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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  Dispointed - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Al - March 21 - 10:16 am

  I was heavily influenced by the favorate reviews. After purchasing I was dispointed for two major reasons. The car looks fine when stands alone but appears so tiny when parked next to most other vehicles. Gas mileage is more like 20 rather than 28 even with 95% high way driving. That was one major reason I bought this vehicle. I would go exchange for something else if there were such a thing as exchanging a new car, like what you do in a supermarket.

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  A Super Reliable Good-Looking Car - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By tigerfork - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I have had no major problems in eight years, put lots of miles on it and it still looks like new!

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  I love it... - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By ericoria - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I used to drive a Mitsubishi Eclipse (a disaster that cost me a fortune in repair costs and eventually ended up with a cracked engine block). So I am extremely happy with my reliable Corolla S. It has great gas mileage and is very well built. I would highly recommend this car to anyone!!

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  The Best SUV - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By NNair - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I tried many other SUVs like Pathfinder, Explorer and Passport before buying this great vehicle. This is oen of the best products from Toyota, It combined the ruggedness of a 4 Runner and comfort of a Camry. I really like my HIGHLANDER

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  Great Truck - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By rwarner399 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  It is a fun truck to drive.

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  Camry SE - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Jessie42275 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has it all. Good looks, good ride, and best all Toyota reliability. I can say i drove alot out there and almost settled for a taurus but the the new Camry come along and changed all that. The ride is a little on the firm side but it is the sport model and bang for buck it by far beat the rest.

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  My Toyota - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Terry - March 21 - 9:50 am

  Ive had two Mr2s. I had my 1989 Toyota for 13 years! I stil miss it a littel bit. ;) I sold it for 3 grand then bought the Spyder. I LOVE my Spyder. If yuor a single guy and want an affordable sports car THIS IS IT! No matter where I park people stop and stare at my car. Depending on WHERE you park sometimes thats not a good thing! Overall this car ROCKS!

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  Been a good ride - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By TexasOwner - March 21 - 9:30 am

  Bought it with 36k miles and now have over 200k. The car has held up nicely. Have had some brake issues that were corrected, struts have been junk since the day I bought it and required several change in tires through the years at around 20-25k mile intervals. Better than spending the 1k plus they wanted to repair. I have had to replace an axle, rack and pinion, door handles, roof liner, and a few other small things. Probably spent 2k through the years on maintenance. All in all we have been very pleased with Camry.

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  Camry Problems - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By 207roy04064 - March 20 - 6:16 pm

  2008 Camry was sluggish and changed gears often. Cruise control varied 5 to 6 mph from actual setting. Traded this Camry 1 year after purchase. Bought it new 9/2007. Since purchase the CD player had to be replaced, did not pass state inspection because 4 struts were leaking. Then a front wheel bearing had to be replaced. This was a very unreliable car so I traded it in.

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  Wow! - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By snead_c - March 20 - 10:43 am

  We have passed 1000 miles and I could not be more satisfied with our 2009 Prius Touring. It is quiet, smooth with good driving dynamics, and the fuel economy is wonderful at 47+ mpg on regular gas. Ours has package #5 and its convenience features (voice rec, bluetooth,, JBL etc) make ownership a joy.