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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  05 Corolla S Impulse Red - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By crw - December 30 - 9:36 pm

  I love my Corolla! I can only think of two things I would make different. The O/D on/off and the ground effects are a bit cumbersome if you are not used to having them.

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  Great Ride - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dave - December 30 - 5:53 pm

  This is my first truck and I only had about two weeks but so far its great! It has a lot of power and a comfortable ride. The double cab provides enough seating for the entire family although parking can be difficult with the extended cab. I still prefer the look of this to the short cab which seemed somewhat disproportionately stubby in the back. It is a good looking truck both on the inside and out. The interior is roomy and there is ample storage space for accessories and water bottles. The MPG is pretty low but should increase as I break it in.

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  buy one if you are not a racer - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By ksalatov - December 30 - 4:00 pm

  I recommend to buy one - but it is not very fun to drive. BUY ONE if you are not a racer.

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  SIlver Hoss - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By SIlver - December 30 - 5:10 am

  Very becoming lines. Sits high on 17 inch wheels/Michelins with heavy duty tow package. 2 wheel drive with stability control (like positraction). Great towing power, traction and stability in a 2 wheel drive. Ride is firm and well-dampened. Feels great fully loaded, towing, and empty. Excellent interior appointments. Very high build quality.

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  Gotta Love It - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By jen - December 30 - 5:06 am

  I had a 2007 Corolla S that was totaled two weeks ago. One of my main reasons for buying the 2009 Corolla was my 2007 held its value like no other. I ended up not owing a penny on the 2007. I love the Corolla because of its reliability, look, gas mileage and it just seems to have a little more pep than my 2007 did. I agree with the other reviews in that youve got to have both hands on the steering wheel at times to control the vehicle but I had the same issue with my 2007. I also agree that the temperature, clock etc. is horrible and would love to see Toyota update the stereo so that it displays the song and station call letters like the two GM rentals that I had. Overall love it!

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  Toyota "Blunder" Limited - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Toyota Blunder - December 29 - 5:40 pm

  Have owned most light trucks over the last 25 years. This by far disappoints in most categories. The ride is harsh and poorly dampened, the radio, though upgraded could not keep a station. The integrated phone system, though great in concept worked when it wanted to. The steering is vague, the transmission needs improvement. 6 spd. sounds good until you put it to the test. Coming to a stop it was evident that you could experience each speed back to 1st. 6th gear is like the old 3sp. stick if you shifted too quickly the vehicle sounded as if it were lagging... same for the Tundra. The interior: plastic. I have bought a new Avalanche, top of the line for less money... fabulous

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  Great reliable car. I recommend it! - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By tobias - December 29 - 1:10 pm

  I bought this car about 3.5 years ago when I was in college. Its been the only car Ive owned. I wanted a car that would be reliable and not cost me much to maintain and that it has been! I have almost 100,000 miles on it. I just replaced the front brakes, but otherwise just basic maintenance. Its the VE which is VERY stripped down...doesnt even have intermittent whippers (I joke that the whippers have 2 speeds, fast and faster). The engine is loud on the highway, and I can tell the difference in pick up when I have passengers. But those are my biggest complaints. Overall I love this car!

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  Loved my Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By jpj1707 - December 29 - 1:10 pm

  Had to part with my beloved Camry SE V6 yesterday. Need a truck for the utility but hated to let the Camry go. This car served me well for 3 years and 82,000 miles without any serious trouble. I will miss this car because of the compliant ride, handling of the SE suspension, fuel economy, and comfortable cabin. It was one of the best cars I have ever owned and I am sad to see her go.

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  Our first Toyota -- its a mixed bag - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By gregrasa - December 29 - 8:56 am

  We have a Volvo XC70, Honda Accord, Mustang. Added Highlander to get 7 seats. Its good, but suffers in comparison to the others. Nice inside, but nothing like the Volvo. Drives fine, but not *fun* like the Accord, Mustang. Its an SUV, so its doomed to be a lummox. Front of car looks nice. Rear: odd! JBL stereo: Sound was muddy, bad. Dealership clueless. I finally discovered, in an Entune menu that was *not* Audio, a setting for "surround sound." Changed it to "stereo." Was like a veil was lifted. Still, the sound seems all up in the dashboard -- you must slide the fader nearly all the way back to get sound from all around. Overall: Competent, quiet, boring. Thats Toyota!

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  My New 09 Camry - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Iqbaldhillon2 - December 29 - 5:53 am

  I recently bought a 2009 Toyota Camry due to the fact that I had a Tundra, and Expedition plus a Lexus; I needed a economical car, I chose the Camry! The ride is very smooth, the gas mileage is where is shines with nearly 6000 miles on the odometer the car is getting me between 26 and 33 MPG! I am very satisfied with the Toyota Camry, it is not only fuel efficient, but also practical.