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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  Great car - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Daniel McCoy - July 4 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great car for commuting 44 miles round trip to work; but I was surprised that it performed so well on trips to the mountains and up and down the west coast. Amazingly roomy for such a small car. I have no qualms recommending this car to anyone.

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  Awesome Car! - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Celi1021 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  This car is great!

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  the best - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By cepi - July 4 - 10:00 am

  excellent in everything,great headroom,good power,I dont why people complaint about hp,plus I have a friend that has had 3 previous rav4 and he has put over 200,000 miles in every one,that tells you about the quality and reliability.

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  Great Car - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Lord H - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Love the car! My only gripe is that the dealership can not seem to balance the tires, I get a shimmy at 65mph+. I think the OEM Dunlops are at the end of their useful life and need to be replaced at the dealers expense. Other than that, plenty of comfort and not much road noise.

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  Carmy 03 - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By jita singh - July 4 - 10:00 am

  The new Toyota 2003 Carmy is an crown sent from heaven. I would higly recommend anyone who wants to save enough money for retirment and drive in style to purchase a Carmy while they run out! Being my first car I have ever bought I am sure my Carmy and I will gave great times together. I love what you do for me TOYOTA!

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  04 sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By hamra - July 4 - 10:00 am

  best minivan out there

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  My therapy - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Htees - July 4 - 7:43 am

  My Solara conv. has been the perfect crisis vehicle for a family guy that wants to cruise, enjoy the fresh air, and still have the ability to take company along. The design draws compliments, the performance is adequate, and the comfort is outstanding. It could use a little more structural support and better suspension components, but other than that no real complaints. The top has proven VERY reliable and sound for a seven year old cloth top, and I have only treated it(water proofing)and had it retightened twice for minimal cost. So far reliability has been outstanding and I just turned 90,000.

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  2008 Highlander - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Bob & Emily - July 4 - 12:36 am

  Very pleased with all aspects of this car. Gas mileage exceeded our expectations, getting 25.5 mpg on a recent 600 mile trip. We got just under 28 mpg on the way back. So far we seem to be averaging 20 mpg around town. Kids love the room and the third row seat. Great ride, quiet and comfortable. Were glad this vehicle came with the back up camera without having to get the nav. system. We looked for a long time and at lots of different cars, this easily was the best car for us.

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  Camry Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Herb - July 3 - 11:46 pm

  I was not sure if I wanted to buy a camry hybrid after coming out of a lexus but now that I did ,I am glad I purchased the car. It has all the bells and whistles and it is comfortable to drive. I recommend this car to anyone.

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  Great car, leaks oil - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Randy - July 3 - 8:16 pm

  My 2006 Matrix has had an oil leak at the timing chain tensioner repaired 4 times. I just finished my arbitration hearing today, and Im not hopeful of much help there. Toyota wont admit that there is a real problem, and therefore isnt willing to do anything to help me. This is my first foreign car, and certainly will be my first, last and only Toyota.