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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  Better than your average bear - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Better than your ave - August 18 - 3:56 pm

  Very pleasant highway car. A little large for personal preference. Navigation system could be easier to use.

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  A Good Recomendation - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By glade 007 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I use this truck for everday use. This includes towing, hauling, and some off- road use. The truck has performed nicely with no problems.

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  Reliability with no comfort! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By ODonnell - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Bought the Corolla merely on name and reliability... For me it was a mistake! I get 34 around and around 38- 40 on hway. Now, for the cons... The engine is quite spunky, but merging onto highways is nearly impossible and not without heavy lagging. The shocks and struts are terrible. I feel every bump in the car. The seats are extremely uncomfortable for any person over 50" and 130 lbs. I weigh 200 and am 6 tall. Never comfortable. Radio design is not natural and hard to reach. Cruise control should be part of steering wheel, not an extra lever easily debunked. Overall, great looking and gets good mileage, but uncomfortable and lacks stability...

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  disappointed with the big T - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By 2006 black S model - August 18 - 12:16 am

  Finally broke down and got a new car last year. Its riddled with rattles, loud and not too comfy on long trips. Great gas mileage!! Good power, even in the mountains. Wont be looking at Toyotas again.

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  Like the car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Happy owner - August 17 - 9:40 pm

  I like the car very much. Review needs 15 words but my first 6 say it all.

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  I always loved station wagons - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By WVW - August 17 - 5:06 pm

  This is a stylish comfortable Camry wagon. No pretenses of a rear seat (hello cramped RAV4 third row) and no pretending to be an SUV or crossover or whatever you try to call it other than a station wagon. Yeah they try to call this a crossover too, but we all really know it is a Camry wagon. The lines are classy, the interior is well designed and uses quality materials, and the totally predictable handling and bulletproof reliability are great for those who dont like any surprises. Venza gets you from point A to point B with comfort, good-looks and a minimum of fuss or effort.

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  Sharp Economical Grocery Getter! - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By mitchselect - August 17 - 1:40 pm

  Just purchased brand new base SE yesterday. And my original opinion was Hey, its a Camry (not offensive but not inspiring either).....but after purchase and driving and looking at it more, I find myself wanting to go places in it. The drive ride and handling are excellent (make sure you get one with the much better Michelin tires not the Bridgestones) both are being used from the factory and my dealer cheerfully switched them, no charge! Build quality and reliability are based on expectations, but i feel comfortable in that as this is a Camry. I am 62" 300lb. and feel very comfortable in it.

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  Yup - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By Gster - August 17 - 12:03 am

  This car is very good for driving distances. The gas mileage, I am happy with. The handling is pretty good. The only drawback, really, is the pick-up. The car does not accelerate quickly. That is really the only thing I would change. Its a great "school" care and one that will last you for a long time. I put about 22,000 miles since I got it in 2003 and have not (knock on wood) had any problems with it. Its a great car for the price. They could (which I think they did for 2007) make it a little sportier, for us young adults. Overall, dont pass it up for at least a test drive. The compartments and layout of the digits and the dashboard are great.

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  Good Commuter Car - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By macchick - August 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2000 Echo because I commute almost 90 miles a day round trip and needed something that gets good mileage. Overall, an excellent choice due to the ergonomic and comfortable seats, controls, and design which enables shorter drivers to actually see the road. Its cheaper to buy than a Corolla and in many ways just as good or better.

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  Head Turner - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By RonnieRonRon - August 16 - 10:00 am

  Powerful and Fun to drive specially for a long trip, I drove it From New Jersey to Florida last year for a week Vacation. It was a head turner.. I wasnt feeling beat up at all, and very comfortable inside,