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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  2005 Toyota Rav4 - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Frank - December 13 - 11:50 pm

  Never did I think I would buy foreign, but at the eight thousand mile mark, I am still happy with the purchase of the Rav 4. Gas mileage is great. Averaging 28 miles around town. Ride is good. After owning Chevrolets for two decades, there is definately a different feel. I am pleased all around with Toyota.

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  Toyota Sienna 2005 CE FWD Review - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By Gilles Tremblay - December 13 - 2:00 am

  The ride is quiet. The handling is OK. The acceleration is among the best in its class, if not the best. Beats any Honda in the 0-60, even with 25hp less. Downside are the braking system (i have change twice the front brakes in about 20000 miles (about 30000Km here in Canada)), and the Dunlop tires are cheap: be prepare to change them very soon, if you dont want to use your spare tire (happened twice) ! The rest is very solid. I highly recommend this van.

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  Built to Last - The Most Solid SUV on the Road - 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By car108 - December 11 - 3:39 pm

  My 2011 LC Cruiser is by far my favorite car purcahse ever. While I understand why so many dislike the rather bland exterior styling, knock the plastic interior, and question the high price, one drive on and off the pavement will explain why this SUV simply can not be matched by anything else on the road. On pavement the Cruiser handles well and is MUCH easier to park than my old Tahoe. This car always feels solid and safe. Off road this car really comes to life. In the Low drive function in mud, on uneven ground, and on rocky gravel the KDSS suspension makes this car handle like a dream. While the interior is not on the level of a Rover, this car always feels solid, unlike the Rover.

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  Boring though solid and reliable 76k miles later - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By bennychase - December 11 - 12:05 pm

  I have struggled with the way the 06 Camry looks inside and out. The exterior design looks like a granny car and the interior is boring and moderately comfortable at best. However the car does feel solid and has been extremely reliable even with 76k miles on it. My Camry suffers from some of the quirks mentioned by other owners (lurching transmission when at a stop, sluggish acceleration response on highway etc.) but I have had no major issues and have not sunk any money on repairs outside of normal maintenance. I test drove a 2006 Hyundai Sonata and a 2003 Infinity Q35 and they felt cheap compared to the quality of the Camry. Though, the G35 and Sonata do look so much better!

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  Solara V-6 Coupe sails - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Chynadog - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I have a fully loaded coupe which would be an SLE if not for the manual transmission. The manual is a bit touchy in the lower gears and sometimes awkward. However, it begs to be accelerated and sails at highway speeds. It is quite comfortable on long trips. I have taken it on 3,500 mile round trips on a few occasions and this car is a dream on the freeway. The leather seats are a must, as are the v-6 engine and detailed security and safety features. If I had to do it over again, I might buy the automatic instead. This car is a classy and sporty Camry.

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  da best - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Immadman321@yahoo.co - December 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the very best car and priced a little high but completely worth it pretty much garenteed

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  Keeps on going - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By scott - December 9 - 5:16 pm

  We bought our 96 LE Sedan ( basic LE, no additional options ) in 1999 with about 34K on it. Still own it and drive it every day, one of the best cars Ive ever owned. Had to replace an AC sensor a few years back and solenoid contacts last year, but other than that noting but oil changes and routine maintenance. Still gets 30mpg plus on the highway too. Boring to look at and drive, but very economical, reliable and an all around great car.

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  Outnumbered - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By NLD - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Awesome truck! Have had many others this is top of the line.

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  A Must Have! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Neno8403 - December 9 - 8:33 am

  I traded-in my 2002 Camry LE for this baby. I miss my 02 but the 07 is worlds better. There are so many interior improvements and well as engineering improvements. I am in-love with my moonroof, 440 watt 6-disc stereo system, and the interior gauges that illuminates in blue is probably my favorite. The automatic headlights are extremely convenient and the bluetooth speakerphone system has been the blessing of all blessings. The calls are loud and clear and no one can even tell that I am talking on a true "car phone". Great pick and the car IMO is worth that thousands extra over the Hyundai Sonata.

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  Would give it back in a second - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By meghan - December 8 - 11:10 pm

  If I could exchange my lease, I would do it today! This Camry is so uncomfortable, my back aches. Have had it for a little over 2 weeks and it hasnt gotten any better.