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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  Need more leg room. - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By dryfly1 - August 16 - 10:00 am

  Love everything about this vehilcle except: Poor functional design of the drivers seat. Seat is too short, so it does not give support under thighs, seat is not tilted upward enough, and most importantly, seat will not go back far enough to allow enough leg room. My 89 Civic LX has more legroom and a more comfortable seat. I expected more from a car this much larger that my Civic. Im dreading taking this car on a long trip where leg room is very important to me.

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  Just bought A Camry - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By D.M. - August 16 - 10:00 am

  I just bought the new 2002 6 cyl Camry two days ago. Great to drive. Lots of power. I test drove the 4 cyl, but the 6 cyl is more smoother and has more power. The day after I bought the car, however, I thought I smelled a very faint odor like rotten eggs when I turned on the heater. It was very brief. I keep thinking that its all in my head, but Ill wait and see. The only other thing Ive noticed is the Camrys too long braking distance. Otherwise the car is roomy, and I love it! I got a great deal, $3000 off the MSRP.

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  Too much maintenance - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Erickk1172 - August 15 - 11:00 am

  I used to like Toyotas, but since owning this Corolla, Im not so happy with them anymore. I bought this car brand new and had to replace the timing belt, brakes, batter and tires all BEFORE 30,000 miles. And now its been recalled because the engine might shut- off on its own at any speed and not come back on. I dont think so Toyota. Stop building junk. Ill never buy a Toyota again.

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  after 3 years, a few problems - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By icwl - August 13 - 6:53 am

  Generally a quality, functional vehicle. Quick acceleration, good visibility. Experienced problem with wheel speed sensors (check engine, VSD, 4WD lights came on) so no cruise control and rough engine were the result. $800 repair which was difficult for dealership to solve and very annoying. Tires wear quickly but have good grip on dry and wet roads. Adequate on snow.

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  No Complaints - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By LesCT - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought car new in 99. Wife drives it now, I needed more speed got a used 98 MAX. Camry LE currently has 89,000 on it, had to change timing belt once, and regular oil changes, thats it. knock on wood...no problems as yet. Was thinking of trading it in but after reading a few posts I realized what we have. I think well drive it until it wont go anymore.

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  V8 run like wind....... and you hear it - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By mshulch - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought because of midsize and solid reputation.My wife loves it and I hate it.V8 engine will get you there in a hurry but to me the car is uncomfortable to drive.Fuel mileage is not all that great either.Worst thing Ive found about the car is the wind noise from the roof racks.I took the cross bars off and it helped a little.HVAC is awkward to use while driving

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  Sold - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Cody Beilman - August 11 - 2:02 pm

  Nice little car. I was pleasantly surprised that it had as much pep as it did. Great off road and in snowy conditions. Smooth ride, ok MPG. Sold it, lost a lot of value in 5 yrars.

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  A Year in Review ... - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By chas215 - August 11 - 10:00 am

  RAV4 is fun to drive. Like it alot but am disappointed with persistent rattle in sunroof (has been replaced but is still there) and other rattles in rear. Gas mileage is a huge disappointment , as well. But overall, it looks great and has a nice ride and adequate power for my purposes. No car/SUV is perfect. Just look at consumer discussions of luxury cars/SUVs. This one has many positives that allow me to accept the few negatives.

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  Satisfied - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Michael T. - August 11 - 10:00 am

  So far, this car has lived up to its billing. I am getting 33+ mpg and love having 4 doors. It is relatively comfortable and I like the styling.

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  A nice small hatchback. - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Anthony in Charlotte - August 11 - 8:40 am

  I needed an economical, affordable, and reliable car for around town and to commute to work in. The Matrix fits what I need exactly, its big enough for a child seat in the back seat, has the versatility of a "mini" SUV, is pretty stylish, and is actually fun (enough) to drive every day. The 1.8L with 5 speed wont win any races, but is surprisingly smooth and refined, especially on the highway. I know a lot of reviews on the new Matrix are filled with critics, but I really think its a great little car for what it tries to be. Our other car is a Lexus, and our 3rd Lexus - the Matrix gauges have the same feel of the new IS, really. Give the Matrix a shot, Im glad I didnt buy a Civic.