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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  2010 fj very good - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By walker - July 27 - 7:16 am

  Only have 1000 miles since new but so far this vehicle is great. Quiet, built very strong under vehicle, fully box welded frame, large transfer case, big drive shafts, 2010 has more horsepower and you can feel it. Very comfortable up front seating for all day rides, nothing compares to it. Also 2010 uses reg unleaded.

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  2007 Camry Hybrid update - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By brantw - July 27 - 5:22 am

  Ours is the loaded Silver anniversary edition bought new now with 116K miles. Mileage is ok at 28-30 city and 34-35 highway. Car has been reliable except for recall for steering issue and the hybrid batteries just failed. Luckily we live in CT, a CARB state so it was replaced under warranty. Interior fit an finish is subpar and dashboard clicks and pops when cold. We have never gotten more than 30k miles on a set of tires and we buy good quality tires. Not a great effort from Toyota.

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  Above average - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By none - July 27 - 5:13 am

  This car is sporty looking,but overall its a nice car. Great mileage and i enjoy the motor. So far i had o get a new motor costing around 1800.00 . Hate the breaks and hate the plastic on the front. Love the car tough

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  Loose Drivers Seat - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By gregory - July 27 - 4:30 am

  The drivers seat design is poor. The seat "pops" while driving. I am told that this is a normal feature. It is very distracting to have the seat move when I start and stop. Ive had anti- freeze leaks(4). The cars ride is poor-it has a tendency to roll while driving in a straight line.

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  My Favorite Car - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Ancistrus - July 27 - 2:33 am

  Ive owned/co-owned 9 cars. This one is my favorite. No problems at all in 57,000 miles.

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  It Still Works But Required Work - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Wayne - July 26 - 6:36 pm

  I bought this SUV in 2003 as a carpool car that could handle the NE winter, and ski trips to VT. It had Toyota 2nd hand warranty. 2 immediate problems: car stalled when accelerator punched (once on the Whitestone Bridge!), and parking gear did not engage (almost rolled off of a cliff!). Both were dangerous and the dealer only IDd the second problem (both had numerous complaints). At 140,000 miles: paint job failing on rear hatch (no fix), bumper rusted out ($1000+ at dealer), replaced air sensor twice ($450 each at dealer) and inside tire rod ends ($70 at non- dealer part store).

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  2nd best car I ever owned - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By yat993 - July 26 - 5:30 pm

  With 75000 miles after a late 2005 purchase, I have had zero problems with this car. Gas mileage average is probably 48 -- never less than 45 -- often above 50, and this is mostly city driving. Oh yea, my number 1 favorite car was my 1995 Porsche 911 convertible -- I actually used the proceeds from the sale of that car to purchase the Prius.

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  Check This Out - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Toyota Fan - July 26 - 1:43 pm

  Wow! This is an exhilarating car! I would definitely suggest this car to anyone that loves to have fun. To add to it, the milage is 60 mpg and the technology is high quality and terrific!

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  Transmission - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Benita - July 26 - 3:06 am

  I purchased a 2007 Camry LE in 2006. I have always purchased Toyotas; buying this one was a mistake and will be my last Toyota purchase. I had to have the carpet in the front replaced because my heel went through it. I explained to the dealer that I have a 2000 Camry (still runs) and never got a hole in the floor; they replaced it after threats. The car does not shift smoothly; hesitates. The paint is chipping so badly, the tires wore too quick. I faithfully get this car serviced, as soon as I can afford to I am going to get a Honda or Acura. My underinflated tire light keeps coming on, according to the dealer I can put nitrogen in the tires to prevent this problem.

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  Expensive plain car W/o any added benifit - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By mb4life - July 26 - 12:13 am

  Its an expensive commuter/ beater car. Honestly, for the price they charge and what you get, you could find a much funner and more responsive car to drive with a LOAD more features standerd than this. Ive been driving my brother 07 Camry LE and, besides being zippy around town, the positives stop there. The car has 39k on it as of 2012 and, the water pump is going out on it. The paint is HORRIBLE and started flaking when my brother washed it on the front bumper. For the same price, you could get a much better car with a way better warrenty and features. The car has horrible steering and the throttle system is so annoying, it basically feather the throtle for you