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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  Avoid - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By TexToya - July 10 - 9:10 am

  This is not a Lexus, you get what you pay for. Most disappointing is tire wear and alignment, I think this car has a basic flaw, the tires showed excessive wear at 20,000 miles and is pretty much gone at 30,000. This despite two alignments (at my own expense). The dealer says it’s normal.

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  GREAT LITTLE CAR - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By GF - July 10 - 6:56 am

  I only had to wait 2 weeks for my Prius. The gas mileage is the obvious reason you buy this car but you will be pleased find out its not just some cheap economy car. Its roomy inside and has lots of cool features. When I first got the car, I was averaging 47 mpg. Now, with the help of a few websites, I am actually learning how to drive the car and achieve better results. On my last tank, I got 54 mpg. Buy this car if you can find one. You wont regret it.

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  Love this car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By hammond2 - July 10 - 5:53 am

  Ive had my 2005 Camry LE since 2004 and I absolutely love it. It has over 160,000 km on it and apart from brakes, tires and oil changes, I have not spent a penny for other repairs. I drive to Florida and back every year and I really push it. This 4 cyl. is very performing and very, very reliable. I even pull by bass boat all summer long!!! My wife loves it too. No rattles, no rust, no problems!!!! What a car!!!

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  Electronic Transmission feels Unstable - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By 2010camrync - July 9 - 11:50 pm

  Electronic transmission and drive-by- wire make the automatic shifting a rough ride. The car feels unstable and leaves you feeling like youre not in complete control. Very disappointed in this car and really quite surprised that Toyota released this car to consumers with such an unruly shifting pattern of this electronic transmission.

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  The Best of Both Worlds - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Dale V - July 9 - 9:53 pm

  I have put about 3,000 miles on so far and they have all been fun miles. It rides like a luxury sedan but handles like a sports car.As sporty as this car is though, it is not a small car. It is extremely comfortable up front, has a very fuctional rear seat that two adults can fit in easily and comfortably and a very adequate trunk for a convertible, as large as many sedans of this class. These were all high on my "needs" list. It is quieter than I expected a rag top inside. It has very good acceleration and passing speed and the trans shifts flawlessly and effortlessly. I would recommend this automobile highly to anyone looking for the "topless experience" without sacraficing comfort

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  Toyota Dependability in Question - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By nativwashintonyn - July 9 - 9:06 pm

  I am having a terrible experience with my vehicle. It is a 2004 Toyota Sienna and it currently has just over 90,000 miles on it. Even though I have had my vehicle serviced on a regular basis I was shocked when the compressor shut down on my way for service. I was in the middle of a six lane highway! When the compressor shut down it caused some metal to get into the engine system. My repair bill is going to be an estimated $3500.00. I have told the Toyota Customer Service Center my story and they have only offered to pay for the compressor parts and nothing else! I am very disappointed in Toyotas and the dealerships response for assistance in this unusual repair situation.

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  4runner - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By cpc - July 9 - 1:03 pm

  Great vehicle. Enjoy the ride even with the 4WD package. Feels sturdy like a truck but handles like a car.

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  Its a minivan - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By Greg - July 9 - 9:46 am

  We have owned our sienna for 18 months. Trading it in a few days for a Benz. The gas mileage is absolutely horrible. We average 15.9 on a trip. Ridiculous! Rather uninspiring handling. Acceleration seems doggy. Faux wood trim doesnt belong in a $41k minivan. Putting down the 3rd row seats is inconvenient. Save some money and buy a town and country.

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  2008 Toyota Tundra V6 SB - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Maria - July 9 - 9:23 am

  First brand new vehicle Ive ever owned. I bought the v6 for the better gas mileage. I dont need to haul anything so the v6 was the better option. So far everything is great, except the radio seems to have a mind of its own sometimes. The dealer is ordering a new radio. The dealer said there have been problems with the radios. Very smooth ride for a pick up. Drives like a car. Plenty of room. Love the seating for 6.

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  The Dragon Wagon really flies! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Dragon Driver - July 9 - 3:33 am

  I love my Matrix. It is the most reliable station wagon I have owned. I am a Visiting Nurse, so the car must go ANYWHERE and haul a lot of stuff. Plus, its my office. Works well, except no place to type on laptop. Lots of power, great handling, and no worries in bad weather. If you remember to turn off the overdrive, goes up a 17% grade at 60 mph with no strain. Pet peeve - the seat is not made for short people, the headrest shoves your head forward if you are 5 foot. Easily fixed with a back support seat insert. Also would be nice if the steering wheel didnt block the gauges in the low position. Quality made car with no mechanical issues. Sound system ROCKS, great for classical music !