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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  Happy Greener - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By HappyGreener - December 25 - 9:26 pm

  Ive never loved a car like I love my Prius. Not only is it comfortable for the entire family (two adults, three kids and two dogs), but it also handles beautifully. Im convinced we dont need all the oil weve become so dependent upon, and it feels GREAT to put my money where my mouth is. The Prius is my way of contributing to a cleaner, less politically divisive world and enjoying the ride along the way. Only thing is, I average 50 mpg, not the 60 that they promise. Am I complaining? Not after driving my other cars and averaging 17 mpg! Get one. Youll never look back.

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  A little Disappointed - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Blossom - December 25 - 5:43 pm

  This is my 2nd Camry. I got almost 300K on my previous model before I had any major problems at all. The transmission had trouble. Unfortunately this one is not fairing as well. The vehicle is well maintained and serviced, but at 188,000 Ive had to replace transmission seals, gaskets,and there is an engine oil leak the continues to come back and now the power steering rack is leaking. Its starting to get very sluggish, too. I would still purchase another Camry, but this one has been disappointing.

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  My first Toyota...Love It - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Jenni - December 25 - 6:20 am

  After my Honda was totaled and only ever driving an Accord I decided to look at the Camry and was quite surprised. It drives and rides like a luxury car, very smooth and quiet. The features that come standard are great: auto lights, passenger airbag sensor, radio controls on steering wheel, auto locks when in gear, and keyless entry. The back seat is very roomy for adults with the headrests and the truck is the biggest Ive ever seen. Theres also tons of storage so the car never looks cluttered. Ive only had the car for a few days, but think I made the best purchase ever. I love driving this car.

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  Love my Solara - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By its_mepat - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had this car for a little over a month but its awesome. Its so quiet and rides smoother than anything Ive ever owned, and Ive owned some pretty nice cars. It has plenty of room for my husband and I and If we want to take a couple of grandkids along we can. I have not found anything against this car at this time.

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  2010 Prius is superb! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By norther4ests - December 24 - 9:23 am

  The fuel economy is better than advertised, at least this summer during the first 3000 miles. I have been averaging 56.2 mpg, and this car makes you really think and re-learn better driving habits. The interior is roomy; headroom is fantastic! I have no regrets. It is a fun car to drive. When given the choice of driving our Camry or the Prius, I always take the Prius.

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  Even Used - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By BarryT - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought mine with 170,000+ miles from a friend. Never a minute of trouble. Still a reliable and fun vehicle.

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  oh what a feeling - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By lauferdm - December 24 - 2:00 am

  i took my 2wd up a steep and muddy dirt road in Crown King AZ on a rainy day and the limited slip was amazing. i even purposely stoped on a nice grade and started up again and tthe tires didn`t even spin and both had traction! it felt like my 2 previous 4wd tacomas. GREAT TRUCK

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  the best - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By miguel - December 24 - 2:00 am

  if you dont have enough money to buy a lexus es300, dont worry just buy this camry and it will do the same job for a lot less cash.

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  V6 Magic - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Marv - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Excellent automobile with the utmost in reliability and performance. Just love getting on the freeway and opening up or passing when traffic is tough. The V6 engine is more powerful than I imagined. Comfortable, handles great too. Designed for California roads!!!

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  This may help someone - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By JF - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I ve been searching for an SUV for almost 5 months. Finally I ve decided to buy a 4Runner Limited V8 2WD 5S.A.. So far I think is a great "car". I cant call it a truck nor an SUV, because it rides like a car. I am very happy with it and this vehicle is definitely a keeper.