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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  Solid Pick - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By blackjack21 - July 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought it new in 11/2000. Has done the job admirably. No mechanical problems whatsoever and the hood scoop gives it a sporty look. Only disappointment is in pickup/engine power.

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  First Corrola after 3 Jettas - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By RedsName - July 26 - 10:00 am

  Very solid, tight suspension and handling. Manual transmission is easy to shift but not sloppy. Extended service period is nice. No rattles or noises yet. Around 550 highway miles per tank. Very well built car for the price. Took the 120,000 extended warranty option. My last three cars have been VW Jettas. I think this one will last longer.

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  Six Months Out - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Camry Times 2 - July 26 - 10:00 am

  Waited 6 months to provide feedback on my new Camry so as to give a balanced appraisal. Without a doubt there have been No problems, No suprises. This is a solid, reliable and quiet "appliance". This is my second Camry (bought a used 97 a year ago and liked it so much I bought a new Camry). I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good car that will go the distance.

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  Such Endurance... - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By proxity - July 26 - 6:34 am

  Ive done very little maintenance on my LE due to little time and money. This was a 3-year period... the car refuses to die. Im impressed. --- The only complaint I have is the cheap plastic on the door handles, both, inside and out. Be careful not to open the doors too hard. Its a minor issue, but can be considerably annoying at times.

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  Dependable - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By ken - July 26 - 3:33 am

  Have owned toyotas in the past, and have been well pleased with their dependability. Purchased the 06 five months ago and have been well pleased with all aspects of this car. Gas mileage is good, handles well and is quiet. Will stay with toyota.

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  Big Improvements - 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By AES - July 25 - 3:20 am

  Gave my 2002 LC to my dad after 218,000 carefree miles. Only had to replace the timing belt and water pump at 100 and 200. New vehicle is a huge improvement in terms of interior and ride quality. Memory seats finally! Also, back seats adjust which is great for the kids. On the performance side, I towed my boat this weekend with no problems 120 miles on the highway. Seems solid with 7,880 problem free miles thus far.

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  Camry XLE - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By loveit - July 24 - 2:43 am

  This was my first Toyota and I love it. V6 has good pick up and power. XLE model has all the options to make it comfortable and fun to drive. Bought it used but it was a Toyota certified vehicle. Havent had any mechanical problems.

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  My first truck experience - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Curts Truck - July 23 - 3:56 pm

  I bought this truck based on Toyotas quality reputation. I will act as the general contractor for my house currently in design. The passenger door doesnt seem to have been hung correctly as it takes more force to open and close it. It pops up upon opening it. We took the truck to North Carolina last August on vacation and got caught in those very heavy rains. Not only did I not have a problem, I felt very safe and secure. I had no problem driving around in the winter snow here and made it up a hill I thought would surely give me a problem. I think the relatively light aluminum engine makes the truck more evenly balanced enhancing its ability to make it through snow. Great truck.

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  Disappointed but still a good truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Nelson Colon - July 23 - 2:10 pm

  I purchase a 2006 Tacoma Pre-Runner Jan of this year, it is my second Tacoma and I really have enjoyed the old one as well as the new 2006. There are some disappointments on this truck, if you happen to be traveling and there is a need to hang your clothing by using hangers you will not be able to see out of the rear view mirror, it will completely block your view. I find it hard to believe that the engineers at Toyota actually allow this to happen this is a hassaress and should have been discuss and relocated as the truck was been tested (is obvious they did not test the truck well). The brakes are spongy,squeal like a pig, hard to stop.

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  Great teenager car! - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By cwazychicken - July 22 - 9:06 pm

  My brother gave me his Camry as a gift, of course as a teenage girl i wasnt too thrilled with the look of this car! I drove it for an entire year and only had big problems towards the end of its journey. At 198 K its pretty well worn out. For sixteen years old still runs good .No A/C , had to put in a new radiator and other little malfunctions, all in all a great first car !! Im gonna miss it!