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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  A very satisfied camry owner - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By CamryFan21 - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a camry for about 4 years now. Its the most reliable, quiet, smoothe to handle car I have ever owned. The standard music system is also a pleasure to listen. Trunk is spacious, back seats are comfortable, folding the seats makes even more trunk space.

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  Great Car! - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By GreatCorolla - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Want to buy a CE with ABS, but dealer told me that CE is without ABS in our regions. Go for the LE. Not regret! Comfortable, quiet, affordable and stylish.

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  Very Happy! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By NatNic - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Did a lot of research for my first car and the new style Corolla won! I ended up being the winner in the end though. Only problems have been with some interior things... My friends cant drive it because theyre too tall (seat doesnt back up enough); I broke off a compartment door on the center panel within the first month - dealer replaced with no problems though. I added cruise control after market - its not the prettiest thing sticking out my steering wheel but it works!

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  Camry review - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By RLAP - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Awesome car...gas mileage is excellent. I drive 60 miles a day to work and fill up once a week.

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  Beats Honda and all domestics - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Joseph E - April 11 - 10:00 am

  We were about to buy a Honda, but were looking for a reason not to because the dealership still thinks the Odessey is untouchable. Wont budge on price for an outdated vehicle and are cocky about it. Im glad a freind told us about the new Seinna. Honda needs to realize Toyota has a better product now, and I wish domestic automakers would catch up already. How long has the fold away 3rd row been around now - 3 or 4 years?

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  Great car and having fun! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Alamo guy - April 11 - 8:30 am

  Just into my 3000 miles and I love the vehicle. Comfortable driving .... good acceleration and fun with the top down on a road trip. Plent of compliments from strangers and most are surprised by the price. Biggest problem is getting my daughters from behind the wheel.

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  No regrets - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By C - April 11 - 7:33 am

  Nice car, fun to drive, comfortable firm seats, however I find the head rest uncomfortable, pushes my head to far forward. Good dealership, very helpful, they made me an outstanding deal on my lease. Id be interested to exchange price and lease information with others who leased this model.

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  My Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Richard Campbell - April 11 - 4:46 am

  I traded in my 2004 for a 2007 because I wanted side air bags. Probably the best car I have ever owned.

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  Its a keeper - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Sue - April 10 - 11:30 pm

  I bought my Camry new. During the first 5 years I had to spend some money on unreasonable problems like a clunking noise that sounds like the car was falling apart. My mechanic told me its a manufacturer defect but the manufacturer didnt recall because its not a safety issue. I spent about $300 to fix this problem because it really bothered me. There were some other strange problems but now at 120,000 miles it runs great. I do regular oil change and tune up and replaced the water pump and timing belt at 90K. Also replaced the tires twice and brakes. I just spent $250 for a full service wax and now its shining like new! Im planning to keep it.

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  Love it - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By lizajayne - April 10 - 3:45 pm

  I love this car. It gave us all that we needed with great gas miles, room for the family and all the bell and whistles that any would want in a car of that price.