and out plus all the features people are looking for.

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  Trade-in had some Trade-offs - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Paul in LA - June 30 - 2:00 am

  We traded in our 2001 Toyota Sienna for a 2004 model. It is very clear that Toyotas goal was to make it more functional, but keep the costs down. We paid less for our 2004, and the design improvements made it a great value. However, the level of workmanship seems to have suffered a bit. We gained a few bells and whistles, but gave up a few others. If I had it to do over again, I would have waited until the package we wanted became available (DVD, power outlets, chrome wheels, etc.). Overall, I am happy with the purchase decision.

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  2002 Toyota Camry XLE - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Rambotx - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car for handling, fuel economy, and value quality. Normal maintence checks will keep car running for many miles.

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  I love my Camry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By yuboy - June 30 - 2:00 am

  2004 Camry is our 4th Toyota car. We never had any problems with all other Toyota cars except normal wear. This Camry is very comfortable and fun to drive with manual transmission (manual transmission Camry in 2004 are all made in Japan). It drives very smoothly, powerful and has lot of space inside. It will be a very reliable car for many years to come. We trust Toyotas super quality and we love this car.

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  Awesome! - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By M. Hawkins - June 30 - 1:26 am

  This is one awesome vehicle. Ive owned three other different make SUVs, and they couldnt touch this Toyota with a ten-foot pole. I purchased it off the show-room floor, and wouldnt sell it for anything. I only have 30000 miles on it, because it was stored for one year while I went overseas. I only drive it on the weekends and when I what to spoil myself. After owning this Toyota, youll never want another make.

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  Feels Like a Tank! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By FJ Cruisin - June 29 - 9:40 am

  Yes, it has a lot of plastic parts and yes it has poor visibility rearward and off to the sides but I think its still the coolest thing to hit the roads in many years. I love the fact that Toyota put utility back in the SUV; everything in this truck is designed for easy cleaning and functionality. How refreshing! Behind the wheel, with the huge hood, triple wipers and all the blind spots, it really feels like a tank. Off road, it is so rugged, you are almost convinced you are driving an invincible tank!

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  Try Camry Before Buying a Sedan - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Dark Joan - June 29 - 5:40 am

  Only 1700 miles so far but had to speak up. I love this car! 25+ mpg daily on 50-mile mixed commute. Great seats front and back even for two people with chronic back problems. Quiet, almost soothing ride. Precise and responsive handling. V-6 gives immediate, smooth power when needed and can really fly! Driving position like a cockpit, nice for those used to a smaller car. Passengers love individually reclining back seats and pulldown sun shade. Compare stats - back seat space is huge versus most sedans thanks to extra legroom. Tight build, no rattles, flaws or gaps. Cars design is elegant and stylish. Build quality and ride better than Cadillac. My first Toyota and Im impressed.