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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  Not completely satisfied - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Nellie - January 18 - 2:30 pm

  Driven my new Camry less than 1,000 miles and not as pleased with it as my 00 Camry. Cruise control gains, RPMs accelerate up hill causing engine to make loud noise while using cruise control, higher in back making it harder to judge while backing up and transmission not completely smooth in take offs. Overall, I still like the car and love Toyotas reliability, so Im banking on this one to hold up to their reputation.

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  Favorite Car - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By jim88mm - January 18 - 12:46 pm

  I bought my Camry new in 2004 and am approaching 200k miles, consistently getting 30 mpg. Recently replaced valve stem guides, but that is the only major repair. This has been a fantastic purchase.

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  Great value - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Brian - January 18 - 10:10 am

  I purchased my 2005 Corolla LE several weeks ago and very pleased so far. The interior is extremely refined and comfortable for a car in this price range. The rear seats have a lot of legand head room for a compact car. Driving is surprisingly smooth and comfortable by small car standards. Fuel economy is great - in mostly highway driving, I have been averaging about 36 mpg. Add in Toyotas sterling reputation for reliability and I highly recommend the Corolla to anyone looking for an inexpensive, but not "cheap" vehicle.

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  Nice Ride - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Grace - January 18 - 8:36 am

  When I began looking for a new vehicle, I knew I wanted a small SUV. After researching, I put the RAV4 towards the bottom of my list because I wasnt a fan of the spare tire on the back. Once I test drove it, it went straight to the top of my list. I love all the storage room and how easy the back seats fold down flat. After a month, I still love the ride. I dont do a whole lot of driving but so far the gas mileage is what I expected. The tire on the back doesnt even bother me and I figure that if Im by myself and get a flat, itll be easier getting the tire off the back than trying to dig it out from under the car.

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  Does it all... - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By jgoff - January 18 - 6:40 am

  We were looking to replace the 1996 MT Car of the Year which was the Dodge Grand Caravan. After having that vehicle, we didnt think we could do without a van. Our 2006 Sienna LE AWD does everything our old van did, plus its got AWD traction, and better ground clearance (6.9"). Exterior dimensions are near identical to our old van. Power is similar, but brakes are far superior. Seating versatility is very good, but both vans have their pluses in this regard. The Sienna seemed quieter and a better ride than the Odyssey. Storage and versatility are strong points for this vehicle. Storage is everywhere....even the arm rests! My only concern so far is the run flat tires with no spare.

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  One Tough Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Buildn - January 17 - 11:00 pm

  I have purchased a certified preowned Tundra SR5, 4x4, TRD, Double Cab. This truck only had 10,000 miles on it! Cant beat Toyota quality, Used to own a 2000 year Toyota Tundra. What helped with the decision is Toyota offered a 7 year 100,000 bumper to bumper warranty! It was a no brainer. This 08 is actually a lot of fun to drive!

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  I recomend this car to any single person - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Malan - January 17 - 11:46 am

  Ilove the performance of my car. I bought it almost 3 years ago, an no problem at all. One of my nephews bought a convertible SOLARA VLE V6 and he is enjoying his car. He drove it once to Florida with no problem. We both enjoy the ride and looks of our cars. Thanks for asking. G. Malan

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  Toyota Does It Again! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rainman - January 17 - 9:20 am

  Ive bought Toyotas off and on since 1982: 82 Tercel, 86 MR2, 01 Highlander, and now the 05 Tacoma PreRunner. The one constant in Toyotas engineering is that it keeps getting better and better. This upgrade to the Taco is no different. They are not resting on their laurels, and clearly want to retain their market share by creating an ingenious double cab with quality and features second to none. After only about 1200 miles of driving, I can tell this truck will be in my stable of vehicles for a long time ... well beyond the time it is paid off.

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  Great dependable car - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Joel - January 17 - 2:20 am

  Had this car for nearly two years now. I drive about 30000 miles a year, mixed of highway/city driving. Only had regular inexpensive maintenance done so far with no single issue. Comfortable drive, great fuel economy and good looking car.

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  Just unbelieveable - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Charlie K - January 16 - 7:30 am

  Pearl, roof rack, Heated leather seats are great for the back (even in Fl.). Avg 26 around town and on trips to the east coast 33 mpg. Mileage improves if I use ETHANOL FREE gas by 2 mpg. The comfort, space and pick-up are ideal. Its easy getting into and out of and very comfortable driving (being 62") with plenty of storage and cargo space.This car has it all WITHOUT supporting foreign oil!