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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  WOW! - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By paleridr - October 7 - 11:36 pm

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned! I am amazed by Toyotas craftsmanship and attention to detail.

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  Another Happy Prius Owner - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Harris White - October 7 - 3:00 am

  All I can say is that Im very happy with my new Prius. Everyday I learn something new about this car. Its such a joy to own and drive everyday!

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  WONDERFUL!!!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Moose - October 7 - 12:53 am

  I drove the Yaris out of pure curiosity, and ended up buying one an hour later. The smooth, quiet ride and zippy acceleration are unlike any other compact car Ive ever driven. I was worried about handling with its rear torsion bar suspension, but it handles like a sports car - Ive already had a fun day in the mountains with it. I drive 100 miles a day, and the fuel economy (38mpg so far) is saving me $80-100 a week on gas versus my old truck. I recommend this car to anyone - it surpasses any and all expectations - even for a Toyota!

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  The best I have found - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bill - October 6 - 2:10 pm

  After having a 82 SR5 for 260,000 miles with no real problem I was looking for a new vehicle to replace it as there wasnt enough room for the family. I looked atother trucks and setled on the Tacoma 4 dr V6. Unbelivable power and a turning radius better than my old SR5. It also is the most comfortable ride for long distances I have ever driven. I do not recomend lightly, this truck is perfect.

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  I love this car!!!! - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By allstrknz - October 6 - 11:12 am

  I bought my 2000 celica gt-s with 150xxx miles on it, and it still drives great!! Even though its 12 years old, it looks super sporty and I get compliments on it all the time. Its so fun to drive especially on curvy roads. Gets great excelleration and I love the fact that is a 6 speed. Excellent reliability.. nothing has gone wrong with it whatsoever!!

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  Not your Moms Camry ! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By redrobert - October 6 - 5:10 am

  Purchased my car as a Demo and absolutely love this car. Drove a BMW 3 series before and looked at many cars before pulling the trigger. Acceleration is SICK. Interior is very nice and quiet. JBL system owns. Shocked that this car has "Camry" on the trunk. Rides great, expect solid reliability. Upgraded rims to 18" BBS/Michelin tires and it sets the car off! I am surprised at how pleased I have been so far. Lexus ES 350 at a Toyota price. When I got the car I wanted to open it up to see what it was capable of. If you buy this model be careful, I was crusing smooth and fast, looked down an was going over 100 mph. WOW!

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  Smoothest car ever driven - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Import car lover - October 5 - 10:50 pm

  It has 108,000 miles and runs like a brand new car! This is amazing! the only problem i had was that the the engine oil was leaking!!!! Bummer! But after fixing that, it is AN AWESOME CAR!

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  Best Luxury Hybrid - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By alexandalex - October 5 - 10:10 am

  We did a lot of research and went to buy a Toyota Prius. But after driving the Prius I just didnt feel the comfort I was used to. So I drove the Hybrid Camry and fell in love! Extremely comfortable and the interior is just beautiful with the all leather package. The display screen is a big help and the hands free blue tooth with voice command makes driving much safer. I had the car for over two weeks before I had to fill the tank. I commute to work 30 miles each way plus around town driving. Its my main car and I love it!

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  The Best Damn Truck Period - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By dubois - October 5 - 6:56 am

  I drive a lot. Have an E350 van, F250 diesel, Tribeca and this combines all of those vehicles abilities into one - and that was the point. In 3 months I have traveled 11,500 miles incl east to west coast r/t via Dallas. Total av gas is 16.2. Rides great on ALL surfaces. Have just towed a loaded 5 x 8 trailer and a full bed (appx 5000 lbs total) that trip alone was 1300 miles avg gas was 15.6 - bottom line this vehicle has loads of room, features, and therefore offers me 4 vehicles in one, van like space & hauling, SUV like passenger room, great gas and truck like towing. With the 4.7 V8 and an 8 ft bed I can still hit 60 in about 7.5 seconds if I need to. Best vehicle I have ever owned!!

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  Happy Camper - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Willy - October 4 - 10:56 pm

  I was driving a Jaguar Vanden Plas full size sport sedan. Loved that car, but the Prius is just as fun and at the same time economical and environmentally friendly. I would definitely buy another, and may in fact in a month or two. I did get the configuration with every accessory available and that is part of why I love it so much. But, I am a 6.5 hour drive from my daughter in Atlanta and $20 in gas to get there even at $3/gallon is out of this world. One of my sons and I also like to see how long we can drive just on battery and post 99+ mpg on the panel; 15 minutes, WOW! Dont buy one! That way I wont have such competition when I buy my second, third, and fourth yet this year!