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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  My Last Toyota - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By C.S. - December 25 - 7:26 pm

  Bought this for reliability, safety, and fuel economy and expected such from Toyota. Since then, there have been 2 recalls on the car. The latest is for unintended acceleration! I see this as a serious safety issue and would strongly discourage anyone to purchase this car for that reason alone. Ill probably trade it asap. On the surface it seems like a decent car. The mpg is fantastic. The trunk and interior is spacious for its class and the mp3 player jack is nice. However, the cheap plastics have began to rattle. Both the seats and plastics show wear after only a year. It just doesnt seem to be made to last. Even though I knew its not a sports car, its boring to drive.

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  Matts 4Runner Review - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By loumatt - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle, very reliable and sturdy. Uncomfortable ride on poor road surfaces which are common in the US. Rather thirsty on the gas, but great engine. Poor seat height adjustment. Cheap stereo, with speakers occasionally shorting. Some noises from front left suspension bushes over bumps since new. Minor brake problems not able to be rectified by dealer in New Orleans, with 2 attempts(Lakeside Toyota). Will purchase other Japanese brand next due to ugliness of new 4Runner model. Overall, however, 2002 4Runner Sport is a great vehicle.

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  Flawless - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By C Murray - December 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Camry wagon. My experience w/ the 89 model made me search hard for the 96 (the last year they were made). Nothing unexpected has gone wrong with it. Zero. I have replaced the timing belt and brake pads - normal maintenance - and had to adjuxt the valves at 110k, but but other than that it has been 100% reliable. I would buy another if I could find it.

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  Detroit, are you listening?? - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By nellilein - December 25 - 10:00 am

  After waiting four long months we finally received our Prius. This car is amazing and lots of fun to drive. It handles extremely well in a number of circumstance. It excels in rush hour traffic, as well as along Highway 1 in northern California. It handled the curves and turns as well as a sports car and certainly handled them much better than a sedan. To me the best part of the vehicle, besides the above mentioned facts, is that I dont have to feel so guilty about polluting the air with smog inducing emissions and that I am doing a small part to reduce global warming. Detroit, are you listening??

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  Its Great - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Bill - December 25 - 9:56 am

  This car is nearly perfect from the standpoint of build quality and fit and finish. I have not found a single flaw in it.Power and performance is more than adequate, and ride is certainly good for a car of this size.

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  Traded A Chevy Trailblazer For This - 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Rich Gimmel - December 24 - 6:33 pm

  Probably about my 20th car to own, but my first Toyota ever. Wasnt interested in the hybrid model until I saw it on the dealers lot. Gas mileage averages about 25.5 mixed driving, compared to average of 18 for the 2007 Trailblazer that I traded. Im impressed with the build quality, and marvel at the hybrid engineering. With some practice I can optimize gas mileage when I want. Very solid, reliable vehicle.

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  Nice car, but uncomfortable - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By master_pate - December 24 - 3:39 pm

  This was originally my wifes car, but as I am now the one who needs to save on gas millage, it is now mine. I do not mind the look of this car at all. The LE actually has a pretty nice interior. The 5-speed manual also allows me to get a little more power than I would expect from a compact as well. Note, I am 5 7". What kills me is that the steering wheel does not telescope. This is important because its position is basically right on the dash, and the pedals are pretty high up, close to the seat. If I move seat closer to the wheel, my legs are cramped. If I move to where my legs are comfortable, my arms are completely outstretched. Worst seat/wheel design Ive ever used.

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  Great deal! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By BMW - December 24 - 3:36 pm

  I recently got this car from my parents as a going to school car and for my personal use. For the money, this car is great! This car is pretty much the best thing you can get for your money. This car is loaded with features for the price you pay. The few flaws it has are absolutely obsolete. Its extremely comfortable and supportive and the performance is surprisingly good for a 4 cylinder. The throttle is very responsive and the ride is very comfortable and relatively sporty.

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  4 runner lookout - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Klong - December 23 - 10:50 pm

  I really love this vehicle. I have a Infinity I 30 so ride and comfort are very important to me along with the ability to run off road. I drove them all. Toyota is not the cheapest price but the best with highway ride, off road and styling and comfort all put togehter. Plus great Toyota resell if that is important to you.

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  Disappointed - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Rose Christopher - December 23 - 8:26 pm

  I bought a Camry because in the past I had driven them. I found the engine to be quiet to the point that you didnt know the car was running. Not my Camry, when starting it up it sounds as if a truck is running. When changing gears it sounds as if I have duel mufflers. I had it in for service, this is what they say " its a 4 cylinder" "the car is new" "there is nothing mechanical wrong with the car".