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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  College Student - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Mike - November 11 - 3:23 am

  I bought this 2003 Carolla used from a dealership in upstate NY. It had 72,000 miles on it and since I have been driving it ive put on 3,000 more miles and it sounds like new. I bought it as a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle also which makes me feel more comfortable.

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  2009 Matrix S not great in winter - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Springleaf - November 10 - 4:30 pm

  I used to own a Chevy Blazer that was lucky to make 11 miles to the gallon at sale. Now I have a highly responsive 2.4L 2009 Toyota Matrix S Auto. Im liking the option of shifting manual, especially when shifting down. Its a smooth ride on smooth pavement, but hit a bump and the whole car jumps (ka-wump). Hit some ice recently and the car kept going, ABS worked, tires didnt. At least I didnt spin around like the guy in front of me. Like a controlled slip. I recommend practicing driving on ice away from traffic first. Bottom line, not thrilled, would trade it in if I could find something better without paying more after trade-in. Would probably keep it if it never snowed.

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  Not like the old Camrys - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Joe - November 10 - 11:33 am

  Rattles, creaks, wind noise, drivers door alignment have been issues former Toyotas Ive owned have never had. Im happy Im not having the trans issues the V6s have had. All in all Toyota has dropped the ball. Seems the companys quest to be #1 has caused quality issues. Ill think twice before buying another Toyota.

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  The Best - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By sramirez - November 10 - 8:23 am

  I just bought my Venza and I just Love it. It is the best car I have ever had. It is very comfortable and easy to drive. The storage and space is perfect.

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  Just a wonderful automobile - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By JRS - November 10 - 8:16 am

  Powerfull, quiet, good gas mileage, excellent workmanship, good audio system. Can even change CDs from the steering wheel controls by holding the track up or track down button for 1 second. NAV display is excellent.

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  Very Reliable Great Car!!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By bbarn60 - November 10 - 6:50 am

  I bought my Camry new back in 2006. I now have over 103,000 miles on this car and it is still going strong with barely any problems. I fixed all recall issues which include the floor mat and break pedal they were simple fixes. My water pump does need to be replaced. I already purchased the part and it will only cost $180.00 to have it put on. If you go to the dealer it will cost a little more. Other than that just regular, on time maintenance is all that is needed to properly maintain this car. Even though my husband is an aggressive driver it still has held up. Out of the four cars Ive owned the Camry is the most reliable.

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  Liked my 03 better in some way - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By New Camry owner - November 10 - 5:46 am

  Just picked up a new 07 Camry LE automatic with the base 4 cylinder. Traded an 03 of the same model in for it. New model is a tad quieter but still doesnt handle really well. The styling is ok in some areas and weird in others. The front end treatment looks like it has a buck tooth and the rear looks droopy. I like the style of my 03 better. The interior is nicer though. I would wish for more than 158 hp and a transmission that didnt react with a clunk when you take your foot off the accelerator to take a turn. Also why is every new Toyota being made without the door strips to protect from so many unforgiving motorists from door jams? Trunk is smaller than my 03 also.

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  Awesome - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By surfsprek - November 10 - 5:00 am

  It is awesome. Highly reccomend it. I wanted a low-emmissions car, but I was not allowed. I had to get an SUV. This SUV is perfect. Even if I didnt care about fuel economy, I would love it. But also, it has one of the best, if not the best, fuel economy of any SUV.

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  2007 Toyota Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Miss - November 10 - 4:30 am

  Im a relatively new Camry owner and I love it so far. I think the exterior design of the new Camry is beautiful, and I havent had any problems with acceleration as some others have said.

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  Comfortable Car - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Padre - November 9 - 7:16 pm

  The Avalon is a great car to experience driving comfort. The interior is very roomy pleasant to use. Keyless ignition is OK but seems to be an answer to a question no one has asked. Exterior is pleasant but could use more classic car styling such as Chrysler has found such success with. All-in-all a great car!