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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  Good Car for the Money - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Corolla Christina - September 30 - 12:26 pm

  I traded in a 99 Mazda Protege for a Corolla LE. I wanted a reliable car that would last about 10 years without a lot of problems. I test drove a Subaru Impreza and Honda Civic and just felt safer in the Corolla. The car has adequate "get up and go" and has almost no wind noise on the freeway. The seats are very comfortable, they are set higher up and give you a great view of the road while driving. The only distraction is the placement of the armrests - too low on the door. The car has a great stereo and the placement of the interior features are perfect and very easy to use. Overall this is a great car for the money and comes with Toyotas reputation for reliability.

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  Camry - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Elena DeLucia - September 30 - 11:20 am

  My seventh Toyota and it is a pleasure. I still have my 87 Camry wagon and it is in great shape as well. Reliable, reliable, reliable and hold their value well. Once I had a fancy expensive sports car, I dont need to look pretty while I wait for the tow truck in the hot Arizona sun. Six Toyotas and not a single complaint on any of them and I have never been left on the side of the road by any of them.

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  Love my Solara - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Lisa CC - September 30 - 10:20 am

  This car hs been great to drive. Its VERY quiet, smooth and reliable. I love it.

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  What a great truck! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Nick026 - September 30 - 7:23 am

  I decided this time go Toyota becauseI needed reliability and nothing else even came close in reliability. So far I have not been disappointed at all. It drives like a lexus and is very responsive. I absoloutly love my truck. I can easily use it for work and pleasure as it fits my wife and 3 kids wonderfully. I test drove some of the others but as soon as I drove this one I knew I had to have it.

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  Great beater or first car (96 camry LE) - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Jeff - September 30 - 7:06 am

  My dad got me this car when I was 17. It was truly a bargain at $3300. Even though it had 91000 miles, it still runs great. The only problem was that a window did not work. But that isnt too bad. The power isnt great with only 125hp but it uses high revs to maintain better acceleration. It is great with gas and also very reliable. A year ago, my dad brought a 04 camry. It is crazy how much it didnt change since my 96 camry. If you are looking for a cheap car, make sure you get one that lasts. And I believe the camry fits this description.

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  Wow - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Mel - September 30 - 6:56 am

  This is a great car. We shopped for anew convertible for quite some time. Most of them are too small, without sufficient seating and leg room. This car has plenty of headroom, seating width, and leg room. My business partner who is over 6 tall could sit in the back seat with the top up - he was blown away with the build quality (he drives BMWs). The car is quite the eye catcher as well. We have the red one with tan top and interior. The performance is quite sufficient and the ride is smooth.The cabin is very quiet with the top up.

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  Toyota Sienna - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Katherine - September 30 - 4:46 am

  My Toyota Sienna is the best car that I have ever bought in my entire life. Now if anyone that I know wants to get a new car, I tell them about the Toyota Sienna!

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  Great small SUV - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Juli - September 30 - 12:10 am

  I got this car as a birthday present from my parents. I am very happy with it most of the time, but there are a few annoying things. My car vibrates constantly, especially in the morning when I am stopped. The gas mileage is a little rough and I have to fill up my tank often. The engine is also very small; not too much power. The back set has minimal leg room. On the up side, the car is easy to drive and I love how roomy it is in the front (I dont feel claustrophobic when I drive). I also love the stereo system and how easy it is to park my car. It it nice that the car is comfortable because I do a lot of driving.

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  Great Update - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Husker4theSpurs - September 29 - 9:30 pm

  Came from 08 Prius Touring. Love the remodel overall. Toyota took everything I didnt like about the Gen 2 and improved it. More power, more sporty (although not a sporty car), better fuel economy, more comfortable seats, heated seats, better sound system, integrated XM, LEDs, nicer rims, better overall ride. I was ready for Gen 3 to be an upgrade, but its exceeded my expectations fully (and they were pretty high to begin with). Everything feels upgraded and although this isnt a luxury car, its such an improvement over the Gen 2 that it feels like it to me. A bit more spacious and roomy, more traditional styling inside and out. Available moonroof (which I dont have). Great car imho!

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  Luxury Truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Brownie - September 29 - 8:50 pm

  I bought the truck recently and really like it. It is the Limited 4wd leather version and rides great. Fantastic acceleration and apretty good premium stereo. 4wd actuates with the press of a button. I expect really good long-term reliability. Gas mileage isnt that great (averaging 15mpg) around town but it is a V8. I recommend this truck due to its luxury features and safety record.