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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  RUNS LIKE A DREAM - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By Thomas Johnson - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Man this thing is the cats meow, and it drives like a dream. Sits up high, and the stereo is like no other. WOOOOOOOOWWWWWW!

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  Best Toyota I Ever Owned - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Phantom - September 20 - 10:00 am

  From the minute I test drove one I wanted it. It handles great, and dont let anyone tell you a four cylinder engine doesnt perform. 135 horses is more than adequate for this car even with the air on, plus you get the benefit of great gas mileage. Ill put 100,000 miles on no problem. This is my 5th Toyota, and there will definitely be a 6th.

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  Camry is a classic - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Bushman - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Had the car 4 years and still drives like the day I bought it. V6 has plenty of power and transmission is silky smooth. No problems at all at 110,000 kms, except power antenna.

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  Great looks but lacks acceleration - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Ruukie34 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I am about a week away from turning in my 2000 Celica. My overall experience is that I loved the looks and the handling but the acceleration has been left on the roadside. The longer and the more I have driven it the slower it seems to be. At this point forget pulling out into to traffic- youll get run over by the time your up to speed (even using tiptronic mode). It has to "warm up" for about 15 mins before it performs the way you want it. Especially in the winter or when it is hot and humid out. Great car but NEEDS more power to keep up with the looks. I would definitely get a manual if I got another one.

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  Downright Awesome!!! - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Hellsy - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought the limited 4Runner in 1999. This truck is a dream. It has the best lines of any SUV on the road (exterior). Inside is very sleek with tan leather and lots of wood on the dash and console. Sound system is incredible. You see plenty of old 4 runners on the road and there is a good reason why. They are tough, very dependable, smooth and look great. It aint cheap but what of any value is?

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  Lexus in a truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Jamini - September 20 - 10:00 am

  The Tundra is without a doubt the highest quality truck (or car) I have ever owned. The ride is virtually silent - the power is unbelievable. Why would anyone consider any other brand of truck? Make it easy on yourself, just buy one!

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  The best large SUV - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By ROW - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Great room and better mileage on reg. gas than expected.

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  Highlander Comfort - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Mr P. - September 20 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been solid. Great ride, solid feel, quality product by Toyota

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  Used, abused and still going - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By kmw52 - September 20 - 4:36 am

  My Toyota Matrix has been a great car. Ive use her to haul tools, plants and lots of junk. I have been able to fit lots and lots of stuff in the back. Recently, I hauled bedroom and living room furniture and a week ago, I bought a linen cabinet and the people I bought it from said it would be impossible to fit it inside the car, but it did fit, and they were impressed. Ive also used it to pull up a couple of 10 foot trees. It scuffed the finish on the car, but nothing that could not be buffed out. I could go on and on. My only problem was with a dealership installed 6 CD player. It gave way 3 years to the day I bought my car. Still, I love this car.

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  Now I have 3 Camrys - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By chris_s_2010 - September 20 - 2:51 am

  Vehicle: 2006 V6 SLE coupe Purchased Aug 2013 with 166K km (103K miles). I already have a 2010 Camry Hybrid (and a 2000 Camry CE) so I bought this as a newer "second" car given that the 2000 is getting a bit old. I was looking for something a bit sportier but still reliable and this seemed to be the best choice. Quite comfortable, nice looking car, good power (with the V6), high-end features (in the SLE). For a 7 year old car, it still looks quite stylish. Has a good reliability record so it should last for many years. Body in good shape: doesnt show its age.