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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  Coming from a BMW - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Mookie - November 10 - 1:40 pm

  OK, so Im a 4X BMW owner. This time around I decided to try a hybrid. The TCH is no BMW, not in performance, handling nor build quality. But I didnt expect it to be. What did surprise me is that its fun to drive, has a lot of conveniences (with the nav package) and Im getting 35+ MPG. Thats the whole point. I went from 20 MPG to 35 MPG and Premium to Regular. Ive about halved my weekly gas costs. I dont regret my decision. But if I win the lottery I will buy an M6.

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  Has been to the dealer twice in a wk - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Mervyn J.Samuel MD - November 10 - 11:23 am

  Bought the car less than 4 months ago. Happy with the gas mileage. Three times I had to jump stat the car. The fourth time, even after charging, the car would not start. I called the Toyota emergency service, was told there is no free towing service for the Prius. We had it towed to the dealer. They reset about 8 codes and said the car was fine. Two days later at noon, the car would not start and had to jump start and took it the dealer. They charged the battery and said it is fine. I think this model has some electrical problem. They should have tried a new battery, but did not do it. The display panel in the middle of the car is not ideal. To look at it, you have to take your eyes off the road.

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  High on Highlander - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By Michael Cunningham - November 10 - 8:31 am

  Comfort, good value and reliability are but a few attributes Highlands are known for. Ive had three over the years and they just keep getting better. Decided Ill soon be shopping for my fourth. Great cars!

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  Can embarras some coupes. - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Winston Ferolin - November 10 - 5:50 am

  The RAV 4 V6 is a pocket rocket. Its power is so tempting to use everytime. I can stand my own even against some coupes.

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  Solid Car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Richard - November 10 - 4:23 am

  Ill echo what other folk are saying. Bought mine new in 2005 and have had no problems at all, not even a burnt bulb. I think Im at 83,000 miles or so now. I put Goodyear Tripletreads on around 40,000 as I didnt like the factory tires, and the Tripletreads greatly increased braking power, corner, and wet-condition handling. I usually get low 30s gas mileage for mix driving and mid thirties for long highway trips. Just be smart and buy this car if youre looking. Oh, and change the in-cabin air filter at least once a year to help with inside fog.

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  2007 camry XLE V6 - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By mikki - November 10 - 4:06 am

  I bought my Camry in June 2006 and I have to say overall I am impressed. I now have app.12000 miles on it and have very few complaints. The acceleration is very quick and the ride is fairly quiet and smooth. However I have noticed an irritating rattle on the left upper dash speaker. There have also been a few isolated incidences where I have noticed a delayed surge in the transmission, which once put me in a potentially dangerous situation. Ive read other reviews stating that the leather seats were not comfortable for long drives due to lack of cushion support, but thats not been the case for me especially after recently driving from Houston to Key West, Fla. The seats were very comfortable.

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  I hate new cars-but love my new Toyota - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Kathryn - November 10 - 2:53 am

  I waited a long time to buy a new car, but finally decided to take the plunge. Picked the Toyota Corolla for reliability, gas mileage and looks. A little on the pricey side for a base model, but with gas prices the way they are, you cant beat the gas mileage I am getting from this car! The outside is nice and neat. The car handles nicely and for a 4-cylinder 1.8 - it can move! Interior is laid out nicely - driver seating takes some getting used to though, hard to adjust. The trunk cargo space is very good for a small car. Love the flip down passenger seats for extra cargo space. All in all, I have come to really love my new ride!

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  LUV MY TOY! - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mike & Millhouse - November 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive been sold on Toyotas reliability since I purchased my 95 Camry. I love the MANLY MAN appearance of the front end (with the non functional, yet asthetically pleasing hood scoop). My 4Runners gotten me everywhere I needed to go, everywhere I wanted to go, and almost back again, which brings me to one drawback. This truck is deceptively heavy! Dont take it into a soft, muddy field! (Incidently, I was doing fine, until the running boards started to drag!) Two hundred thirty dollars is the price of my pride!

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  Not what they used to be... - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By RickThompson2 - November 9 - 5:46 pm

  I bought my truck brand new in march of 02. I heard good things in the past about toyota but soon found they couldnt handle the load of a worktruck like an american pickup. Paid 26,500 for my SR5 4x4 V8.. bad decision. While traveling though new mexico at 4800 miles my axle wentt bad in the rear, started to whine and went out, had to be towed.. at 28000 my transfer case wouldnt shift into 4x4 and started to grind, left me stranded in the mud looking like a fool, it was defective, my stereo soon went out, along with my passenger window.. im no complainer so i overlooked all those ridiculous problems, then at 42k my brakes failed and at 75k my tranny was slipping like ive never seen.

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  Great, safe economical reliable car - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By K - November 9 - 3:53 pm

  I purchased this 2000 toyota camry LE with 50,000 miles, certified. Now, I have just under 75,000 on it. Still has a great ride, performance, and handling. The 4 cyl engine gets well over 30 mpg highway, and has nice power. I like the standard power features, including the power seat. NEVER any problems with the car!!