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:

• 

  Excellent Gas Mileage and what features! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Carlos Shepherd - September 26 - 9:56 pm

  When I got the fully loaded Prius (2005) I had trouble keeping my eyes on the road as I drove this baby home! So much eye candy! The Navigational System is awesome and the 9 speaker, 6 CD in dash player simply ROCKS! I commute to work 60 miles one way, (120 round trip) and driving this state of the art machine makes my commute a whole lot easier!

• 

  Comparing to other similar cars, good - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Maria - September 26 - 4:13 pm

  The MPG disappointed me. It is not the value manufacturer says.

• 

  Get your own - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Jim - September 26 - 3:13 pm

  I have 1100 miles on my new Solara and it is a dream to drive. Handles like a luxury car and performs likes a sports car. It is elegant, and has beautiful lines. I especially like the controls on the steering wheel, you never have to take your eyes off of the road. Makes the 140 mile daily commute pretty easy, lots of great comments on looks.

• 

  2002 Toyota Camry - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Dissatisfied - September 26 - 10:23 am

  The car has been good until last year (2007) when I had to rebuild the transmission. Dont like the fact you can see the muffler hanging down - looks like its falling. Now springs and then struts went. Dont think I will be buying another Toyota. Should be able to get more than 6 years out of a transmission!

• 

  07 Solara Convertible - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By 95flhtcu - September 26 - 10:10 am

  Overall this is a very good car. Acceleration is very good. the interior is Lexus like quality. With the top up, its almost like any sedan. there is some body shudder but only under unusual circumstances. The switch for the top is in a VERY bad place and isnt lighted. Same for the "all up" window switch. There is only one power outlet thats useful, the other is in the bottom of the console. rear window pillars are huge, making backing out of a parking spot an adventure. The trunk is actually useful.

• 

  Celicas Are So Fun To Drive - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By Tiffywiffy0503 - September 25 - 3:23 pm

  I have nothing but great things to say about Celicas. I love mine and havent had any problems with it! So many people tell me how nice my car is. It is the best looking sporty car that gets such good gas mileage! Its got a lot of horse power for a 4 cylinder. I plan to keep my Celica for years to come!

• 

  Perfect fit - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By cpl8 - September 24 - 5:00 pm

  I came out of a 2008 Camry SE, I loved that car, it was totaled so I went with a 2009 Camry Hybrid fully loaded. Im 6 4" and its a perfect fit. Lots of room. The car shows 36-37 per gallons avg. never better then 37.6mpg

• 

  Family van - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By viennamicro - September 24 - 2:40 pm

  Excellent family van - great for trips with 4-6 adults, too. Plenty of passenger room, even with our oversized friend (280 pound linebacker) front and second row.

• 

  Toyota Tundra - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Bubby - September 24 - 4:16 am

  Great engine and driveability. Much quieter than most other full size trucks.

• 

  07 camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By KD - September 23 - 7:56 pm

  I used to own a 2000 camry that I had zero problems with. So I got another one. However, this one wasnt the same. The seats are way to low to the ground making long drives uncomfortable. Also, the accelerator is delayed a few seconds which is the most annoying thing Ive ever seen.