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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  Nice Car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Nice Car - February 27 - 2:46 am

  The thing I like most about this vehicle is it has power of a V6 with a 4 cyc. engine. The back seats leave something to be desired with two growing teenagers, but other than that, this vehicle is an A+

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  2 For the Road - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Cactus Buckeye - February 27 - 2:00 am

  We bought 2! 2000 4Runner lease up & air went out on 1993 Escort ~ had to get 2 vehicles. "Sacrifice" coming down from 4Runner, "Plus" coming up from Escort. Bottom line, a happy medium & long term - Toyota dependability.

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  Cold Air Camry - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By eRiC - February 27 - 2:00 am

  This is an easy maintaining, driver/passenger friendly, quiet, reliable, non-fancy type of car. Many weaknesses can be improved by upgrading different part. Major complains are the ABS brake, OE tires, suspension, and lack of power when having more than 2 adult passengers. I would suggest upgrade wheel size and switch to good tire brands, and stiffer suspension and use better brake parts. If considering a 97-99 Camry, I would recommand go for a V6 for better perfomance.

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  paint chips - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By jmh1 - February 27 - 2:00 am

  In addition to many minor problems that were fixed by the dealer (fuel pump, loose shield under car) this car has so many paint chips and flakes that the paint job must be defective.

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  Good Choice - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By whasp18 - February 26 - 7:02 am

  After researching a "family" vehicle purchase for over two months, I eventually decided on a used 2008 Toyota Highlander, 7 passenger - FWD V6. I test drove all the 2012 Dodge, Chevy, Ford alternatives. I decided on a used Highlander for the price point & TCO. No buyers remorse currently. On my first long trip I decided to test out MPGs. Half the trip I drove interstate, 75-80 MPH; MPG were between 20-21, I was disappointed. On my return trip I took an alternate route & drove 60-70 MPH; MPG were between 28-29, I was impressed. I chose a FWD in anticipation of better MPG. Power and performance of the V6 engine is great. If you can adjust your driving style, you can get 2012 MPG in a 2008.

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  Could be a bit more stout - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Pretty Good - February 26 - 1:56 am

  Bought the 4 cylinder version in January 2006. No complaints on motor. Interior is very spacious for this class. Two weaknesses stand out: 1) the interior rattles from more than one location, and I cant locate or stop all the rattles. Not good for a Toyota, frankly. 2) Less importantly, the center-console cupholders are very poorly designed. Prepare for spilled drinks because the pressure-tabs are useless for holding anything less than jumbo cups. Overall the vehicle is well worth the price. I like the 4 cylinder version (with no 3rd seat) for teenage drivers for safety considerations, and the rear-door spare too.

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  my caddy - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By zbraguy - February 25 - 10:50 pm

  Just bought this thing because I finally found it at an affordable place. I LOVE IT !!! Ive test driven them lots but prices stay too high because of their reliability. Okay, so Im nearing 50 ... but as far as Im concerned, Ive now got my "caddy" and Im through buying. Ill fix what goes wrong and keep driving with a smile on my face !!!

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  As good as full size trucks get - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By roundel - February 25 - 3:06 pm

  Overall I dont htink you can do much better. For a full size truck this is a great compromise. It is possible to park is a small parinking garage and yet is great off road and can still haul your family and pull a good size boat. It is a bit expensive, and has some low quality parts, but that is the japanese way. It is also the most reliable vehile I have ever owned. So if you really want a truck ... this is not it, and if you areally need a car.. this is not it. But a really great compromise.

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  I was satisfied until yesterday........ - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Shauna - February 25 - 10:00 am

  I was the proud owner of a 2000 Solara until a 16 year old kid decided to run into the back of me and toss me into another car and another lane of traffic on yesterday. Despite it all, my Solara held up remarkably well according to the SC Highway Patrolman that investigated the accident. This was my dream car, the car that I searched the East Coast to find with all of the options I wanted (even alloy wheels), the color I wanted, it was Toyota Certified AND it was within my budget. I only had it for 4 months and now it is a faded memory....it was a really great car. Im sure Ill never find another one like her.....

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  Would buy again! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Frank - February 25 - 9:43 am

  Soft ride, comfortable seats, fair gas mileage, not a road racer, great looking, not costly to run or own, the ladies love it with the top down, large trunk space, easy low cost upkeep, always starts, quiet as a convertible can be, 10 second top up or down, interior build quality is excellent.