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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  Good Car - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Matt - August 6 - 3:30 pm

  I bought this 93 last year with 44k on it. Most problems to date occured because it wasnt driven enough (several engine seals, cv boots/seals). The build quality, however, is excellent. The interior still looks new, the paint is original and still decent. Good acceleration, braking, cushy ride.

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  Surprising Small Car - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By TBeck - August 6 - 11:33 am

  After driving this car for 100 miles, I am very surprised at its big car feel. Ride quality is very good as is interior comfort. The car feels extremely solid and makes you think youre driving a car as big as the Camry. Toyotas attention to detail is evident everywhere. Seems like the accountants were left out for once in designing this car.

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  Toyota Camry SE Lease - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Summerwinds - August 5 - 4:53 am

  The Camry looks great from the front. On the highway I was impressed with its stable ride and quietness. The 2.5 cruised effortlessly at 65 mph. The automatic transmission shifter gate takes some getting used to and around town the transmission seems to shift too much. The drivers seat could go back further. Overall a very impressive car.

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  No more Toyotas - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Luigi - August 5 - 4:26 am

  After 35000+ miles it all went downhill. Power steering went bad. Suspension went bad. Soft top & body rattles. Exhaust system rattles. Small hardware parts broke. Rear brakes went out. Parts took weeks to get. Never in stock.

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  Great car for the money. - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Dillon - August 4 - 11:10 am

  I bought this car used in October 04. 92000 miles on it. I paid $8250 for it and I think I got ripped off. I guess overall its been a decent car, but dont listen to all those reviews about Toyotas reliability. Every car has its faults. Two days after I bought the car the check engine light came on; I took it to three mechanics, none could figure out the problem. After 10000 miles its still on and off. Ive had the starter go bad, the motor knocks like crazy at times, and I have various other electrical problems. The front struts make popping sounds, but theyre factory and Ive yet to change them. However I believe these faults are due to a previous owners ignorance.

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  A++ - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Britt_MS - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Great Toyota quality. Always reliable. With only 47,000 miles, only had the brake pads replaced. The interior holds up well. The car has a very smooth ride.

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  Expected Better - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Norlin - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Purchased in Southeast Toyota region. Southeast Toyota leather installation is poor with many wrinkles and little or no padding, recommend getting the factory installed leather. There is a drivetrain vibration feeding into the steering wheel. We drove 3 Highlanders and noticed the vibration to some extent in each.My 1994 Camry with 175,000 miles has less feedback into the steering.There is limited tire selection for the 17" wheels, either the Goodyear Infinity or Michelin LX4. Was forced to take the sunroof since Southeast Toyota delivers with all Limited Highlanders.Very disappointed with this Toyota especially in light of the high cost.

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  suggest improvements - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By gmp - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I have only had the vehicle for 2 weeks. I commute between Dallas and Houston. I like the comfortable seats and the great speaker system. Mileage has been about 21MPG on the interstate.

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  moneys worth - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By stewart - August 4 - 2:00 am

  went 800 hundred kilometers on one tank average 600 a tank

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  Great car, but some drawbacks - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By rainman - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car and put 50K on it without any problems. It drives great, is very comfortable, and nible around corners. Its just a pretty fun car to drive. I drove it across the cascases during the winter a few times and it works on the snow with ease. I would recommend this car for anyone. But there are some bad points: its engine is very week. The gas mileage wasnt as good as I thought it would be and its pretty damn noisy. Everything else about it was excellent, especially its reliability. The only thing ive had to do was give it the old oil change every 3K.