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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  Rock Solid Reliability - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Don - March 23 - 12:00 am

  I bought my 1994 Camry LE V6 used 7.5 years ago with 57k miles on it. IÂ’ve put 90k miles on the car since and itÂ’s been a fantastically reliable car. The car felt light on its feet. One thing I always hated about the V6 engine was the lack of low end torque. Until you rev the engine up to 3000 RPM, it feels like a 4 cylinder. The suspension was far too soft so I would always get a lot of body roll when I took turns. Definitely not a fun car to drive. The car is meant for people who want a smooth ride.

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  Excellent sporty dog suv - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By spike - March 22 - 7:03 pm

  It handles great and I love the looks and overall appearance inside and outside.

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  I cant believe a Mini! - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By dorisrez - March 22 - 12:03 pm

  I never thought I would ever drive a minivan. But now that I do, I am so glad it is this one! It is very luxurious and is very accomodating to any busy parent with a bunch of kids! I have only had it for a week and as much as I miss the mpg on my Matrix, I love the room and the space.

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  Camry Hybrid 2007 - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Kinsale - March 22 - 11:40 am

  Our 2007 Camry Hybrid fully loaded is a great car. It has plenty of power when the electric motor kicks in instantly with no hesitation. The ride is very good, outside noise is minimal, all controls are easy to reach, and it is fun to drive. MPG is outstanding averaging 39 MPG during normal driving. 52.7 MPG is the best, but rarely achieved. It is nice to pull up to the gas pump fill up the 17 gallon tank and be able to go 520 miles as shown on the display. The car has more than ampleinterior room, but lacks in the trunk were the battery takes up space. The build is very tight. It takes a little getting use to the engine turning off at stop signs as it runs on the battery power.

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  IÂ’m not impressed - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Andy - March 21 - 4:06 pm

  The electric power steering produce vague steering feels, it is pretty comfortable and easy to drive at lower speed. On the highway it gets tossed around easily, very odd. Cruise control isnt included in the pricey XLE base price and it still uses plastic hubcaps whereas most of competitors use alloy wheels in their upper versions. Alarm system is activated at dealer for only $600.00! Brakes clank when itÂ’s released at lower speed. Normal road vibration starting around 20 miles per hour creates dash noise and it squeeks, which get hided for wind noise around 55 miles per hour. At this point my only hope is the reliability and reputation of previous version remains on this 2009 model.

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  Love my Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By WestGrover - March 21 - 3:10 pm

  I have been driving my Prius for 2 months and it is by far the best car (out of 8 that I have owned) I have owned. Im averaging 47.5 mpg - 75% highway, 25% city - I was expecting low 40s so I am thrilled. I have been impressed with the pickup and interior room.

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  Very nice SUV - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Highlander Bob - March 21 - 10:36 am

  Recently purchased the Highlander. It is a great SUV. Very roomy, high quality interior. Im over 6 foot and have plenty of room in 1st and 2nd rows. Suspension and steering could be slightly more firm, however neither is anywhere near as bad as some say. Doesnt handle compared to CX-9, but if you want a great overall package make sure you test drive the Highlander.

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  CA Spyder - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Cwgrisier - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I had a Spyder last year and was in a head-on collision going 60 MPH on freeway into concrete barricade. The car was totaled. The passenger and I walked away with no injuries. Actually the passenger had a bruise on his nose caused by the airbags. I felt so safe, I bought another one.

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  GOOD BUT COULD BE BETTER FOR THE $$$$ - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By joel PI - March 21 - 10:00 am

  BUTTON FOR HEATED SEATS IN POOR LOCATION NO AUTO FOLD SIDE MIRRORS, SEAT SIDE AND BACK SUPPORT JUST OK.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By M Case - March 21 - 10:00 am

  My 92 Camry SE V6 is the best car I have ever owned. Has 130,000 miles and is still in great shape. Extremely reliable. Fantastic ride on the open road. The SE body style is very sporty. Great paint job. I wish Toyota still made them like this. I have a 97 Camry that is no where near the quality of this car.