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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  The best car I have ever owned - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By jane - November 7 - 4:00 am

  If this car died today it would owe me absolutely nothing. I have never had it back to the dealer for anything but routine maintenance. In fact at 111,000 miles I just took it in for a brake job and was told that they could save the rotors. These are the original brakes!!! Bet you wouldnt get that on an American car. Love this vehicle. Hope it lasts like the ones on the TV ads for at least 300,000 miles. I started driving in 1966 and have had many cars but this one is by far the best I have ever owned.

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  Not Impressed so far! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By J.Yoeman - November 7 - 1:23 am

  Bought the top of the line Limited model with all the bells and whistles except for NAV which I find useless. The engine is pretty quick and the interior room is good. I was dismayed to find after the first month that the transmission was leaking on my garage floor. Thankfully the dealer fixed that. The car handles well but is noisier than expected. I also think the trunk is too small and find it incredible that Toyota doesnt install some kind of exterior door protection trim molding on a 36K car! Im also not overly fond of the light fake wood but I do like the silver accents.

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  MagLuk - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By magluk - November 6 - 11:16 pm

  So I wrote a review two years ago right when I bought the 2010 Corolla. A lot has changed and only for the worse. When Im on the highway it sounds like there is something retelling around the roof, and Im getting the feeling like the roof will fall off, it happens more on a windy day, also the car is starting to jerk when Im in drive at 40mph trying to go faster. The car also has a problem with pick up when I want to accelerate and switch lanes. Over all Im getting scared of driving this car, and Im thinking of trading it in, not for another Toyota, I believer they are getting to expensive and the quality is going down hill. The dealer always has excuses on not looking in to this mater.

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  It grows on you - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Onxyl - November 6 - 10:56 pm

  Purchased a 2004 LE V6 Camry used. Already have a 2001 LE V6. 04 model has a different body style that is vastly quieter and somewhat larger. The 04 was the first year for the 5 sp auto on the V6 and improves mileage on trips and decreases noise at high speeds, but the transmission shifting is much worse (and erratic) in the city than my 01. All TSBs have been applied. Dealer indicates it is operating as designed. Transmission also now requires Toyota fluid (vs Dextron 3 for 01). Ride seems somewhat smoother, but this is less noticable than the improvement in cabin noise. Rear doors are longer, making exit/entry more difficult. Trunk went from large to absolutely huge.

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  Easy To Choose - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By tyoater - November 6 - 6:55 am

  When it comes to picking a midsize sedan for a family of 3 or 4, Toyota makes it simple. The popular Toyota Camry proves year in and year out why America relies on Toyotas bread and butter sedan. Comfort....yep, its there. The Camry suspension is one of its signature features that people like. Its not meant to give a sporty, low to the ground race-car feel, but rather a comfortable, quiet, and tranquil ride. Speed....the 3.5l V6 provides a generous 268hp. Pickup is impressive with a 0-60 in under 7 seconds. Roominess...This is Toyotas roomiest Camry to date. No problem hauling 4-5 people comfortably in this vehicle. Dollar for dollar the Camry cant be beat!

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  Cant go wrong! Its my 2nd Solara. - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Christi - November 5 - 11:20 pm

  There isnt a better car available that exudes luxury and sport. It turns heads every day and is often confused with a Lexus. It does not have the Mustangs get-up (but is that really necessary anyway?), nor does it have the Lexus price-tag (but it still comes with most of the goodies). Its handling is smooth, the ride is velvety and the engine is near silent when running. Granted, its price is a wee bit on the high end, but keep in mind that just comes with the territory when you buy something as reliable, safe and with excellent re-sale value as a Toyota.

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned. . . - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Janet Wimmer - November 5 - 10:53 pm

  Purchased the RAV new in 1997. Had the brakes replaced twice, timing belt once as routine and nothing else besides ongoing maintenance. Drives beautifully in all weather conditions. Im a small person (5"2") and love the way I can see and maneuver in this SUV. Gas mileage is great. At over 208,000 miles, it continues to be quiet, smooth and very dependable. I will drive it until it dies! Id purchase another RAV in a heartbeat.

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  Almost Flawless - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By pat - November 5 - 7:46 pm

  A member of my family bought this car new in 97. I took ownership in 05 with 130K miles. This car has never been a problem!! Besides scheduled maintenance there has been little work done. It now has 190K miles on original wheel bearings, axles, exhaust, alternator, starter, engine, tranny, you name it. We have never seen a Check Engine light or had any sort of breakdown. I would drive it cross-country tomorrow if I had to. The only problem that has come up, besides just starting to use oil (1 quart in 2000 miles) is that the AC wont work in cool weather to defrost the windows but works fine in summer heat. Absolutely the best car Ive ever owned.

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  Its a truck - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By jimc47 - November 5 - 12:19 pm

  Disappointed with seat height, feels like my legs are jacked up. Hard to get in because of steps. If I kept this truck I would take the steps off. Paint seems to be too soft. Has a diesel sound at times when accelerating, I think mid grade or premium fixes that. No vehicle is perfect, so these are my complaints, I am now in the process of trading it off at 23,000 miles. Resale is not as good as expected either.

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  my rosiemy - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By blueeyes - November 5 - 10:00 am

  my 95 toyota camry has been a great first caar for my new family. it has ample trunk space for the stroller, pack and play and stil have room for luggage. as much as i love my car, i need to trade it in for a minivan.hopefully a toyota sienna!