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 Night Special - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Night - March 23 - 2:43 pm

  Very good car, Very trust worthy. Not that expensive. Drives very smooth. Very roomy too.

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  The Best! - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By mgm - March 23 - 11:40 am

  Like others have already written, this is an unbelievably reliable car that is also great looking and fun! I have over 100,000 miles and have only had to do routine maintenance, tires and a couple of tail lights. I havent even needed to replace the brakes yet. The paint is still beautiful, the ride is still quiet. No rattles, no knocks - nothing. Im tempted to look into a smaller vehicle with better gas mileage, but I cant see giving my 4Runner up!

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  Another Great Camry - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By CNJ #4 - March 22 - 7:16 pm

  This is my 5th Camry!!! 87,90,94,98,2009 I have put over 200k miles on each, kept at least for 9-10 years and still sold them for over $3k after that. Just replaced the 98 w 245k miles. This is unbelievable, great smooth ride, great mileage, ave 36-38. Lots of toys! I have had it 2 months and had no issues. This is a loaded w Nav, roof, leather etc... got a great deal $33k list paid $27,700! - darn right they are hurting bad to sell these cars below invoice. The kids love the Ipod plug, and video.. the Push button start is the coolest! Anyway just to be safe I took the 100k 6 yr no deductible warranty... the salesman said these ware made 100% in Japan...anyone know that to be true?

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  Great comfortable car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Matt Valadez Valadez - March 22 - 6:09 pm

  Bought the Avalon with 150,000 miles on it. Now has 205,000 & just routine maintenance battery, brakes, oil changes & tires. It rides as good as my Mothers cadillac dts. Very comfortable car for road trips or just city driving. I would highly recommend this car, after all its a Toyota, what more can I say - extremely dependable! Overall a classy luxury car for the young or young at heart.

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  Great and very reliable car!! - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By Lulu - March 22 - 5:23 pm

  I bought this car new in 2001. I love the 6-speed manual transmission. Its now six years old and I never have any problem with this car nor any major repairs. I am however, diligent about routine maintenance and oil changes, and making sure my car stay fine tuned just like new. Prior to this car, I owned a 1987 white Celica GT-S brought new that served me for for 14 years with 112,000 miles under harsh Midwest weather condition. I love the reliability, performance, affordability and quality of Celica and Toyota in general. It is very sporty in looks and excellent handling. The only thing I hate is the cheap looking dashboard.

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  Awesome family sedan... saves $$$$ - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By H-Hybrid-G - March 22 - 3:46 pm

  Hi All, We just bought a new 09 Camry hybrid. The car speaks for itself... best hybrid system in the world... so quiet n smooth, the ppl crossing road in front could not imagine I was trailing them for good 40-50 seconds (*until I honked and woke them!!)... the gas average is awesome, love the animation to show circulation in the car (*wheels-- >motor and vice versa)... the comfort, space, steering and cushion in ride are best for the buck. REALLY a good choice for a middle class family guy/starters who wants to save big bucks! Thanks a ton to Toyota dealership.

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  Outstanding for the money. - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Bill DiGrezio - March 21 - 4:50 pm

  This has beat every luxury car I have owned---BMW-Jaguar-Cadillac. It beats all in quality and comfort. Style could be a bit better but for the money the car is super. It is priced at a much lower price that the Lexus but has all the features of the top of the line Lexus. Highly recommend unless you are willing to spend $15-20K more for upgraded style.

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  Silver Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Gus - March 21 - 3:53 am

  Late spring and summer driving has been a lot of fun. The heating and AC work better than my previous Silverado. Gas mileage on a 2850 mi. trip was 20.03 mph. This was before 4K miles on the truck. Acceleration is to be experienced for yourself.

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  Prius performance - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By prius - March 21 - 3:00 am

  The car is great to drive, nice looking and very comfortable. Seats 5 easily even very tall people. I am not as thrilled with the gas consumption as I had hoped. When I bought the car I was led to believe I would get great mileage. It says 50-60 mpg in the ads and in the booklet and I am getting 44-45 and a range of a bit over 350 miles per tank . They should change the ratings and give the consumer better information.

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  Great 4x4 in the era of crossovers - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Matt - March 20 - 9:40 pm

  We just picked up our new 4Runner - I have to say - after seeing the new Explorer today I am so happy with the decision to buy the 4Runner - this is a real 4X4 SUV and includes everything we could want in a truck. We opted for the 3rd row with leather and convenience package. The fit is perfect, the interior is perfect and the drive is what I would expect from a 4X4. I cant wait to put the truck to the test and I will be sure to post an update at 10,000 miles. In my opinion (after owning an Explorer, Mountaineer, Tahoe, Equinox and Jeep) this is the best deal out there. Nice work Toyota!