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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  bout Time - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By tireman - March 20 - 10:00 am

  Overall great truck. My 4Cyl is good for 20 MPG, little low maybe? You decide. Great for daily commutes, weekend trips to home improvement stores and getting out to the great outdoors. Somewhat lack luster inside, but what can you expect. It is a TRUCK. Solid engineering relates to great overall drive experience. Well priced, dependable, flexible transportation. Great bang for the buck.

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  Camry Solara V6 - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Bob Burner - March 20 - 10:00 am

  This is a quiet and comfortable auto; no complaint there. But its turning radius needs to be shortened considerably. Also, I would like to see tighter steering; the Solara doesnt do well in highway turns. Otherwise, a fine car.

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  6 Month Review - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By TomS-age42 - March 20 - 10:00 am

  Meets hauling needs. XRS auto averages 25/26 mpg. Armrests are too short and the window controls are at too severe of an angle. I have developed pains in my left wrist from the location and position of the window controls. I am 511" in height and find these window controls awkward to use. To avoid further wrist pain, I am now using my right hand to control the window levers. Glare from the rings around the gauges make it difficult to see the gauges at certain times during the day. I may end up painting the the chrome rings to reduce sun glare. After market window tinting has helped reduce glare and heat, since the a/c is not very efficient.

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  93 Camry XLE 4 Cyl. - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By BillM - March 20 - 10:00 am

  Overall, an excellent vehicle. Well worth the money.

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  Great Family car except... - 2013 Toyota Prius v
  By txpriusvowner - March 18 - 4:37 pm

  Great overall design and gas mileage for a family vehicle.

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  Camry LE V6 - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By James - March 17 - 2:40 am

  I have Toyota and BMW cars. For the price, this Camry is a better buy than BMW. It does everything well as BMW except handling. Among my Toyotas, this is the 1st one that Ive felt fast.

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  Very nice car - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By cleveland,ohio - March 16 - 9:40 pm

  i have 189,000 and i bought this 2 years ago from a 2 owner and the for 1700 hundred dollars car has a small oil leak but thats ok a put cv joints on it 8 months ago and just put sway bar links 2 days ago and a year ago put strut on all the around and change timing belt a year ago very clean car and i will by one more. get one soon.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By F014tomcat - March 16 - 10:00 am

  7,000 miles on it with only one minor problem. A hose to the coolant came loose, and I lost the cooant, but they fixed it. TRD package is great. Off roading is a breeze with the locking differential. Average mpg is 16-17.5, not great. Clock is in horrible position. Interior does look a bit cheap. I too have a rattle, that I cannot find. A little pricey, but so far worth the money. I love driving it.

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  Not happy with drivers seat - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By Roshan - March 14 - 7:48 am

  Before buying this car, pay attention to drivers seat. I bought this vehicle and it was ok for couple of weeks and after that I noticed having back pain, Found out there are couple of springs in the back seat that are pushing against middle of back and that make it a very uncomfortable ride for driver. I contacted dealer and they advised me that use some kind of cushion as thats how seat is designed and nothing can be done to fix this problem. I had 2012 Rav4 and never had any problems with seat. Also I have a sienna at home and no problems. Its only this vehicle that is causing me back pain. I tried different positions on seat but no success. Thanks

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  Hey its a Corolla - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By jeffro11 - March 13 - 8:53 pm

  Just bought this car for gas mileage. Went with the more stylish S. Bought the 5M to make it more interesting to drive. Not going to dazzle your socks off but is going to be a very able performer. Comfortable for the daily commute. Has enough creature comforts to stave off the want of a higher end vehicle. Love the gas mileage, only having to fill up every two weeks. Toyota Loyalist.