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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  Undecided - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By giraffe lady - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2003 Corolla LE in June of this year and still havent decided if it was the right decision. The handling is very poor on the highway and on windy days. There is a problem in the delay of the acceleration of the gas pedal. Not enough leg room on the drivers side. Im short and my knees almost touch the dash. Visor hits mirror even with moving it over. Poor visibility out rear view mirror due to the headrests. It may get great gas mileage and is very sharp looking, but I have to question the safety aspects of this vehicle with the confined space on the drivers side.

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  Good value for the price - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By tlchouston - April 21 - 4:00 am

  Enough power to merge with traffic at freeway entrances. Engine sound minimal at most conditions and still tolerable at full throttle. However, road noises unacceptable to me on freeways 290 and 59 in Houston. Perhaps the almost 200lbs and $2000 MSRP drops came from the reduction of sound isolation/insulation materials and labor. Manual adjustable passenger front side uncomfortable, unlike the 8-way power adjustable driver one. Rear speakers are really flimsy with tiny magnets (from the $1000 navigation upgrade package).

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  Luxury feel with great value - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By scenic26 - April 20 - 9:43 pm

  After purchasing my 10 Venza V-6 base, I read several comments and reviews trashing winter driving. I have since experienced one of the worst winters in the NY area, and had more than 35 inches of snow in three weeks. I have to say that my Venza handled it with ease. I mean NO PROBLEMS AT ALL. I felt confident, and the Venza went through it all with ease on local streets and highways back and forth to work. Great styling, comfy ride, although a bit hard and noisy when going over imperfections on the road because of the low profile tires. I feel good driving such a stylish car, at such a reasonable price. I enjoy driving it as much as my mercedes benz.

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  slow trottle responce at low speed - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By jim goodwin - April 20 - 10:00 am

  It accellerates nicely from a start but when accellerating from low speed it takes a lot of gas peddle to get it up to freeway speed fast. It is also hard to read the LCD radio display with sun glasses on. Ohther than that it is quite a nice car alot cheeper than a Lexis

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  Not up to Toyota Quality Standards - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Eric07 - April 19 - 12:56 pm

  As compared to my wifes 2004 Highlander, my new Camry does not exhibit the same build quality. While I applaud the new design (my previous car was a 2005 SE V6 Camry), Toyota seems to be slipping in quality. Examples include fit and finish; had to have the drivers door realigned due to metal-to-metal contact causing terrible rattling (still not 100% fixed), poor fit of interior parts, which causes a lot of rattling, especially when its cold out; the auto tranny has a history of serious problems and acts weird, and lastly the paint quality, which chips very easily. Toyota can do better!

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  Do your research first! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Moose - April 17 - 10:36 pm

  I have a very long commute to work, and my trucks gas mileage was killing my wallet. I purchased the Yaris for Toyota reliability and the advertised fuel mileage. I got both - what I also got was an extremely uncomfortable, unsafe car. The ten minute test drive will not show just how uncomfortable the vehicle is, especially for taller individuals. Rent one first for an extended drive to make sure you "fit." Also, look at independent safety tests - the tests for the Yaris without side airbags are scary. The ride at highway speeds is extremely unstable and the vehicle is very quick to skid when braking in the rain. If safety is a concern, DO NOT BUY THE YARIS.

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  Rattle,Rattle and Rattle - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By northernstar - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Very roomy and comfortable. Smooth powerful engine. Good mileage. Terrible dash rattle. Sounds like two blocks of wood stiking each other. Dealer has been attempting to repair for last three months. Absent the dash problem , a perfect auto. Toyota quality? :{

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  MR2 Spyder meets Miata - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By MR2 Owner - April 17 - 2:00 am

  This is a very fun car to drive and the mid engine layout makes the car very agile. This also helps acceleration. The car almost always turns head and there are a few of them on the street. The fuel economy is great and this is an very affordable sports car. This car also beats the Mazda Miata, its rival roadster.

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  Great Features, Ugly Looks - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Darek - April 17 - 2:00 am

  For every up there has to be a down. The everything about it is great but the look is just ugly. The rims are too small, the body mold is not acceptable, and its too high.

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  Rattles a Surprise - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Surprised - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Overall I love to drive my Highlander. Its quick, nimble and quiet (for a SUV). However, after 20k miles there are two rattles in the interior. Toyota charges a premium for their vehicles and I used to think it was well worth it due to the quality...Im starting to wonder now.