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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  Stolen Seats - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By weriman - October 27 - 10:00 am

  For those of you who onw a Sequia, I just had my 3rd row seats stolen out of my drive way. So watch out, for some reason they are hot items on the market.

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  Loyal Toyota owner - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rivka - October 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my 4th Toyota and for the most part, Ive been pleased. Unfortunately though, at 100K, it is looking like I may have to replace the transmission. It is popping out of 3rd and wont go into 4th. Im dissappointed in the quality of this particular Toyota although Im the second owner. The rear window defrost has stopped working. Other than that, I love my 4runner, its gotten me up the hill to snowboard, hauls all the camping gear, the kayak, the house stuff, the friends. Its been my dream car for quite awhile.

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  Very Happy 4runner Owner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Smart buy - October 27 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. I looked at everything b4 making my decision and am convinced I made the right one. I bought the silver with grey leather. All options except navigation-dont wish I had it. I am very surprised I dont see more on the road, but not disappointed.

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  2011 Highlander Hybrid - 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By tdmiller - October 27 - 2:56 am

  We previously owned a 2003 Honda Ody and were happy with it. Downside was that 90% of the time we only needed 4 seats- and half the time just the drivers! Nice to be able to haul stuff, great for vacations, but rising fuel costs a concern. We wanted to keep the 3 row flexibility in our next vehicle, improve fuel economy, and perhaps get something that was not over 200+ inches, making it a tight squeeze in the garage. The Highlander Hybrid hit these major features and more.

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  I love my Corolla S - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Jaime - October 26 - 8:26 pm

  This car is fun to drive, I love being inside it because the seats are so cozy!... I had a 2007 scion tc (lease) and I was thinking of reduce my expenses so I leased this corrolla, so far (almost a month) I have no complains.

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  Great around town, so-so on the road - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By PetRock235 - October 26 - 2:03 am

  Economical car, 30mpg avg, easily fits in tight parking spaces, pretty good around town. The ride is a little bumpy, and its noisy at highway speed. Acceleration is OK for on ramps but a little underpowered for climbing hills.

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  Its a Toyota - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By don - October 24 - 11:23 am

  We bought this car for our daughter to learn on and for us to use later at a retirement home in Arizona. Wanted something dependable, safe and easy. Good price but not especially sporty. Our daughter thought it was "cute" and loves it. We love the gas mileage at 38 hwy on first tank.

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  Reliable and fun car to drive - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By AMiller - October 24 - 11:06 am

  I bought this car in 2002 and have had it for over 8 years now. No major mechanical problems outside of typical wear and tear (tires, brakes, struts). Did have to replace valve cover gasket and timing belt which was expensive. Car has 146,000 miles and running strong. I love the V6 power; yet hate the 18 mpg in the city driving.

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  2007 Toyota Camry LE - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Jerry Trew - October 23 - 9:13 am

  This was the first Camry I have bought and I had never had a four cyl before. I was surprise at the power of it, and driving 250 miles in a heavy rain storm the stability and ABS braking to prevent skiding was wonderful. I do not find the front seats as comfortable as the seats in my old 96 Ford taurus. Overall I am please with the 2007 Camry.

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  Uncomfortable, at best - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Uncomfortable seats - October 22 - 2:40 am

  Overall this is a great little car, but be careful if you dont get the adjustable leather seats. Ive had the car for about 1 1/2 years and although Ive saved a lot of money in gas, Ive spent a lot of money on acupuncture treatments for my back - and I didnt have a back problem before I started driving this car. It seems they put all the expense under the hood and then skimped on comfort. I tend to get a new car every 2 to 3 years and Ive never had one with such an uncomfortable seat. Im selling it soon.