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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  My Corolla S 5 sp - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By HossJWW - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Very disappointed with the engine. I can fell vibrations in the steering wheel and pedals above 4000 rpm. Never had any vehicle do this before. The interior is all coal bin black and the fabric collects "fuzzies." HVAC controls feel cheap. Ride is bouncy due to non-independent rear suspension.

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  It just wants to have fun! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Julie Foster - September 14 - 10:00 am

  This was my first new car and I love every minute of it! It drives beautifully and rides extremely comfortably. Its the perfect sedan!

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  A Pleasant Surprise - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Gas Saver - September 14 - 6:23 am

  For a little car it has just enough low end acceleration and handles tight. I bought it strictly for the mileage it gets expecting a cheap chunk of plastic. However, it was anything but. The outer body design is kind of funky. The interior is surprisingly comfortable as well. I am 62" tall and have plenty of leg room.

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  Reliable, Economic and Valuable - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Luis - September 14 - 12:40 am

  It feels as though youre driving in a cloud. The kids fall asleep in it instantly even though the powerful stereo system may wake them. Its a very quite car. You do not hear any noises coming from the engine and for me that is a plus. You get over 600 miles to the tank full and it only needs 17.4 gallons to fill up approx. I love my Camry. First time owner and will continue buying Toyota from now on. Its like buying gold. Try it out I think you wont regret it.

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  Fantastic - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Becca - September 14 - 12:36 am

  Our Camry is a 1997 XLE V6 fully loaded with 107,000 miles and still looks, feels, and drives like a brand new car. We had the car checked out before the purchase and were told by our mechanic that the Camrys will run forever and that the XLE V6 is the Lexus ES300 with the Toyota label. Every single part is interchangeable. We couldnt be happier with our decision to purchase this car.

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  Excellent - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Eric - September 13 - 3:50 pm

  I always wanted a Camry and now that I have it I am very satisfied. For the price I couldnt have asked for a better performing, comfortable and stylish whip.

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  Great car and deal! - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Chuck - September 13 - 1:56 pm

  Just bought this car and I am really enjoying driving and looking at it! I love the position of the stick and it is so much fun to shift. I thought I wanted the bigger engine but I find the 1.8 plenty of power. It is a great combination of fun, practicality and economy. You cant beat the deals Toyota is offering now. Way below invoice! Shop around if you cant get it. Great for driving the roads of the Wine County in Sonoma County. Come visit!

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  Incredible Reliability Again - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By cindy h - September 13 - 11:50 am

  This is my 3rd Toyota, the first Highlander that I have owned. Toyota makes the most reliable vehicles. Ive never had an issue mechanical or safety related with any Toyota Ive owned..period. This 08 Highlander is not only comfortable but has great flexibility to handle the demands of a family of five with out being huge.

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  Red 06 Solara - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By solara32 - September 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car with every conceivable option 96 airbags, VSC, heated seats, etc) available except navigation. The ride is comfortable, and despite the sloping rear visibility is good. The V6 makes the car a little heavier compared with my old 4 cylinder Solara. The headrests for the rear passengers are a nice touch. The leather is soft and comfortable, and the heated seats nicely warm the body slowly. All controls are intuitive and easy to use, even the automatic climate control.

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  1995 Toyota Camry LE - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Oleg Dyachuk - September 13 - 9:26 am

  Bought this from Georgia with 105k miles on it. Sold it with 135k and made money on it after a year of driving it. Had an oil leak coming from the oil pump because the seals had all dried out but even after I had it fixed I still had some engine oil leaks but I sold it before I took a look at that. When I was selling it I checked the transmission oil level for the first time ever and it was bone dry but the transmission was still working properly. I loved the car, was my second car and it was very small but spacious, pretty fun to drive around.