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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  Nice Ride - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By SUV driver - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Compared Honda Accord and Camry side by side. Each has exactly the same gadgets, bells and whistles, etc, but ended up choosing the Camry. Honda is a sports car feel and drive, Camry is much more of a luxury car feel and style. although the drive is sporty. 4 cyl power is good, great handling, very responsive. Cant get over all the gadgets they put in the cars nowadays. Gas mileage @ 25-28 mpg, very comfortable feel and ride. Excellent price/value.

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  So far so good - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By SClerch - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought it certified used have to say that it beats all the American cars I have driven in the past. Ride quality is very good all around including a very quiet interior at freeway speeds. Probably not the best performer in its class, but more than adequate for everyday driving. Interior is very roomy, especially the rear and trunk areas and the quality of materials used as well as the look is very nice compared to the competition. Sound system sounds very good but the its high placement on the dash needs a little getting used to. Overall, Toyota has put its signature mark of quality they are known for in this car.

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  Good Value but a Little Disappointed - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Chris Nichols - September 2 - 10:00 am

  This was my first "grown-up" car. I loved the car at first sight. However, within one week I noticed that the rear bumper had been repainted and never disclosed to me. My salesman said that there was nothing indicating the car had been repainted. I believe him. Toyota repainted the bumper but nowI have a repainted bumper that is obvious. Also, I have an annoying rattle in the back of the car. I love the car and my whole family owns a toyota of some kind. But I expected better quality for my money.

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  Quality and Value Supreme - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By dekindy2 - September 2 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a quiet, comfortable family sedan with an emphasis on value over performance, it is tough to beat the Toyota Camry. I drive back and forth between Indianapolis and Cincinnati weekly. The first trip with the Camry seemed to take 1/2 long because of the comfortable, quiet ride.

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  Great Car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By David E - September 2 - 5:30 am

  This is a great car that will set the standard in its category. Ive had it a week and it gets the 38-40 MPG that Toyota advertises. The Nav is a must because it gives you so many additional features besides just the nav.

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  best and last car I will ever need - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By DavidRosenburg - September 1 - 9:33 pm

  This car is by far the best car you can buy for the money, I get 35 miles per gallon on freeway and 29 in town. Its easy to park and you feel like youre in a sports car, I know if you buy one you will thank me later. Oh yes I am retired, I had an auto shop once, I know what to look for in a car and this is the one, TRUST ME I KNOW.

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  excellent mini - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By kennyg1221 - September 1 - 12:53 pm

  After purchasing a honda odyssey ex 2007 back in 2007 i loved the mini. Had a minor problem with the power steering making noises @ 10000 miles got it fixed. other than that no problems. Went to the sienna because of the options that came with the vehicle. Plus checked autobeef.com seen that the odyssey had tranny problems where as the sienna didnt have as much not knocking honda, but my sienna i love it. If i had to do it over again i would probably get the odyssey because of the looks of the exterior back in 07, vs the sienna looks, but would have brought the sienna for its reliabilty in 07,08,09,2010,11. so to sum it up go get a 2011 sienna like i did u will love it.

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  Can Not Find a Better Bang For Your Buck Even Used! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By shodon_main - August 31 - 7:57 am

  Wow! I knew that Toyota had one heck of a reputation when I purchased this truck used with 40,000 miles on it but now I am a true believer sitting here with almost 100K on the odometer. This thing is built like a rock! I have driven it from Colorado to South Padre Island and back hauling 4 buddies and our gear. I have towed heavy loads from Colorado to NY, NY to OK, OK to AZ and never had so much as a hick-up with this thing! It is very comfy and can easily seat 5 grown men. I am not afraid to go off-road with this vehicle as I know it can stand up to some punishment. I have had to perform nothing but routine maintenance since purchasing. It is very easy to take care of.

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  i love it!!!! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By jamie keifer - August 31 - 7:00 am

  I enjoyed this car more than any other that I have ever driven in my life!!!! It is the best car that exists!!

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  Smooth ride, excellent fuel economy - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By topcat - August 30 - 10:20 pm

  Toyota made this one right! A luxury car-like ride with the security of AWD. Excellent fuel economy. (almost twice what our 2000 Pathfinder got!) Very quiet interior, unlike most other SUVs.