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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  My Camry LE Experience - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Young - December 8 - 10:00 am

  This car has been such a great vehicle that we have decided to purchase another Toyota Camry LE 4-door sedan as our last vehicle now that we are retiring. The car has been very reliable in every way -- starting in -20 degrees weather (and above 109 degrees) without a problem. We live in a mountainous area and our Camry handles the climbs (and grades) without a hitch. Plenty of power and get-up-and-go. Its a great car! You will never regret purchasing a Toyota Camry LE (or upgraded model).

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  a good buy - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By tasso - December 8 - 10:00 am

  i just purchased my 1997 camry le, and it is an exceptional family automobile.I know that it will last for a good long time.

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  2001 Prius - Drive it! Love it! - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By alangoho - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Other than the initial sale (which was right when the Prius was released for sale in the US), this has been the most amazing automobile experience I have ever had. Ive had it for 18 months without a complaint. I have put on about 18K miles so far, and am averaging about 47.7 mpg. I am re-assured by the quality of the vehicle. Not the cheesy tin can that I was expecting from buying an import. Its got a steel body (which takes away from performance/mpg, but adds to the solid feel). Its no slouch when you need acceleration, but thats not why I bought it. I love "hearing the light change" as the Toyota commercial so succinctly put it. Lots of interior room and a comfortable ride.

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  my favorite ride - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By surfchick5am - December 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Toyota theres a good reason why-durability with little maintainence. My previous car was a Previa and I put 100k on it before trading for the SUV. This had, to date, out perfomed any of the 6 previous vehicles Ive owned and i tend to keep my cars a minimum of 6 years. Its only 2WED but has no problems over rough terrain or in the snow. Its comfortable and well appointed inside and out. It runs as good as it did on the day I got it-what else can you say?

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  Great truck, as expected! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Glenn Oden - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned Toyotas for the last thirty years. Ive never been disapointed yet and the Tundra is the best yet. If it would get 30 mpg Id be in heaven.

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  Excellent ride - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By WB - December 8 - 10:00 am

  The interior has enough room to be comfortable for those long road trips. Sure blows away the cramped up seating in the durango where you are sitting elbow to elbow. 3 months isnt long enough to give a fair opinion, but so far its an excellent vehicle to own.

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  I love my car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By kirsten Clark - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Excellent deal for so little money. Its a great little car. Head on colision and I am alive and kicking! Great crash test reviews from me!

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  Great vehicle - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By lisandjerr - December 8 - 9:40 am

  Lots of power, great handling, very comfortable, excellent build quality, plenty of head and leg room, good access, based on previous Toyotas weve owned great reliability, terrific styling and my wife and I love it.

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  Blown Engine but still like it - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By houstonwarren2 - December 8 - 8:53 am

  I have owned this truck since it was new. 4 cylinder, full 4-door model. The fuel economy sits around 19mpg highway fairly consistently. For the first 53k miles I abused the heck out of this truck. It is a gutless 4banger so I would push it to just over 100mph by pushing the OD/off on the shifter to drop a gear in order to get over 100. This was nearly every day for my commute because I literally am always running late. The minimum was 90mph (toll road 17 miles to work). Under the powertrain warranty I carved out cylinders 1 and 3, so I was given a new short-block and new lease on life. Ever since, I dont even let this thing slip into overdrive and baby her. See (improvements)

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  Bad seat but STILL love my Prius! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Tom - December 8 - 6:33 am

  The poorly designed seat notwithstanding, I have over 35,000 miles on my Prius in the first year. It has been a delight to drive and a pleasure to fill up compared to my diesel pick up! Great acceleration, computerized everything and excellent handling make this car more fun to drive than you might think. Handles curvy roads with ease and has more than enough acceleration to pass in any conditions.