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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  new-old camry - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By ronce - February 7 - 10:00 am

  looked for a long time but found a 95 camry with 34K miles. Have owned vehicle for 6 months and trouble free so far. Have previously owned a 96 camry with 120K current miles. Knock on wood, has been trouble free with only 2 cv boots replaced. Believe it or not, the car has not required realignment to this point. In my opinion, the 95 and 96 camry are two of the best model yeartoyotas ever built. I hope to own the 95 until 200K miles are put on it. It still looks great and runs awesome. Paid 5700 for the 95 but the toyota reliability is in my opinion worth it.

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  So far so good - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By Shen - February 7 - 10:00 am

  We recently sold our 94 GSR Integra (170hp VTEC), & bought this 99 LE Corolla. Performance wise, its no match to the GSR, but overall driveability is fine and ride is firm. The rear seat room seemed a little tight. Per the spec in Edmundsin comparing rear leg room between my old GSR and the Corolla, the Toyota should have an additional 1" of leg room, but that does not seem to be the case as my 3 year old in her car seat is always kicking me. This is after I try to adjust the angle and distance that I would normally sit. Just something to think about if you have small kids that needs to be in t

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  great! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By wadosfriend - February 7 - 10:00 am

  This car drives effortlessly! Is very quiet. Handles great. Roomy inside even for backseat passengers. Would highly recommend this vehicle!

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  I like it - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By James W. - February 7 - 10:00 am

  first week we drove 2129 miles on 46 gals reg gas.all around adverage is 44 miles per gallon

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  First Hybrid - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Flint - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Prius for environmental reasons and have been very pleasantly surprised to find out that she is a VERY responsive/fun car to drive and also has great carrying capacity for her size due to the 5-door fold-down seat configuration. My complaints are minor - the most significant being that there is too much on the steering column "sticks" and that the wheel sometimes blocks them and second,I have yet to find a good use for the console - I guess I need to expand my CD collection. Everyone asks me about her. By the way, I got mine while Julia Roberts was still waiting - unfortunately she was not open to deals. BUY ONE!

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  Happy witn Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Robert Sherman - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Very happy with the Prius. Im a big guy and find it very comfortable. Generally getting about 49-50 MPG. Now have about 7000 miles on the car. Have found NO problems or defects. Ride is a bit harsh but one would expect that in a small car. Also, it gets pushed around a bit by the wind. Preformance is very good. Continuous diplay of MPG probably helps me achieve better fuel economy.

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  I love the Prius!!! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By dyfulofscbg - February 7 - 10:00 am

  this car is so fun to drive. Very comfortable!

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  nice truck/unconfortable pedals too high - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Azael - February 7 - 10:00 am

  pedals too high make a little unconfortable to drive,other than that is good truck(trusted "toyota" owner)

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  4Runner -V-8Limited AWD&loaded. - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By the bean - February 7 - 10:00 am

  sunroof problems/cables and computer had to be replaced w/only moderate use.Vehicle runs and handles superbly,guiet powen available when needed ;outstanding handling; I love the AWD!

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  Ahhhhhh, what a ride! - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By gjm - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Very comfortable, quiet vehicle which handles potholes and turns superbly.