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 Kid on the Block - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Curt I. - May 21 - 11:03 pm

  With gas at over $3.00 a gallon, this car is right for the times. It has more room than the competition and it performs very well. The 5 speed transmission shifts like one would with a manual. It loafs along at 80 mph.

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  94 Camry Wagon - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By RayX - May 19 - 3:03 pm

  After 11 years and 102,000 miles, the engine is still shiny. No leaks or emissions of any kind. Just replaced the starter -- the first mechanical problem weve had except for the antenna retracting mechanism.

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  Nice Investment - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Bryan - May 19 - 2:06 am

  I love my truck. We have used it for everything - family car to trailer puller. It has done great at everything and holds it value. I will continue to trade my other car, but I will not get rid of my Tundra. I was afraid of imports, but it may be the only way to go. The quality and the little things are so good.

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  My best car to date - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By REofOregon - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle. Its comfortable for passengers and has plenty of trunk space even though its a 2 door. Its a very quiet, comfortable ride on the highway. My only critique is the inability to hug a tight turn. Otherwise, its a great car for a single or small family buyer.

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  2003 Corolla LE; NEEDS WORK. - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Nafa - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle developed a noise in the front end after 2 months of ownership. Suspension creaks when passengers enter/exit the vehicle. Hydraulic brake moan is extremely loud when stopped at intersections. Front end sounds like its going to fall out. For the next 4 weeks the dealership made various attempts to get the noise out to no avail. Traded the car off after 4 months of ownership for a Honda.

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  2002 Prius with 193,000 miles - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By manatee624 - May 18 - 5:58 pm

  Bought it new in June 2003. Im amazed the car it still gives me 42-46 mpg each fill up in mixed city/highway driving in busy Miami traffic. This has been the most reliable car I have owned in 40 years of driving. Repairs so far: full brake job at 100,000 miles, replaced replaced rear wheel bearings at 155,000 miles, replaced ABS brake module and engine belt at 165,000 miles, replaced steering rack at 175,000 miles, added refrigerant gas to AC at 190,000 miles for the 1st time. As a preventive measure I also replace the small 12V battery every 3 years. The car is still running fine on the original high voltage battery. Everything thing else is original. I love it!

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  Real World, Real Car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By accesstoo - May 18 - 8:10 am

  After all the hype about this car and that, all cars smell, drive, look, and act similarly after a few years. That being said, I can tell you without reservation, this has been one fine car. I now have 61,000 miles on this car. I drive it daily in Atlanta traffic. This car has and continues to deliver everything you come to expect in a Toyota. I have only replaced the Front Brakes. I cant seem to wear the rears out, replaced the tires, and use synthetic oil with every oil change. Score? Perfect. It has never broken down. It has a better AC than Honda and is roomier. It wont turn heads but you wont call for a tow either. Next time, buy a 4-cyl Camry. Its my 2nd.

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  Toyota Fan - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Cathy - May 17 - 1:23 am

  I love my new RAV4. I had been driving my 2001 RAV4 and the differences between these vehicles in amazing! The 2010 is much more spacious, the V6 gives her some get-up-at-go, the XM radio, keyless ignition/entry and so much more. I still have my 2001 RAV4 in the dooryard, but I always go for my new 2010. Love it!

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  Great truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By nancyjo - May 15 - 2:26 am

  I have only been on a few road trips, but I love my truck! I am a Toyota girl and with vehicles like these, I will always be loyal. This truck drives very smoothly and quiet. The stereo is great. There is a ton of room.

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  Good all around family car - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Hillbilly - May 15 - 12:26 am

  Moved from a 2000 solara se to the 2010 camry se. The cars exterior looks are great and the black leather interior is outstanding but its frosty blue dash is outdated and glares in the daylight. Its handling is better than my old solaras but is not quite as sporty. I think the V6 would be a bit more fun to drive. Only get the smart key feature if you constantly lock your keys in the car (you cant do that with smart key). But if you lose them it costs $350 to rekey the car.