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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  Say NO to Toyota GPS!!!! - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By toygpssucks - January 20 - 4:55 am

  Toyota & Lexus GPS is a RIPOFF!!! We werent looking for an installed GPS, however the Toyota we liked happen to have this PIECE of JUNK! At 5-MPH the ENTIRE GPS, CD player, Bluetooth & phone control locks down and is unusable. Voice control, LOL.. say store, hospital or police and itll show you the nearest golf course. Research all you can, there is NO override option; ask Toyota and theyll give you a big fat [violative content deleted]... Sucka. Too overcome this pathetic $2500 short coming with 4yr old maps, I keep a $200 Garmin in the car and my cell phone handy. In addition, Toy-Rip-U-Off has replaced quality dent resistant fenders and paint with Detroit Crap.

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  Great midsize choice - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By DCR - January 18 - 6:36 pm

  I traded in my 2004 Tacoma for the dbl cab v6 and I am very happy. The interior is much better and I have the JBL sound system and it is awesome. I pull a 5200lb trailer with it. I was worried it wouldnt do it but was pleasantly surprised, you can tell its there but the v6 has no problem towing it. The rear camera is a bit overrated because its a bubble type view but after awhile of using it you get accustomed to it. Overall these trucks are perfect for the mid-size class.

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  So far so good - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By kvp - January 17 - 6:10 pm

  I had almost decided to buy an Accord before I test drove a Camry. Its much smoother and quieter than an Accord. Even though the I4 Camry is rated at 158 HP, lower than the I4 177 Hp Accord lx and 190 HP EX models, I didnt feel a great deal of difference between Camry and Accord LX. Hands down, the Honda has a better quality interior. The Accord had a tighter and a bit more responsive steering and suspension (not by much). But I was immediately impressed by the silky smooth engine, soft shifting and quietness of the Camry. Also Camry LE was cheaper with 16 inch alloys and moon roof than Accord LX-P. I like it so far (fingers crossed).

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  Cool Car - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By mia2106 - January 17 - 3:53 pm

  I really do love this car. It is my first car and I think I did a great job. So far I had the transmission and radiator flushed, my oil changed. The car did not pass inspection because there is leaking power steering fluid. So now I have to get my rack and pinion replaced. Other than that, my car is in excellent condition. The interior and exterior is in great condition. The car only had 93110 miles on it, when I purchased it. The car runs smooth as silk.

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  Not as good as my wifes Accord - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By kmeister1 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I had driven a Honda Accord but thought they were a bit pricey when I went shopping for a new car. I bought the 2002 Solara during the big sales in June, 2002, when the dealer wanted to make room for the incoming 2003s. I was looking for a reliable, roomy, safe, 5-speed, 4 cylinder vehicle with decent fuel economy. I got all of those but the car handles poorly in wet weather (left turns are especially sloppy) and the thing is too noisy on the highway. Next time Im in the market for a new car Im going back to Honda.

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  New Highlander Owner - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By karmi - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I dont care for the interior design. Console in the middle of the front seats is a waste of good space. Leave it open and put the cup holders on the doors like they are in the back seats. Ive bumped the gear shifter into neutral at least 10 times already, I dont like it where it is in the middle. Better to have put it on the floor where the wasted space is, or back up on the steering column. I wish the gas tank was a little bigger, I have to get gas more frequently now just because its a smaller tank than I was used to. I do like the way it drives, I feel safer in it than I did in my old car and the exterior design is really nice.

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  Nice, but not smooth - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By John Deere 999 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Car works well. Great on gas. 5-speed is very rough. Also, low end torque is lacking. Rear seating is not ideal for adults as it tends to make people nauseous.

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  What happened? - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Joe - January 17 - 6:33 am

  Grown man loyal Toyota fan sitting here crying. Just came back from the dealer after trading in my lemon.Trans burned out-yes a Toyota Camry with a burnt trans at 110,000 and I babied the car for the 3 years it lived.Quote was $4500 new $2000 used trans.This was after $1300 blown #1 manifold 3 months earlier and the blown oil line $400 mentioned here before. Car was a gem up to 75,000 then my check book opened. Trans slippage between 1st and 2nd gear occurred since new and 1 day trans just blew. My letter to Toyota will sit on the pile they already have. Too big too fast is causing Toyota to become Chrysler. FYI-dealer bought the car-$7000. I bought it new for $28,000 3 yrs and 110,000 mi ago

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  Traded in H2 for FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By pencilmarks - January 16 - 5:46 pm

  Having driven an H2 for four years previous to this vehicle, it took some getting used to size and "bells & whistles" wise. But off road capabilities are good. Driving pretty darned smooth. Room inside surprising, even in back. Love the look, little worried about all the plastic, but will just wait and see how wear and tear affects it. Definitely not missing the H2s 10 mpg gas guzzling in the city. FJ is fun to drive & very satisfying. Not luxurious, but definitely comfortable. Price was also a real deal in my mind. Never had a Toyota before, so this is a new experience. Well see how it goes with time.

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  Avalon Excels - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Sheler - January 16 - 7:53 am

  While Ive only had this car for barely 60 days, it is my 2nd Avalon XLS and Im very pleased. My 96 gave great service with virtually no engine failures of any kind over nearly a five year period. I didnt hesitate to buy another one, only this one new.