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:

• 

  my truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By ba2ty - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Just a few words: fun,cool,happy,class,tough,slick,comfort zen,calm,crazy,safe,speed and perfect

• 

  the new corolla - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By durell brown - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Its the best corolla yet.It it is faster,roomier,stylish,younger,nice and elegant.

• 

  Very quiet car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By bliss - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I have been extremely impressed with how quiet the car is. On rough roads as with all cars that I have driven road noise increases. On smooth roads this car is as quiet as any car on the road- no engine noise even at 80mph. having driven the 2002 Nissan altima and the VW passat the toyota is clearly the most quiet car. The interior trim is much more refined than the Nissan. The new 4 cly. engine is smooth and refined. All in All a great car!

• 

  2015 CAMRY XLE is the best mid-sized sedan - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Bailey - November 7 - 8:24 am

  This 2015 Camry XLE is gorgeous. The exterior is bold enough but not drastic. The interior is high-end and luxurious. Driving the vehicle is very smooth and quiet. After riding in friends Malibus, Accords, Mazda 6s - the difference is obvious. Toyota makes a quality machine-simply the best over the others.

• 

  Very efficient investment!! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Buckadies - November 6 - 10:53 pm

  Purchased with 150K miles three years ago and currently pushing 165K trouble-free miles. Other than regular maintenance, this car is a well oiled machine that leads its way to water...good to go!!

• 

  Happy Camry Owner - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By 07CAMRY - November 6 - 8:46 pm

  I currently have 24K miles. I had the hesitation problem, but the dealer reflashed computer and solved the problem. I get 22 mpg in town and have gotten as much as 36mpg on hwy., driving around 65 mph. I use syn. oil and replaced air filter at 15K. Tires are wearing evenly (rotate) and I do not have any wind noise. Very comfortable ride.

• 

  Beautiful car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By cutedh - November 6 - 6:33 pm

  This is one heck of a nice car. Love the ride and the quality of the inside of the car. Everybody has given it great compliments and it looks way better than the accord. A lot of my friends now want this car and my neighbors are jealous of me. LOVE IT

• 

  Update To Review on 5/28/08 - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By Toyota man since 77 - November 6 - 10:20 am

  Just a quick update to my earlier review. One month and 800 miles later, and it just gets better and better. Im now nudging 26 mpg combined (35% hwy, 65% city). Sticker said 20 city, 25 highway... dont you believe it. Drive sensibly and youll blow the doors off the posted mileage ratings. Im planning a trip in the next month, and fully expect to get better than 30 mpg. Not bad, for a 4 cyl. AWD SUV. The roads here are still being repaired from the bad winter...pot holes everywhere. But not a squeek or rattle from my RAV4. Love it more each day. Couldnt be happier.

• 

  I love it, but....... - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By jag - November 6 - 2:26 am

  I bought it over a MINI COOPER S, mainly because of the mileage and comfort. The mileage, as expected has not been what is advertised, I get about 40mpg on average, mostly highway miles. The creature comforts, however, have been more than I ever expected. The car is solid and quiet beyond any expectations. It handles as good as any small car Ive driven, and even I can sit in the back middle seat(it holds 5 adults) comfortably.... Im 61". Its quiet beyond belief, even on the highway at 75mph. Mine is fully loaded and I probably paid too much..... but I love it.

• 

  Wonderful And Price Ranging - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Wonderful And Price - November 5 - 9:30 pm

  This car is great it makes it easy for me to fulfill all of my task soccer games, football games, sleepovers, shopping, grocery shopping, and just to get around!! I love this car.