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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  Fantastic Car - better than Honda by far - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By knowpwr - March 24 - 5:01 pm

  Love this car. I drive aggressive and engine is quick from start and passing. Handles well in city and quite on the highway - especially since replaced the factor tires which werent that goo. Drivers seat is very comfortable. Good visibility. Have had for 3 years and not a single issue. I love the interior - it is super functional and easy to do everything. I use the aux input for my iPAD and Sandisk MP3 player. My Son has a Honda Accord (same year) and I like the Camry ride, handling, and interior much much better. The Accord drives rougher and steers harder IMHO. Tough to improve on this Camry.

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  Could be better - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jeff - March 24 - 4:40 pm

  TRD Sport SB: No adjustment for seat height or thigh angle. Makes it hard for 62" to get comfortable on long trips and get out from under the steering wheel. Tailgate still weak. Rear leaf springs are light. Backup camera is an overpriced gimmick. Seat fabric feels cheap compared to the Tundra. Mileage should be better. Cheap center dash and radio. Who cares about CDs now a days? No trip computer for real time mileage. Colors and digital displays are hard to read in sunlight. Doors seem flimsy or uninsulated. I expected this to be my 2005 4Runner with a bed, but it definitely seems "cheaper" all around. Costs an arm+leg once all the packages are included. Spongy brakes.

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  Awesome and Rageing - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Anand Raj - March 24 - 12:36 pm

  I have driven many cars in my life. I feel that the Camry XLE V6 4Door Sedan drives no less than a Mercs or a Lexus. The smoothness make me wake up everyday morning to drive the car to work.I love my Camry and yes nothing else can offset the V6 engine and Camry with the price I got it for. My car is 2005 but smooth as a 2009 Lexus. What else can I say and ask more than a Camry.

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  Was in love, but now just in like... - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By wismom - March 24 - 7:32 am

  Loved this van when I bought it used in 2009. Spacious interior, reliable. Then it let me down. I opened the sliding passenger door and it wouldnt shut. Tried to override to manual...but no luck. Still wouldnt shut. Called Toyota, they filed a claim and provided a # then said management occassionally reviews. But they could do nothing. Called dealership and they said theyve never heard of such a thing. Went online and TONS of Sienna owners are dealing with the same issue. Apparently it is with the cable in the door. It either frays, jambs, or has other issues. Cutting the cable is a quick cheap solution and works! Now I carry a wire cutter for when the other door fails.

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  Daughters first car - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By alshoe - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased this car for our daughter used within the last week. It has 57,000 miles. Was looking for a reliable car, good safety rating and easy to drive. The Corolla definately fits this description. It has the 4 spd automatic, power windows and door locks. It has a pretty peppy 4 cylinder engine and expect good fuel economy. Climate controls work well. Should be a good car for our daughter.

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  Could be a lot better - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By jweber - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Not as good as other Toyotas. Several design issues and problems: huge turning radius, not designed for 2 child seat tethers in the second row, CD player quit, passenger window fell off track, rust starting on the hood. Its an ok van, but I dont know why it is usually rated so high. Toyota could have and should have done better.

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  4 runnin! - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By randy123 - March 24 - 2:00 am

  perfect truck. body style up to 2003 is the best on the market. just needed a stronger engine.

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  RAV 4 RULES - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By tristud2002 - March 24 - 2:00 am

  It is a lot of fun to drive and has tons of extras. Great power and great steering.

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  Great truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By perryman - March 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a good all around truck but a little pricey. The interior could use a little refinment and buy the way, who needs 4 cup holders up front? More storage would be the better option. Great power and competitive gas milage is a plus. Smooth family ride for five or mud boggin and hualin toys with the boys make for a great all around truck. Does anyone know what time it is? I Cant See The CLOCK!!

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  Really Good - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By agapememeber - March 24 - 2:00 am

  words cannot express how this car handles and preform while on the road. My dad recently purchased this suv for me