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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  Wish I hadnt bought it - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By VerySorry - May 13 - 6:23 am

  This car looks great and the build quality is good. It is relatively comfortable inside. But it has a severe hesitation problem on acceleration and my Toyota dealer wont acknowledge it or do anything about it. And Ive never gotten close to the EPA estimated MPG - the first time I can say that for any car Ive owned. Its rated for 34 on the highway and the best Ive ever gotten is about 29. Unacceptable for a car thats as much of a dog as this one. I get better mileage with my BMW 325i. Though this car will last many years, Im suffering from serious buyers remorse.

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  A good improvement - 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Delta_man - May 12 - 6:40 am

  I just replaced my 2009 loaded Camry Hybrid with a 2010. I did it because I really like the change to the front end of the car, plus the wheels and rear camera. When I finally got to drive it, I was surprised to also see an updated computer interface for all of the functions, Everything, e.g. phone, contacts, energy use menus are more modern looking, and easier to use. As a former BMW 7 series and Audi A6 owner, I like this car as well as either of them, except for the lower power, but the hybrid is surprisingly peppy. I managed to stay up with an Infiniti G35 tonight as we roared off on an freeway entrance ramp. I managed to stay in the lead. Highly recommended car.

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  Its good - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By jerry - May 12 - 1:43 am

  Drives like a high performance car, lots of get up and go! Great transmission and power to the road.

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  Father loves it. - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Marti - May 11 - 1:40 pm

  Love this little car-I went from 90 s10 blazer to this veh. Great gas milage. I have hauled a double-size bed, lumber,dining room table,replacement windows-all stayed put thanks to tie downs. We also haul large dogs and they slide a bit-a rug held down with hook/loop tape solved this problem. My father made fun of this little car, til he drove it. He is now trading his 05 Ford for a 06 Matrix.

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  Toyota 4_Runner - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By RJ Rose - May 11 - 10:00 am

  First 10 months with 2002 4-Runner have been exceptional. Fuel mileage on long trips averages at 20.5 mpg travelling at 70-75 mph (where speed limits and conditions permit). Reliability has been perfect in the first 10,000 miles.

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  Toyota V6 LE - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Destella - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car 2 months ago at 132,000 miles and I have put well over 3,000 miles since! I have had the brakes services and 2 oil changes. Other than that I have been driven happy! It rides nice and the V6 provides plenty of power and a smooth ride. I decided to buy this one with the cash for a new Camry after a dealership tried to sell me a new one with a 25 percent interest rate. My 92 Camry came with a Kenwood CD player, woodgrain, power everything. It is a great car and I get so many compliments on the body style and ride. I love it!

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  celica gts - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Jenns gts - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Extremely fun car to drive. I get a lot of compliments on my gts. Never had any problems whats-so-ever out of it except the antenna is a little loose and makes some noise

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  Good solid truck - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Toyfan - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I boutght mine new about a year and a half ago and still love it. Fun to drive, excellent performance and the mileage really isnt bad to me. I get over 20 on the highway and about 15 around town.

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  It Really is that Good! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Charlie K....NJ - May 11 - 9:20 am

  This car IS fun to drive and gets outstanding mileage, and gets better every week. I got 48 mpg on my first tank of fuel. Im now getting an honest 52 mpg even with running the AC most of the time. (Never got less than 48 mpg.) Love the car so far!

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  Tacomas really are indestructible - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By haus - May 11 - 7:23 am

  I love my Tacoma. I dont think there is any other truck that can do what this has. I have 185000 miles on mine and havent replaced anything except for the brakes and timing belt.