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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  I Love my new Camry - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By JJ - March 29 - 1:30 pm

  This is my 4th Camry and 5th Toyota I have owned. In the past I had always purchased the LE model. After my girlfriend purchased a late model XLE with a 6 cylinder engine I decided my next care would be a 6. The XLE is an amazing car. Very luxurious and a pleasure to drive. This by far the best car I have ever owned.

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  Some Camrys are trouble! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By opher - March 29 - 11:56 am

  My wife purchased a brand new Toyota Camry in Feb. of 2004. We took it off the lot and thought wow what a car, great interior design and fun to drive. However several months down, my wife whos a very careful driver said the check engine light came on. We took it to the dealer and they fix it. A few months later again "Check engine"! Next the A/C system started leaking water into the passanger compartment. Dealer took care of it, but how annoying! Today the car needs servicing again, the steering column is making a loud noise when i turn the wheel. Look out, and get a warranted car.

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  Really like the Highlander Hybrid - 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By HighlanderHybrid_Fan - March 29 - 10:40 am

  Mileage is terrific for an SUV, 22-25 compared to 12-16 for others. Really like the car a lot. Somewhat worried about the accelerator issue, but assume Toyota will fix it.

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  I like Toyotas. However... - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By jenny Del Rio - March 29 - 2:40 am

  First year my battery died off, first year had a new transmission to my XLE limited edition. Year and a half, had a new ac compressor. Third year, starting to have problems with my transmission again. I bought the vehicle brand new. I just can not believe this. I think very highly about Toyotas: there quality is the best. I just got a bad one, unfortunately.

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  Unbelievable - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By dirkpitt - March 28 - 8:20 pm

  I bought my Sequoia in 2001 with just the dealer miles on it. Now, it has about 190,000 miles. I have done the regular services on it. It now needs the 180,000 timing belt change, etc. This SUV is incredible. It is still tight, quiet, and like new inside and out. It still does not burn any oil between changes. I stated using synthetic about 4 years ago. At this point, I wonder how long it will last. So far, no problems at all.

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  Great Car for the money! - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By James Lumbert - March 28 - 5:43 pm

  This car is about as good as it gets without spending a lot more money. I have everything from alloys to spoiler and a V6. I could have spent more on an Impala, but why? I know my Camry will be around a long time and be worth something even longer!

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  Great pickup - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By grocers - March 28 - 2:40 pm

  This pickup has been dependable, trouble free transportation. Most of the miles have been highway for me. It is very comfortable on long drives and performs well in different weather conditions.

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  Dash popping up - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Tanner - March 28 - 2:36 pm

  My wife and I love pretty much everything about the Camry except the sluggishness at times when hitting the gas pedal to merge in traffic. And the fact that we have had it back to the dealer 2 times, soon 3, to try to fix the dash. Right next to the clock and the windshield it keeps popping up. It is really annoying.

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  I love my car!!! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Gina - March 28 - 9:30 am

  Ive had my Toyota Corolla for about a year now and I have no complaints what so ever. It is probably the best car Ive ever had besides a Toyota Camry. When we drove the Toyota it was very quiet in terms of road noise. Last summer we went on vacation to the Smokie Mountains. We are a family of four and were able to pack everything we took there and the extras we brought home in the trunk. There was plenty of leg room for both of my teenage boys and my husband. I work in Home Health and drive a lot - the gas mileage is great on this car. If you are looking for a great little car for very little money this is the one!

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  I LOVE MY CAR!!! - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By MsMerl - March 28 - 9:00 am

  Everyone told me I would regret buying this car but I just love it! For the first time in my life I go for a drive just for the chance to be in it! It fits me perfectly and it makes me feel good. I enjoy driving it on country road and in town.