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:

• 

  Much More Than Expected - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By camry_fan - February 8 - 11:29 pm

  The 2012 Camry Hybrid is outstanding. Comparing it (from many test drives) to the Fusion, Optima, and Sonata hybrids, overall it is the best in terms of quality, performance, comfort and on par with all in terms of fuel economy. The Camry Hybrid is quiet, solid, comfortable, and moves when you need it to. Total quality. After 2700 miles, a solid 38.3 mpg avg cty/hwy. Entune infotainment is great. I was originally set on an Optima. After seeing repeated negative owner comments for noise, seating, performance, maintenance I started looking elsewhere. Furthermore, complete piece of mind. No worries about salesperson & maintenance competence or manufacturer quality as with Kia and Hyundai.

• 

  Love my Tacoma - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Cleveland Ohio - February 8 - 3:26 pm

  I purchased this truck new. This is my first pick up truck. It has lots of power for a 4 cyl and rides nice. I purchased it as a second vehicle so I didnt get all of the extras just AC and sliding rear window. It seems to get around 21-23 MPG mixed mostly city driving. A few months after driving it i did experience the feeling of riding over railroad tracks when decelerating. I heard it was due to the torque converter not disengaging but since the tranny shifted excellent, I didnt want the dealer to mess with it. It seems to have gone away on its own and I havent noticed it all Summer. I like the fact that if I get my speed up to 38 mph, the od kicks in and will stay eng down to 30.

• 

  Perfect in every way. - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By dskinner - February 8 - 1:30 pm

  This vehicle replaced a Mazda Miata, which I loved dearly. After owning the Spyder for less than a week, I forgot all about the Miata! I love everything about the vehicle.

• 

  My Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Chris - February 8 - 1:10 pm

  Has been the best car Ive ever owned. Mileage usually about 30mpg, sometimes more if highway only driving. GREAT cornering and handling ability. Fun to drive with enough power to pass safely in reasonable situations. Back seats lower flat instead of the SUVs that dont go all the way down flat, so is great for cargo. A truly great vehicle!

• 

  Toyota Camrys Suck - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By camrytoyosucks - February 8 - 9:50 am

  I have express the pain i feel to have bought a toyota 2008 Camry, my car is only 3 years only has 25,000 miles! I barely drive the thing because i work so close to my house....and now i have problems...the so called brake booster is broken and it cost 1,500 to repair! I have taken my car to the dealer since i bought it and now i get this...oh its "wear and tear"what they told me....its riduclous...i have to agree with the person below me...Toyota is making BAD CARS! Stop buying...i cant belive they are doing this to me...they offer to only pay the labor but i still have to pay the part which is $972!! For a car i barely drive and take care of since i bought it!!! Im SOOOO DISAPPOINTED !!!

• 

  Tired of it... - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By amitamit - February 8 - 8:06 am

  I drive a Camry LE. I am tired of this vehicle. Although it is more reliable than superman its just not enjoyable. There is a significant decrease in speed and acceleration when i turn the a\c on. Little plastic pieces pop right off. And you really have to nail the gas in order to keep up with the flow of traffic. As of this summer i will no longer own another camry as long as i still have a breath in my body. But dont get me wrong it is a reliable car no engine or mechanical problems what so ever. Just a boring vehicle.

• 

  A decent value for your money - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By CaMrYmAn - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car just recently, because my parents have owned them for years now, and they seem to be great cars. I believe that the 4 cylinder can be a bit sluggish at times, but it pays off in gas mileage. The only other con I seem to find in my camry is the suspension. Its a bit rough on bumpy roads. The reliability cant be beat by any other when it comes to the engine. It never fails me. I have not one problem at 93,000 miles.

• 

  So far so good - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By magrat - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Love everything so far. Had it for 2 months and put about 3500 miles on it. I absolutely HATE the sunvisors and the reverse beeping.

• 

  Tundra - excellent performer - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Fred Creath - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Impressive truck. Test drove the other Big Three truck manufacturers before visiting Toyota. Sure glad I did....the Tundra had a noticeable superior ride and performance. Silky smooth V8 and the transmission is so fluid that you cant tell its shifted unless youve either pegged the accelerator or youre watching the tach move.

• 

  Built to last - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Baranowski - February 8 - 2:00 am

  The Tundra is a smooth riding truck. It has handled heavy loads without any problems. The six disc CD stereo is a pleasure to listen to. It handles great in bad weather.