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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  Never again - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By enrun - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Most uncomfortable car I have ever owned. Power seat adjusts only 4 ways. When seat is back to where it needs to be I have to extend arms to reach steering wheel. If I adjust wheel down it rubs legs even with seat completely down. Power is barely adequate and fuel economy is only so-so for a 4 cyl car. I expected more. Road noise is so bad that radio has to be turned up substantially at highway speed. American cars had better radios 25 years ago.

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  great car - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By jons highlander 2wd - January 19 - 2:00 am

  This truck car SUV van whatever you wanna call it is great!! u gotta watch your speed the powerful enginw will get you to 90 in a matter of seconds on the highway it has a great design and everything in it is so great. Handling i so superb it is just so powerful even though its only 2WD i like the ect snow button thats starts it out in 2nd gear in the snow.The breaks are very powerful when you hit the brake. Doesn;t have that tippy feeling around turns like my friends blazer does .i like to see whos car is faster i beat my friends explorer and also my bros caprice great vehicle overall for any type of familt that has a little bit of money to spend

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  Oh What a Feeling, Toyota - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Jimsque - January 18 - 10:40 pm

  I have owned Broncos, Jeeps and other 4x4s and this one is the very best. Great on the highway, rides better than my wifes Volvo XC90! Great traction in 18" of snow with no slippage. Mine is the Black Cherry and I call it Razlberry, it sure has pizazz!! Toyota has hit a homerun and I am proud to own it, as others only wish they did. Everybody thinks they cost more than they do.

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  2007 Matrix XR - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By jim g - January 18 - 7:43 pm

  Couldnt be happier with the 2007 Matriz XR. It replaced a mini-van and instantly doubled the mpg, fun-factor, and versatility.

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  Nice car, BUT..... - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By bschram - January 18 - 3:48 pm

  Pleasantly surprised by what this 4 cylinder can do. Quiet, smooth great mileage but you have to drive sensibly to get the grat mileage. I have got close to 38 MPG at cruising speed on the freeway and got about 35 overall on one recent short trip. The secret of getting good mileage is to keep your foot out of the engine. I have had this car about a month now and so far so good. Only down side is the front fascia on this car. It is weak and by that I mean it is fragile. I had to bring it back the day after I bought it because the cheap under panels under the front fell off and scrunched under the car. Front bumper has a crease in it from some kind of bump and looks like hell.

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  Love it - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Lance Blandford - January 18 - 2:53 pm

  I traded in my Land Cruiser for this. Not quite as plush on the inside ($15000 cheaper) but well worth what I paid. Compared this vehicle to many more in its class but had to stay with Toyota. There are none that can match the dependability nor build class.

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  Not completely satisfied - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Nellie - January 18 - 2:30 pm

  Driven my new Camry less than 1,000 miles and not as pleased with it as my 00 Camry. Cruise control gains, RPMs accelerate up hill causing engine to make loud noise while using cruise control, higher in back making it harder to judge while backing up and transmission not completely smooth in take offs. Overall, I still like the car and love Toyotas reliability, so Im banking on this one to hold up to their reputation.

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  Favorite Car - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By jim88mm - January 18 - 12:46 pm

  I bought my Camry new in 2004 and am approaching 200k miles, consistently getting 30 mpg. Recently replaced valve stem guides, but that is the only major repair. This has been a fantastic purchase.

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  Great value - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Brian - January 18 - 10:10 am

  I purchased my 2005 Corolla LE several weeks ago and very pleased so far. The interior is extremely refined and comfortable for a car in this price range. The rear seats have a lot of legand head room for a compact car. Driving is surprisingly smooth and comfortable by small car standards. Fuel economy is great - in mostly highway driving, I have been averaging about 36 mpg. Add in Toyotas sterling reputation for reliability and I highly recommend the Corolla to anyone looking for an inexpensive, but not "cheap" vehicle.

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  Nice Ride - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Grace - January 18 - 8:36 am

  When I began looking for a new vehicle, I knew I wanted a small SUV. After researching, I put the RAV4 towards the bottom of my list because I wasnt a fan of the spare tire on the back. Once I test drove it, it went straight to the top of my list. I love all the storage room and how easy the back seats fold down flat. After a month, I still love the ride. I dont do a whole lot of driving but so far the gas mileage is what I expected. The tire on the back doesnt even bother me and I figure that if Im by myself and get a flat, itll be easier getting the tire off the back than trying to dig it out from under the car.