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:

• 

  Dream Car - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By iteach - October 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is very responsive, fast and surprisingly comfortable. The top has a glass rear window with built-in defroster and does not require a boot cover. The only downside is the lack of trunk space. Overall, its cute, fun to drive and its a Toyota so its reliable. Id recommend this car to anyone who wants a reasonably prices sports car.

• 

  Great Buy - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Love My Car - October 28 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Solara in April 2000. I was in love with it then, and still love it now. ItÂ’s a great car for the money. ItÂ’s sleek and sophisticated, yet itÂ’s still a tried and true Toyota. From an indicator light that tells you when one of your tail lights is out to the digital climate control...this Toyota has got it. If youÂ’re looking for more bells and whistles, buy a Lexus. But, if youÂ’re looking for a reliable, stylish, slightly sporty, V6 with 200-hp, at a decent price...I say this is the car.

• 

  Dinas Review - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By cdina64 - October 28 - 10:00 am

  My Camry has been the best car that Ive owned. I really havent put many miles on my car but enough to know that its a great car. The only thing that I havent liked about the Camry is the tires that came on it when I bought it new. The tires need made the car ride rough and caused loud road noise.

• 

  2003 Toyota Corrolla ... great car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By cia4life - October 28 - 10:00 am

  I absolutley love this car. Its fun to drive. With a turbo on the way it will even be better!

• 

  highlander tires - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By allen - October 28 - 9:36 am

  The highlander is an extremely reliable car. My first was a 2002 with no problems and the second is a 2006 model that Ive had for 10 months and so far so good.

• 

  Worth Buying...By Mohan - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Mohan - October 28 - 4:53 am

  Myself a Honda fan but going from Accord to an all new 07 Camry was a great experience! Fun and powerful 3.5L 6cyl. great handling. Proud to be called a Toyota owner!

• 

  Only Toyota - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Guitarmom - October 28 - 4:40 am

  We have purchased many Toyota vehicles but this is the best! We love Toyota due to the quality of the vehicle. They hold their value better than any other vehicle of this price. The ride is super quiet and smooth. It holds to the road great. The ride and drive is super!

• 

  After a Year Good Overall Except in Snow - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By dan_o - October 28 - 3:25 am

  After a year and 15,000 miles, I am happy overall with my purchase. The interior is very comfortable on long drives, the fuel economy of a four cylinder is great compared to a V6, handling in curves is decent for a family sedan, the exterior is stylish and I like knowing it has good crash test scores. The major complaint I have are: (1) Trans still hunts at times, though is much better than when new and (2) Traction Control and ABS braking do not work well in snow. TC is very grabby when starting up from a stop, and ABS brakes chatter a lot when stopping in snow.

• 

  I like it - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By LittleMaster - October 27 - 10:06 pm

  I never liked toyota before, but this car is great.

• 

  Amazingly Reliable But Bland - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Toyota 289 - October 27 - 9:10 pm

  This is my first Japanese car. I became disgusted with the past 3 gm cars I have owned. This car changed my view on Asian cars, I used to think they were junk. This car proved me wrong. Purchased used in 2007 with 15,000 miles it now has 63,000 miles with ZERO issues. The only things it needed were tires, brakes, and oil changes. Not by any means an exciting car, if your looking for reliability and economy this is your car, if you are looking for excitement you will be bored of this car after a short while. Overall its a great commuter car for the person who just wants to get from point A to B.Its has fairly peppy acceleration for its class of vehicle. This car is a great value for the money.