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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  I love my TCH! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By cls - March 19 - 7:26 pm

  I traded in my 2007 Acura MDX for my 09 TCH and so glad I did. The TCH looks and feels great. I love the mileage, I have only had it for a couple of weeks and I am averaging 35-40 mpg. I drive to the beach every friday and I cant wait to get in and cruise, turn on the tunes and enjoy! I love it!

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  Close To The Perfect Car - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By MainJane - March 19 - 10:56 am

  Youve read the rave reviews and already know that the RAV4 is a great car and the best choice in the small SUV class so I wont repeat all of its great qualities. Instead, Ill use this space to point out my 2 main gripes about the vehicle. These are the things that I wish someone had warned me about before I bought. I dont know if it would have changed my mind, but it would have been nice to know. One is the interior noise at speed. Far noisier than a car at this price point should be. Source is mostly road noise, but mechanical and wind are also contributors. Second is handling; not as crisp or responsive as it could be. Please pay attention to both of these issues before you buy.

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  My New XRS - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By subwayaz - March 19 - 7:10 am

  Well Ive only had my XRS for a few days now; however in that brief time Ive found it to extremely fun to drive, very comfortable and Im disabled so to me thats saying something. Power is good for the 2.4l but its not my first experience with that particular engine I have a Tacoma Pickup with the same engine (115,000 mi) not a lick of trouble. Mileage is great, 115 mi so far and hasnt moved off of the Full marker in all city driving. Fit and finish is as good as any other I run across. Overall its my third Toyoa and I must say I look forward to many happy miles down the road.

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  YOUVE GOTTA GET ONE!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Steve Martin - March 19 - 5:16 am

  Ive only had my 2007 SE 4-cyl Camry for a few days now. I love the way it looks and handles. I had a 97 Camry LE for 9-1/2 years & put 187k miles on it. Im amazed at how far Toyota has come with this model. The ground effects, curves & rims give it a very Lexus-like look. I hope to get another 9-1/2 years out of this one!!

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  Recent purchase - 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Eric - March 19 - 12:56 am

  Just purchased my FJ after my Jeep Wrangler 4 dr was totaled after hit head on. Was going to buy another Jeep until I test drove the FJ and read consumer feedback on this sight. Although I havent put many miles on, the FJ has lived up to my expectations. Plenty of room for me and my 2 boys, age 9 and 13. The suicide doors arent an issue much to my wifes reluctance. As far as the blind spot people complain about, if you know how to drive, use your mirrors, and have driven an SUV, there is no discussion! My only wish is that Toyota comes out with a rag top in this model. Plenty of power, more comfortable than the Jeep.

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  6 months later looking to ditch my XLE - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By neil0311 - March 18 - 2:23 pm

  I rated this car pretty high when I first bought it. 6 months and 7K mi later, and the tranny has been replaced, the dash rattled all winter, and the starter makes weird noises when its cold. BUILD QUALITY IS TERRIBLE. Im so disappointed that I may take the hit and just ditch this for something I feel good about driving that doesnt rattle like a 10 year old piece of junk. Im just amazed that these issues havent gotten more widespread notice. DO NOT BUY an 07 Camry new or used, unless you enjoy visiting the dealer often.

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  OK but... - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By greg - March 18 - 11:23 am

  I try to get every mile per gallon I can and with this truck I have been able to squeeze 28mpg on the highway and about 25 around town with over inflated tires. Its comfy but... I am a carpenter and when the bed is loaded to about half capacity the head lights are aimed too high and there is no adjustment, the radio turns on and off randomly and has been replaced (still does it) the seat belts get tangled in the rear door, when I use 4 way flashers the dash lights up like Christmas tree, passenger seat belt warning goes on for no reason, ice gets stuck somewhere behind dash and it sounds like a bowling alley.

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  McDaniel evaluation - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Bill McDaniel - March 18 - 8:53 am

  I bought this car 4 months ago, and shortly after buying it drove it to San Francisco. (905 miles) It got 45-47 mph on the highway, and was incredibly comfortable, and has as much power as I needed under any circumstance. In fact, my wife and I drove straight through coming home; we just werent tired. I do enjoy this car!

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  Doesnt always start - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Zack - March 16 - 11:16 pm

  I bought my car in march and absolutely loved it. I noticed in august my passenger window didnt always stay rolled up and then my car wasnt always starting. It would eventually start but the dealership just made me feel as if i was crazy or somehow at fault. Unfortunatley, as is with most issues, not everything can be duplicated at the dealership and Ive had my car in the shop at least once a week since November. Its now a week before Christmas. Since my car is under warranty, I hope this issue is resolved before my warranty ends.

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  Good Car for the price - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By Mauricio - March 16 - 7:56 pm

  I bought This car about three weeks ago So far its great, Excellent Fuel Economy. Concerned about paint thats chipped less than a 1/4 inch on the center of the door, Other wise the car is great. Ive Changed the stock streo to a new sony in-dash cd player and sounds great with the stock speakers. I would recommend this viechle to anyone in any age range.