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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  Toyota Camry - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By damien gray - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Wish I had bought one years ago.Interior is roomy.The trunk is big,& I like the idea of a full size spare.I looked at the other 4 & decieded because of the price & the extras as standed.I will buy again

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  8 passenger LE Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By layton utah - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Had to order vehicle ahead of time. Only downside was it took 5 weeks to get it in. We ordered 8 passenger for carpool use and love it. The rear seats fold great. There is a little nuisance in that the 2nd row seats have to be raised upright before they can be tipped forward to get access to the rear seats. Also a small nuisance in the locks. If the car is locked with the key fob, then the passengers in the car cannot unlock it using the lock/unlock switch on the driver or passenger doors. The doors have to be unlocked with the key fob. This is the smoothest ride ever. It also is very quite. Would absolutely buy again.

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  Best ever - 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By arkfj - October 9 - 10:26 pm

  I have had all manner of trucks and cars. This is the best ever. I started my driving with a 1972 fj40. This is like being 16 again and never wanting to get out. I find a reason to drive it whenever I can. I pull a 4300# boat and camp with it every weekend.

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  Enter the Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By tag - October 9 - 10:16 pm

  When the clutch system is at its best, the driving expericence is great. I like all the electronic hook up ports for my MP3, cell phone etc. The front control panel is easy to read and manipulate. The brake system is awesome.

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  satisfied - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By mary harrell - October 9 - 10:13 pm

  our highlander has been very dependable. weve driven it to atlantic city a few time. its a very smooth ride, and comfortable. we havent had any problems with it.we would reccomend this vehicle to any one.its very good on hills. we bought the toyota highlander,because we didnt like not being able to see. we owned the toyota camry,before the highlander.it was hard to see the traffic ahead,because of all the suv;s and trucks in front of us. we are completely satisfied sincerely mary harrell somerville,nj

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  Corolla Type S 2013 - Automatic - 2013 Toyota Corolla
  By fionn - October 9 - 10:08 pm

  My wife and I purchased this new 2013 model of the Corolla Type S 2013 this week for her birthday and to get rid of her old Saturn. We were not considering the Corolla because in the previous years model we did not like driving this car and felt the interior was too plain. Although there are similarities between the 2012 and 2013 model, some of the improvements were the touch screen digital display in the center of the dash. It allows me to touch navigate through my music and between my artillery devices like my iPhone. The bluetooth pairing was simple. Driving was fun, comfortable, and felt solid. The steering is loose but easy to navigate. The ride is very comfortable.

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  Love My V6 XLE - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By ShaAnn - October 9 - 3:50 pm

  Bought my car use with 32,000 miles. It now has 107,000 and no problems at all. One spark plug change and front brakes, use Mobil 1 oil every 6 thousand miles. Love the car, the leather, stereo, rims, and moon-roof. Nothing like it. My 96 Mustang blew head gaskets at 100,000 just after the warranty was up. I will keep my Camry, thank you.

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  Why Buy a Lexus? - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By minerjp - October 9 - 2:10 pm

  When you can own this snappy automobile. We shopped for an Avalon, saw this 2007 Camry version, and jumped at it. It looks good, feels good, and has enough bells and whistles to keep you occupied for several hours perusing the owners manual. Havent a good reading on mileage yet, since just zipping around town for now. This car is powerful, responsive, and an attention-getter.

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  Good as it gets - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By fjuman - October 9 - 1:10 pm

  Ive had my FJ for two days now and I can say Im totally in love. Thus far I havent found anything I dont like about it. But the blindspots do bother me, will have to look into purchasing more mirrors. Other than that I am very satisfied.

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  Reliable and smooth - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Suz & Joe - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Weve had our Camry for 17 months. It starts up and purrs every day exactly the same. It handles nicely, holds the road in turns and pulls easily in and out of parking spaces. The engine is smooth and acceleration is great. In fact, the engine is so quiet that at stop lights my daughter thought I had turned the car off! Weve yet to have a single problem with the engine or drive train of this car.