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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  Overall Great Car - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Vahik - October 17 - 2:00 am

  The 98 Toyota Camry is a great family car. Its reliable, attractive, and affordable. Its got good "bang for your buck."

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  Just unloaded jeep grand cherokee - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By thensum - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car after getting rid of my much defective grand cherokee. As far as style and power, the jeep was more of a "kick ass" look and feel. I am getting used to driving this one now. It feels okay but dosent have the power that the jeep had. If there werent so many mechanical problems with the jeep, i would of bought another one. I like the look, style, feel and power much better. Too bad

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  I miss my Jeep - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Andy - October 16 - 8:06 am

  Poor handling on snow/ice. Back end wants to come around front. Brakes tend to grab when you slow down from 60 to 50. Brakes also seem like you are not going to stop. After cold start up occasionally the brake pedal goes to the floor. Dealer says nothing wrong. Overly sensitive handling at higher speeds. No tinting-Sun gets really hot. Brake pedal to steering wheel distance is weird. To adjust seat for comfort to brake pedal, you have to extend arms to reach steering wheel, causing fatigue. I have short legs. NOT for someone with longer legs. 3rd seat is for people 30 lbs or less. Rear door window will not open separately. Light cloth interior gets dirty easily. Very sensitive driver window.

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  Nice, but strange things - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Lelan Warren - October 16 - 6:46 am

  Great truck, this is my 5 Toyota. But with the 6 speed manual the throttle does strange thing. When you are stopped the RPS are ~ 900 when the truck is rolling and not in gear the RPM go up by them self to ~ 1300? When you are moving in gear and you let off the gas the throttle does not close very fast, it feel like it closes part of the way then in 2 sec it shuts completely. All of this I think hurts the gas mileage 16-17. May be the auto would be better. Yes the cd player need to play MP3s and the 4wd low in trick (but when you learn to push the clutch first it is fine) and the stock tires are low grip. One more thing the plastic bed is very slick. I still like this truck.

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  Please address blind spots - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By l young - October 16 - 2:23 am

  There are unavoidable blind spots in the back. It is very difficult to safely change lanes and see oncoming cars. Please also address the back windows to be opened independently on each passenger side. It is scary to drive and to teach a young driver in this car.,...

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  LOTS OF POWER - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Curtis - October 15 - 9:06 pm

  Hauled firewood, dirt, gravel, etc. std shocks are weak. Should upgrade to heavy duty if hauling heavy loads. Overall happy with truck. Keep up with tranny maintenance. 2003 and up take ATF 4 only sold by toyota at 4+ a quart. Takes about 6-7 quarts every 30k mi. As far as backseat room, I have had a 350lb women and a 200lb man and they were comfy. ENJOY!

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  Most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By 1Happy Camper - October 15 - 11:03 am

  I bought this car new in 2005 and I couldnt be happier. I travel a lot for work and put a great deal of miles on this truck. Other than replacing the tires at 90K miles (yep, you heard right, 90K miles) and a new set of front brakes, I have not had a single thing go wrong with this vehicle. If youre in the market for a good looking, dependable SUV then the 4Runner is a great deal.

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  My 9 Year Old Wants It When She Turns 16 - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Randy - October 15 - 9:36 am

  After 3 months and 6k miles, my Corolla is exactly as promised. Whether I drive 65 or 85, A/C on or off, the car gets 37-40 mpg. There is plenty of room for 4 adults, and all of their luggage. The ride is pretty good (all highway miles), the handling is very good, and the shifters throw is short, enabling quick shifts, thus enabling the revs to stay high. The car really springs to life above 4000 rpms. Have second thoughts about getting navy blue - it looks great when clean, but the slightest rain will turn it into a mess.

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  1995 Camry XLE, GREAT CAR - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By socalrider21 - October 15 - 5:02 am

  I bought this car almost two years ago with 114,000 miles on it, and the first year owning I put over 40,000 miles on it. The first year the only repair I had was the A/C compressor. This year I had replace some parts for the EGR and decided to put new oxygen sensors in it too (got a good deal on all the parts less than $300). But with that said it has always gotten me to point A to point B, and even with the EGR problem it still ran decent. This is not a sports car, but it is nice to commute in. Mine has the leather seats which have held up great and are comfortable. I would recomend this car to anybody. Definitely the most bang for your buck, especially when Ive gotten close to 30 mpg.

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  Great! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By lphan - October 14 - 8:20 pm

  I was surprised at the room that this subcompact could had. The gas mileage is great for travelers and college students on a budget that live far from their hometowns.