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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  We love it - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Kate - September 15 - 12:36 pm

  I only have this car for a month now, and I love it. The only problem I have is the rear mirror - wish there was a better way to see out of it. I also get about 45 mpg - do not know how to get it to go higher. That is around town. I got about 51 on a trip last week. Great car-traded in our Hondy Odyssey since the family is now grown, and my husband and I just love the Prius. We keep our cars forever and I believe we will be keeping this Prius. We love it so far.

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  I love my car - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By frenchdude_13 - September 15 - 9:11 am

  my parents got the car brand new and they owned it until 2011 than gave it to me i have never had problems with this car. the only major thing i had to do on it is replace the suspension in 14 years other than that its a great car. I drive it 50+ miles a day and it runs beautifully it also does 4000 miles in June when i visit my hole family it now has 130,000 and i plan on running it to the ground.

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  Best 2seat roadster - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By silverspyder - September 15 - 4:33 am

  Fun, great handling, quick, surprisingly roomy interior (I am 62" and 230lbs and it is comfortable), gets lots of attention. Great commuter and weekend car.

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  My 12th Toyota - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By chuckintools - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned several other makes, but keep coming back to Toyota. Our Nissan minivan served us well, but started falling apart at 100,000 mi. My Toyota truck has well past 100,000 mi and Ive only had to do basic maintenance. My expectations are that this Sequoia will serve equally well. Its big, but not too big, decent fuel economy for its size/weight, and the crash ratings are excellent (5 stars front and side). Ill keep buying Toyotas because theyve proven to me to be stout, dependable, predictable, and my kids cant break them!

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  value, reliability and performance - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By skipkapur - September 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is the best car I have ever owned. It is powerful, fun to drive, great gas mileage for a V6, reliable. I have 100K miles, and look forward to keeping it till 300K miles.

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  Best Japanese SUV - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By majictouch - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV! Never had a problem in six years!

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  Fun to drive, poor visibility - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By cato1998 - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for 3 years with only a "check engine light" that was minor and the hatchback cylinders were too weak for the spoiler. Other than that no problems whatsoever!!! I live in Indiana by the lake and the winters can be brutal to drive through with the low clearance so this is really a summer car or southern car.

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  Great SUV ! P.S. Looking at 2003 now .. - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By ourdogmax1 - September 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Toyota, 1st 4Runner, and previously owned a 94 Toyota 4WD Pickup. I have driven it in most conditions now, excluding deep snow. The ride is quiet and vehicle handles good. The 6 disc CD changer is a must. The back seats do not fold all the way down? The back window up and down control on the dash is nice having a dog. My biggest complaint is the lack of power from the 3.4L V6, fixed in 03, and the rear seats that dont fold all the way flat. I have enjoyed this vehicle so much I am now looking at the new 2003 4Runner.

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  my 2004 solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By magnisium4 - September 14 - 10:00 am

  I own three solaras and i love everyone but my third solara ( 2004 solara )is the best of best of the best i have ever had.This car is so nice that it should be named the best car of the year.but i believe and it looks like this car was mixed by two other cars , The ( 2003 nissan altima ) and the ( 2003 honda accord coupe ).and the back lights of a ( 2003 nissan 350 Z ) .All but that i love it.Its the reliability that matters,its a lovely car and i hope that it suceeds in selling . Yours sincerly: sean clarke/magnisium4

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  OUTSTANDING SUV!! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Chef Chris - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Unbelievable. Excellent SUV with plenty of power and "foo-foo" stuff for comfort. Loaded my SR5 with leather, premium sound, etc. and still paid $1000 below invoice!!! Previous Jeep owner and this truck BLOWS it out of the water!