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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  Best Car Value "Ever" Nominee - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By family man - March 30 - 7:13 pm

  I hesitated buying this car in 1997 because I thought it was pricey for a 4 year old car with 84,000 miles on it. Eight tears later in 2005 with 215,000 miles on it, I have no regrets. It is by far the best performing and most reliable car Ive had. I have no reason to buy anything else. Parts may be more expensive than average but because of the low failure rate, I have saved big time and enjoyed a fine car.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By sneeky3 - March 30 - 6:50 pm

  I love my tundra!! Great truck for hauling people and cargo!! Rides like a dream. Good sound system !!

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  TOO MANY PROBLEMS - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Tim Morello - March 30 - 3:33 pm

  I love the engine in this car. V6 has more power than you will ever need. However, there are too many problems with the transmission. Hesitations at acceleration, constantly shifting gears for no reason. Very cheap plastic parts and terrible squeaks and rattles.

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  Am I the only one - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By L EDMONDS - March 30 - 5:56 am

  I bought this vehicle new in Dec. 2005 and I have been very disappointed in the transmission and brakes. The brakes feel spongy and occasionally the brake pedal will sink way down and I feel like vehicle isnt going to stop, probably a problem with the ABS. Also the transmission sticks in gear and is very slow to shift into the next gear. When accelerating I have had the RPMS redline because the tranny is not shifting but stuck in 1st or 2nd gear. Erratic and jerky shifting on tranny. Sometimes it will shift into 5th gear when I am only going 25 or 30 MPH.

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  Not too good of a car - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By midwest - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Replaced brakes at 40K, starter at 60K. Very loud and audible vibration/shaking in engine compartment that dealer was unsuccessful in troubleshooting (despite the freindly $100 charge). Driver side seat belt gets stuck, dealer could not repair but advised complete replacement. Dealer advised engine mount replacment at 100k.

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  donna mama - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By mama donna - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I liked the way the rear door opened from the side.......very easy to get groceries, luggage etc in and out. It has been a great vehicle to own and has been totally free of any mechanical problems.

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  04 Matrix XRS - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By g-dubya - March 30 - 2:00 am

  For the price the XRS is a great car. Im 56" and it fits me great. Love the tall seats. Everything is set at a perfect distance from the shifter and controls to the dead pedal. Plenty of rear leg room and the back doors have a larger opening than most SUVs! The wheels are set back far enough that there is no hump to climb over. I wouldnt recommend it for anyone over 6 ft despite the head room. The shifter is a little finicky, but the engine runs smooth even in the lower RPM range. Torque picks up at the 4K RPM range, but the car is at its best in 6th gear. Handles better than my old GTI with the wheel and tire package.

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  So So Sedan - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By marym - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I thought the Camary was going to be a good car having owned a Celica previously. The car is making clunking noises from the rear. Having taken it into the dealership for them to check it out they said there is NOTHING wrong with it and they heard nothing...hard to believe. It is starting to make a noise in the front left wheel now. I am looking into a Nissan Altima for my next purchase.

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  Old car like new - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By RolandMuse - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Great!I have enjoyed driving this auto. My husband has also enjoyrd the car.Will keep it for another 75,000 miles.

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  tacoma - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By jamesmoo - March 30 - 2:00 am

  great fun truck, bulletproof.