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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  Has met my expectations and more - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By SJackman - July 11 - 10:30 am

  I do a lot of driving around town and mixed use driving and have gotten great mileage for the type of vehicle. I typically average between 20.5 and 21 mpg and when Im just doing highway driving Ive gotten up to 25 mpg averaging 65-70. It handles nicely and maneuvers well. Its fun to drive and I love mine.

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  The Best - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By anish3232 - July 11 - 10:00 am

  great car and fun to drive

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  great suv! - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By arnelf - July 11 - 10:00 am

  wonderful suv! i think that for the money you pay for one of these is worth every penny. i couldnt be happier with the purchase.

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  The Best - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By AJS - July 11 - 10:00 am

  This is the BEST vehicle! It has outstanding performance on all levels (handling, mechanical, comfort, room, body style, and FUN). Mine gets closer to 22 mpg/city, and 25mpg/highway - better than many sedans! I LOVE my 4Runner!

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  a quality vehicle - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By mon - July 11 - 10:00 am

  We did our homework on SUVs over a period of months & time & time again,we kept returning to the Toyota highlander. With the quality built into this vehicle,we can see ourselves holding on to this vehicle for a good 6 or 7 years or possibly longer.In other words,you get what you pay for.

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  Great Value - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By srik - July 11 - 5:40 am

  This is a great car for the money specifically for gas mileage. My first tank averaged about 28 miles per gallon. The interior is roomy and comfortable. Its pretty nice looking for an inexpensive car.

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  Camry SE - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By A. Hughes - July 11 - 12:33 am

  I traded my 2002 RAV4 in on the 2004 Camry SE. What a difference a couple more cylinders makes! Its so nice to be back in a V6 and to have power once more. The car drives and rides so smoothly. Its nearly effortless, but doesnt have that mush-box luxo car feel sort of effortless drive to it. You actually get road feedback. It does have that torque steer of a front wheel drive, so be prepared for that, but its not as bad as some other cars that Ive driven. Overall, its a great car with a lot more room than youd think at first glance. I strongly recommend it.

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  What a Letdown - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Papa - July 10 - 11:43 pm

  Comparing it to my 03 Camry, I have been frustrated by this cars lack of reasonable performance. The engine has a horribly long hesitation when trying to accelerate and the transmission downshifts with the slightest throttle pressure and on the most minor upgrades. I have averaged 25 mpg over 3800 miles, which is substantially less than the 30mpg I averaged with my 03. The dealer and factory have evaluated the car and agree with my concerns, but say there is no solution at this time. Buyers of 4-cyl 5AT - do extensive test drives on at least two different Camrys and compare to several competitors.

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  Love this car!!! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By lamardis - July 10 - 4:56 pm

  After having an SUV, I swore that I would never own another car. I was wrong... I love this car!!! The seats are comfortable, that back has plenty of leg room... my husband is 6 ft and has no problems with roominess. the trunk is HUGE! I live in the mountains, and my 4cyl. is plenty strong to climb without any trouble.

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  Good Machine - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By nolanm - July 10 - 10:04 am

  The transmission is quick to kick down to a lower gear and hold the rpms high when I need it to. When Im driving easy it drives easy as well and gives me soft buttery shifts at low rpm. It also has an engine braking feature that automatically downshifts if it senses I am dragging the brakes on a long grade. You couldnt ask for a better automatic. Handling is soft which I prefer, but it also has great feel at the limit, if a turn is taken too fast it behaves predictably and its easy to regain control. I love the interior, its minimalist by design, very classy. Too bad others deride it for lacking more chrome rings and ugly doodads.