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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  The best large SUV - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By ROW - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Great room and better mileage on reg. gas than expected.

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  Great Little Truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By kevinjack - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I selected the Toyota Tacoma after comparison with Ford Ranger and Mazda 4000. Toyota was slightly more expensive but beat the competition in every other category. Great little truck with a reputation for running forever without breakdown. Requires a 1000 very gentle break in period which is unusual and a pain but that may be how it stays together for so long.

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  Highlander Comfort - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Mr P. - September 20 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been solid. Great ride, solid feel, quality product by Toyota

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  Used, abused and still going - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By kmw52 - September 20 - 4:36 am

  My Toyota Matrix has been a great car. Ive use her to haul tools, plants and lots of junk. I have been able to fit lots and lots of stuff in the back. Recently, I hauled bedroom and living room furniture and a week ago, I bought a linen cabinet and the people I bought it from said it would be impossible to fit it inside the car, but it did fit, and they were impressed. Ive also used it to pull up a couple of 10 foot trees. It scuffed the finish on the car, but nothing that could not be buffed out. I could go on and on. My only problem was with a dealership installed 6 CD player. It gave way 3 years to the day I bought my car. Still, I love this car.

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  Now I have 3 Camrys - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By chris_s_2010 - September 20 - 2:51 am

  Vehicle: 2006 V6 SLE coupe Purchased Aug 2013 with 166K km (103K miles). I already have a 2010 Camry Hybrid (and a 2000 Camry CE) so I bought this as a newer "second" car given that the 2000 is getting a bit old. I was looking for something a bit sportier but still reliable and this seemed to be the best choice. Quite comfortable, nice looking car, good power (with the V6), high-end features (in the SLE). For a 7 year old car, it still looks quite stylish. Has a good reliability record so it should last for many years. Body in good shape: doesnt show its age.

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  My 03 Celica - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By Tina - September 18 - 7:40 pm

  This was my first brand spanking new car at 40yrs of age. I wanted a car that was sporty, yet economical. This car suits me fine since I am only 51". My children are all older so I really didnt care about the comfort of the backseat. We have taken it on many road trips, it is a bit cramped for my husband who is 59", but if I drive (which I always do) he can adjust and we always bring plenty of pillows. I do not regret for a moment buying this car since I do put about 27,000 miles/year on her, but she is holding up wonderfully even in the worst weather the Northeast has to offer. Thanks Toyota, I love my Celica :)

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  Tacoma wish it were a trophy truck - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By rambo for hire - September 18 - 6:26 pm

  2.7 169,000 on it. I purchised this truck from an air force full bird col. that told me he never did anything maintenance wise, but put 31 bfgs ats, but the first week I noticed a fuel leak in the #4 injector bank bad o-ring was the problem but replaced all 4 along with other related parts. Then I noticed during the summer when the engine was hot it was hard to start, mass airflow was dirty cleaned it with b-12 works great. Then came the front wheel bearing that went, i never seen one as hard as this the best way to tackle this is to take the spindle off and take it to Toyota service department, be sure not to damage the brass bushings you have to buy a new hub for $168.00.

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  the best Camry SE so far - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Vincent@Twin Cities - September 18 - 3:30 pm

  Camry SE is different from other trims. IMHO, the exterior and performance are way better than other trims, though you cant compare interior of SE with XLE. I believe thats the reason why Toyota uses SE trim on TV/Web commercial.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Nick - September 18 - 3:00 pm

  It was my dads truck and he was meticulous about taking care of it and getting oil changes. Truck is spacious with a huge back seat. It goes to show, if you know how to drive and take care of a vehicle, you wont have problems.

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  My Tonka - 1997 Toyota RAV4
  By Raven - September 18 - 9:30 am

  I like the sporty, good in snow, cool looking, weird little truck car. Unfortunately Ive had problems with door latches, all latches, metal rusting and breaking... odd little things. Ive replaced my windshield three times for cracks and pits. Mostly on major driving it never lets me down. I live in the upstate ADKS, so there is a lot of salt and hard wear, but no excuse for the bad metal situation. Still at 167,000, Im having trouble parting with this cool truck. Put a rack on it, I can stuff it with travel gear and take my pet!!! Its a noisy truck, so I turn up the music. Its a blast on backroads and snow with loud music. What do I do with this now, how long can I make it last.