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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  Best investment ever - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By Kelly - December 2 - 6:26 am

  I bought this car with only 17,000 miles on it and drove it into the ground with 180,000. The only thing I replaced outside of nomral oil changes, brake discs and tires was the radiator and that was at the very end of the life of this car. I t got amazing gas mileage and it zipped in and out of traffic. It does not have a lot of get up and go, and it is a very basic design but this is a great starter car for a new driver!!

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  This is a keeper! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By bluesguitar - December 1 - 7:50 pm

  We bought the base model, which is where the value is. Its the same car as the much more expensive version without the overpriced dvd player, blue tooth and GPS (we have our own for that one time a month we need it). This car is clearly superior in features to the 2008 Honda Pilot which drives like a truck to both me and my wife. It replaced a Honda Odyssey but still has the ability to seat 7 people comfortably (and looks way cooler!). We love it!!

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  Sequoia TRD - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By William Morales - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this truck for over a year and I love it.It has all the room our old mini-van had, with much more style. I have the TRD package, which appeals to my need for something a little sporty as well.

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  Couldnt be happier - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By B4rK0d3 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  First car Ive ever owned, and being a college student, its awesome on the mileage. I generally get around 35 mpg, and thats a combination of highway and street driving. Recently, I moved 2000 miles across the country, with the car packed full of everything I owned. The weight was so high that the back tires were almost completely in the wheel-wells! This car performed the ENTIRE trip like it didnt have anything but the driver in the car. I have never had any problem with the car whatsoever, and I would totally recommend this car to anybody...ANYBODY. I couldnt be happier in the past year and a half that Ive owned this vehicle.

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  needs bigger rear end - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By lobos - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This is a reliable car. It has great gas milage. We drove on the freeway for 61/2 hours and we did not need to fill it up. We drove 60-65 mls an hour.

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  Simply Perfect - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Holly8484 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I have had my RAV for over a year and 1/2, and I still love driving it. Drives very smoothly, just like a car. I had a Camery before I got my RAV 4, and to be honest, I like the RAV much better. It also makes me feel safe while driving. You wont regret buying this one! I promise!!!

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Tom LaPorte - December 1 - 6:03 am

  Indeed fun to drive. Handles very well. Some hesitation on acceleration. Would have liked power seat for driver and compass. Overall I like the car for my daily 130 mile commute.

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  Old mans car - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Jim Reeves - November 29 - 3:23 pm

  I was looking for an old mans car when I bought this one. From that perspective I couldnt be happier. Ive got a dealership installed leather option called a Platinum package. The electric power steering is reminiscent of the old (50s) luxury cars and I love it! One finger steering at idle! I only have 1700 miles on it but am seriously impressed. The lack of styling is disappointing, reminds me of a 51 Willys sedan, but I didnt buy it to impress anyone. The interior is comfortable and quiet. I had a 2008 rental for a couple of weeks, and this is much better (I wouldnt have bought a 2008 model. Ive had 2 Toyotas, a 1970 Corona MKII and a 1987 pickup. They were both rock solid reliable.

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  Many Problems - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Charlie - November 28 - 5:06 am

  I bought this car used with 20,000 miles on it. The dash board has a tear, buttons have fallen off the radio and all the interior seems to be made of cheap plastic pieces which break if you try to fix any thing. Power window motor died on the driver side. Windshield washer fluid reservoir broke and would not hold any fluid. Water pump broke off and broke the timing belt when it happened. A/C died, thermostat closed and shot off a hose. Car doesnt beep when you lock it and the trunk button doesnt work on the remote. Headlight leaks in water, now yellow. Paint chips very easily. Currently we are fixing the radiator because it is leaking engine coolant.

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  Great Car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Marty - November 27 - 7:40 am

  At first I must admit that i wasnt too fond of this car since it was more popular to have a small sport compact cars. But i am glad that i did stick with the Camry. The cabin space is unbelievable and the trunk space is great! I love the handling and braking.