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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  Feel in Control of the ROAD! - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By MANDO60 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  The truck is awesome! Im 20 years old and I still dont know if I got a great deal on it or not, all I know is that I love it for what its used for. The price I ended paying for the truck was $21,500 but I had to tack on $1,500 from an insurance settlement that did not end so well. The truck handles awesome! The pick up is very impressive concidering that it is a 4 Cyl. and the room is GREAT! You get enought leg room in it to SLEEP THERE!!! Ive done it! Just once, the seat was not too confy, but it did the job. People love it! When they get in it they want it! All my friends want to test drive it due to the couple specs that I have added to it.

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  The Best Ever! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By CoRrOlLaSgUrL - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car in august of 2002, I have never had a problem with it, It drives great & looks great! Where ever i go i have heads turning!

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  Without a doubt, the best compact sedan - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By aragornbeagles - May 27 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car in 3/02, and have been in love since! It is stylish, roomy, so easy to get in and out of! The best redesign that Toyota has done in years! If I could choose one thing to change, it would be to make Cruise Control standard on the CE model.

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  Everything you need - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By EYLive - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Whats not to like about this car? Its affordable, comfortable, roomy, Benz-like exterior design. It handles well, has useful options and is an ultra quite ride.

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  It is my mistress - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Taadow976 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I love my Camry so much that my wife considers her the other woman. She is washed weekly and fully detailed monthly. I drive her everyday everywhere and she is extremely reliable. The only drawback is that she is a summer car. In the winter her high performance tires need to be changed when ever there is call for snow and my original equipment Bridgestones only gave me a good 23000 miles. (I am a very aggressive driver)

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  Great vehicle - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Garrett Hughes - May 27 - 1:43 am

  Purchased just this week, sorry I cannot tell how good the fuel efficiency is yet. Purchased the AWD due to northeast driving conditions and because it handles like a go-cart! Steel wheels offer better ride than 17" alloys. "road noise" mentioned by others is the AWD, they are all a little noisy. Interior design is ergonomic, S model offers nice perks for little than $15k more. Recommend mudflaps and rear bumper protector (hatch step). I am 6 tall 220 lbs and with the telescopic column and adjustable manual seat I fit comfortably, arm rest could be 4" longer. Great pickup, car cruzes at 80 MPH without too much noise, stock radio is fantastic. 115V outlet is very cool for lap top charge.

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  Great auto - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By boyblue - May 26 - 10:03 pm

  Have driven 1000 miles am getting 26 mpg, probably lower because of constant air conditioner. Smooth as silk and quiet, cant ever hear the engine. Love the looks of the blue one. A classy car that shows that we could become independent of oil producers with further development of technologies.

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  Great car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Ella - May 26 - 10:56 am

  Ive had my Prius for 19 months now. This is absolutely the best car I have ever driven. During the winter months, I average about 45 mpg. During the summer months, I average 50+ mpg. My last few tanks have averaged in the mid 50s. This car is full of positives: it is great to drive, very smooth, great pick-up power, smart-key entry, easy to operate/read display monitor, and best of all . . . I stop at gas stations more to get a bottle of pop than to get gasoline!

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  Best Ever! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Susan F - May 26 - 12:43 am

  This is my second Toyota Avalon. I love this 2005 Ltd. When I owned my other the XLS was the top of the line but, was an excellent car prompting me to buy another one after reaching 145,000 with no major problems. This is a truly exceptional handling car with power, luxury and is also fun to drive. When I am driving my Avalon, I am truly at the helm of my flag ship. Do your self a favor, go test drive a truly luxury, full-sized Avalon and you will be hooked. Happy driving!

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  Camry SE is the best! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Lia - May 25 - 7:10 pm

  I fell in love with this car the second I test drove it. I traded in a 2001 Toyota Highlander because I wanted to get back into a sedan. Its so fun to drive - the pickup is wonderful - and it is so comfortable even on long drives. The bluetooth is nice and I dont have a problem hearing the people on the other end but have had people tell me that sometimes they have trouble hearing me. Overall I am ecstatic about my purchase. No problems thus far. It was part of the recall but the dealership put in all of the new parts overnight which was convenient for me.