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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  we liked it - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By jackd223 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  It sits higher and gives a good driving view. We liked the center console video touch screen. We were suprised at the acceleration. We rented this vehicle for 3 days and it made us want to check it out again when we buy a new vehicle.

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  THE CAR - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By BNAME - July 6 - 10:00 am

  VERY COMFORTABLE AND LOTS OF FEATURES IN IT. But not great power.

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  Solid medium size truck - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By zx10rrider - July 5 - 4:59 pm

  No Tacoma "Fan Boy" here. This is my first Toyota vehicle and there have been no surprises so far. The 2013 Tacoma has been what a truck this size should be. Powerful, quite, smooth at highway speeds. It does have a firm ride thanks to the TRD off road pkg. I am 61" and the cab had plenty of room in the front and rear seats. Parking this truck is no major chore with the short bed. I paid $500 below invoice or $30180 before TTL fees. Overall I am very happy with this truck.

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  2003 Toyota Solara SE - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By mreusser - July 5 - 1:13 am

  I have enjoyed this car, it rides better than my 2001 Accord did. The only problems we have had is the bearings in one wheel went out. Other than that all we have done is replace the tires and have regular maintenance done.

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  Vanilla is Good - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By mohusker - July 4 - 7:30 pm

  "Bland, vanilla, appliance"...yup, and just the way we like it. The Camry LE provides excellent value, dependability, fit & finish and quality of soft-touch materials. It is quiet and roomy while delivering 500 miles per tankful. The highway ride is composed with an honest 32 highway miles per gallon from the responsive and sophisticated four- banger. Mid-level LE includes power drivers chair and outside temperature display. My only gripe is a recent dash rattle.

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  So far, so good - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By colashan - July 4 - 12:07 pm

  looking for something practical. all in class seemed to have negatives except the camry. sonata, fusion (styling), accord (ride, noise) impala was her co. car that she didnt really care for. the camry was above avg in most everything we thought. safety and quality seemed excellent. ride and comfort was good. styling was above avg. and the dealer made us a deal at 25100, for the XLE with nav, out the door.

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  The loaded Camry - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Gillmer21 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I love my car. Its very realiable and drives very well. The only thing is that it didnt age well but other than that its a great car.

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  Toyota Tundra - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By alskep - July 2 - 3:46 am

  Truck rides very good for a pickup. A little bouncy but ride is close to that of a car. Solid truck construction. Handles great on the road.

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  New owner - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Eroc69 - July 1 - 11:06 am

  I just picked up my 07 LE-V6 so I cant comment on the total overall package. I do love the look and the dual exhaust and obviously the engine. I will post a more detailed review in a few months. I can be picky so read here in a few.

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  Great Vehicle for the price - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By txiong71 - June 30 - 7:20 pm

  This is a great dependable vehicle with good gas MPGs. Of all 4 years that I have owned this vehicle I have never experienced any major issues with the car. The only problem that I had with it was taking it back to the dealership to fix the molding on the roof of the car that had become unbent.