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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  Excellent - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Walter Foster - September 8 - 10:00 am

  As a good general all around sports car it is great, at the top end of the lower priced affordable cars. Like it a bit better than my Miata. Read wheel rear engine drive makes the car a unique handler. Front end might be a bit too like but as long as you know it not a real issue. Easier on long trips as the Miata, but not as good a my 350Z. Best description! fun.

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  What a car!!! - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By skylarblue - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for the milage and it has exceeded my expectations!!! Smooth comfortable ride. Tight, controllable steering. I am not a small person and I find it to be very comfortable. The seats hug you and keep you in place when you feel like reving the engine a little. I love the look of it!!! It has truly made my long daily journeys pleasurable. The sound system is a bonus as well. Anyone looks good driving this car, especially with the sunroof open!!

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  Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By MaherBigRed - September 8 - 10:00 am

  excellent car everyone should buy would never buy another car. Its great all colors look great.

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  Arnies Next Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By RWW - September 8 - 10:00 am

  First impressions of a 2004 (BG pack): Lovely interior with great space and stylish grey pseudo-suede fabric. Almost excessive rear leg room. Good visibility, even through hatchback. Nav system is refined, with split- screen option. Bluetooth works well (now I need a new phone and plan). Verbal command is good at generating unintended humor, but most key controls are on to the wheel. Reasonable pickup by modest Saab 9000 standards, firm suspension, solid handling, tight turning radius, good brakes. Quiet at highway speeds. Soft hiccup when the 1.5 liter engine engages. Sound system is fine-wonderful and easy to control from the wheel.

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  prius is great - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By ssalgniod - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Just flat out great!

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  Lotta car for the money, very satisfied! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By bigarngfan - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Very happy with car, but disappointed to find minor fit and finish issue with rear bumper. Dealer is fixing. Even so, this car is all about quality. Not as strong as 01 Maxima SE I traded, but still plenty of power and the SLE is quicker off the line. Transmission shifting is smooth. Interior is plenty roomy. Rear seats awkward to access & wouldnt want to use on a daily basis, but are spacious. Huge trunk, even larger than the Maxima. Ride is "luxurious", but car still keeps a sporty feel. Feels like it was built to cruise at 80 mph. SLE is a great compromise between power and comfort with 24 mpg around town on regular gas.

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  Flores Review - 2003 4-Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By DebraFl - September 8 - 10:00 am

  First, I fell in love with it the moment I sat in it. Our son has a 2000 4-Runner and the extra width in the front area (seats) really makes a noticable difference. The back leg and seat area are also a wonderful improvement. Our younger son is 6 tall and doesnt have a problem with his legs sitting in the front or the back, unlike many cars/SUVs hes sat in.

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  quality is still out there - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By dcjrn - September 8 - 10:00 am

  total quality of vehicle is great-have owned other suv,s but none compare to this one

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  The Perfect Car - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By yayyyy - September 8 - 3:46 am

  Everyday Im impressed by some subtle ingenious design feature on this car, such as the clock display is brighter during the day than at night, or the moonroof still closes even after you take your key out of the ignition. Ive never had a problem in the 110000 miles Ive put on it, and Ive even gone several thousand miles over the suggested oil change without issue. I was thinking of switching to a Saab but after reading those reviews Im sticking with this Camry. It also has many luxury Lexus features like dual power seats, a quiet engine you cant hear, Harman Kardon sound system, etc. We have one Camry among five cars (two Audis, an Odyssey and a Corvette) and we fight over who drives the Camry every morning.

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  Perfect 10 indeed! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By TCH Driver - September 7 - 8:13 pm

  After months of searching for a brand new car, we found the perfect one! We bought a 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE in a beautiful skyblue color. It is unbelievably quiet, smooth, and fun to drive! We can finally enjoy driving and listening to music or talking on the phone without all the road noise. We are averaging an excellent 40 MPG and we are very happy with our decision!