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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  toyota quality...lol - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By AzSHOoff - February 16 - 2:00 am

  After 5 months with our new matrix xrs, weve had it into the dealer one week for a new clutch (fell apart), and another week for a new rear main seal (leaking). The buzzing noise coming from behind the dash area is very annoying. With the new clutch, it now shudders upon takeoff. Our first experience with a Toyota may very well be our last. After driving a Ford Taurus SHO for 10 years, believe me when I talk about clutch replacements.

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  Big surprise - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By brooksey - February 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is amazing in its perfomance!

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  BACK to GM NEXT TIME - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By jovo - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Truck leans to one side,Bed misaligned with Cab, Toyota Factory Rep. claims it is "Normal Variation In Manufacturing Tolerances". I think they repaired the one they used in the "Rhino" comercial on TV or dropped it off the car transporter and then sold it to me. Transmisson cant decide which gear it wants to be in. Noisiest brakes I have ever had. Cheep cloth interior. Jittery ride, Noisy, Gas mileage much worse than stated on window sticker, Uncomfortable Captains chairs and driving position. Chippy paint, I only rated it a One because a ZERO was not a option. Not a real Truck. A poor excuse for a $30,000+ window sticker.

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  Mommys Avalon - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By DStealth - February 16 - 2:00 am

  As Matty our car salesman would refer to Mary, this is "Mommys" car! As previous owners of a Toyota Camry XLE, we found the small "upgrade" to the Avalon was well worth the extra $$. The Avalon was much roomier than the Camry and we opted for the XL rather than the XLS - who needs the moonroof and heated seats anyway. We purchased the wood look from the parts dept. and now have what we want. Hmm all I need now is a XLS emblem and we are there!

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  Chargermans 04 Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By chargerman - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. I had a Red Flame metalic 99 Solara and had such good luck with it I bought another! This one is Arctic Frost Pearl with grey leather. Looks good in day or night. I have 1000 miles on it now with only 1 problem that the dealer fixed, a hose connector had come undone and caused the engine light to come on. Really like the in dash CD changer and heated seats

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  Its a Great Vehicle - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By alc6 - February 16 - 2:00 am

  We have only had this 4WD Limited 3 weeks, but love it already. It has good power, very comfortable ride, easy access, and nice interior styling. We would recommend it to anyone.

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  wish i still had my old 99 taco - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By david - February 15 - 9:00 pm

  traded my 99 for this thru the frame recall/buyback and have been very displeased. first didnt get delay wipers with basic package. had radio replaced before 10k kept going off/changing stations. clutch started slipping at 20k miles repaired under warranty. on hot days clutch pedal creaks. leaf springs started making creaking at 10k had new silencer pads installed under warranty. the traction buzzer is VERY annoying if you slide sideways. ice builds up around front output of t-case on wet slushy snowy roads makes bumping under floorboards.

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  One awesome truck!! - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By jaggy9 - February 15 - 7:36 pm

  I looked at many different makes in switching back to a truck from cars and SUVs the past 6 years, and the Tacoma was hands down the best. I was looking for a 4 cyl 4x4 that could handle the everyday drive, some off-roading, and some light hauling. This more than meets my needs, and its the best looking one out there! The build quality is amazing. Its one of the most solid feeling vehicles Ive owned (car or truck). The bigger interior in the last redesign is amazing. I went with the Indigo Ink, SR5 package, and tire upgrade. Love the ground clearance and cannot wait to test this out off-road. MPG have been 21.7 for all city driving. Looking forward to many years of driving my Taco!

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  An OK crossover - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Decent but not great - February 15 - 5:46 pm

  Smooth if no bumps on the road. But you can feel the bumps. It is not luxious, but comfortable enough. The seat is a little hard (nylon seat). It is not as comfortable as my old camry. The seats are definitely big. Definitely roomy. Good exterior and interior design. The plastic material inside is cheap. Decent mpg for a large car. Mine is 4 cylinder and the computer read out is 24.7 mpg, not sure how accurate it is. 4 cylinder is not that powerful, but good enough for daily commute. Passanger seats and backseats are very roomy and comfortable. It took me a while to get used to different control knots in the front panel.

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  Camry is good - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By rob - February 15 - 2:23 pm

  I bought the V6 version before I realized I would be driving about 40k a year. Although I am currently getting in the high 20s and low 30s for the mpg. I spend about 3 hours a day in the car and it is fairly competent. The driver seat could use more upper lateral support as I tend to lean out of the seat towards the center. The car has a superb ride for a Lincoln or Buick, but I wish now that there was an SE V6 for the stiffer suspension when I bought the XLE . The car is well equipped even better so than the Accord, which I have owned several and think I prefer overall. The Camry is overall a solid car and sure to please the masses.