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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  Camry gets you there and back - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By chiefman - December 17 - 4:03 pm

  This car is what American cars strive to be- dependable.

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  Never let me down - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By sylvia713 - December 16 - 1:43 pm

  I got my 2000 toyota corolla when i was 19 for my first car and i just now (4 years later) got rid of it because it was to small, i have a baby now and the backseat is not very big. Besides the lack of space my corolla was awesome, only thing i ever had to to do was routine maintenance! Awesome first car. If your not worried about space i definitely recommend a corolla cant beat toyota reliability!

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  Another Toyota truck for me - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By thrower - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I just sold a 1991 Toyota truck. I was the original owner. With 200,000 miles on it, it was still running great, but it didnt have enough cab room for me, my wife and our dog. So I got the Extended cab, SR5 stepside. The V6 is powerful and quiet. Steering is responsive and tight. The truck has the off-road suspension and it seems to help reduce speed bumps, etc. Toyota hasnt lost the touch. Its a great truck.

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  My First Toyota - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By belaircarguy - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Traded my 2000 Dodge Intrepid for 2003 Camry. Camry has a light touch, easy steering, parking and visibility. Nice ride, but not as much fun as the Intrepid, which was low slung and hugged the road like a sports car. Build quality is good, and car has an airconditioner that could chill meat! Great for those hot July days.

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  Sienna Number Two - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Second Time Around - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I miss the design of the old Sienna, but love the bigger hauling capacity. Not pleased about getting my first recall on it, but not overly worried. The black plastic dash looks like Darth Vaders head, and its hard to keep clean. Hooray for the folding 3rd seat. Gas mileage has been great.

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  Nice Car - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By dutch4505 - December 14 - 9:43 pm

  Have had the car for 2 weeks. So far it has been good. Also own a Pontiac Vibe which is the same power train. Great gas mileage. Quiet inside. Steering is very touchy. No rubbernecking while driving, or you will find yourself in an other lane or riding on the sidewalk. Constant correction is needed to stay in your lane.

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  Really like this truck - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ronald Wilfong - December 14 - 12:40 am

  This is my 4th Toyota truck and 2nd 4WD. I traded a 1993 SR5 manual trans in for the 2008 Tacoma with 5 speed auto transmission, due to knee surgery. I had a frontend alignment problem that was finally corrected by the dealership after I complained to Toyota, but they did fix it, under warranty. I have had to haul several loads so far and love the design of the composite bed and the fact I dont need a bed liner. I got the radiant red which is very sharp, the overall truck design is superior to anything else I have seen or checked out. The interior is very roomy and comfortable. I bought new off road floor mats and vent visors and put a bug shield on too. Plan to keep it along time.

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  Efficient yet sporty - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Jeremy - December 13 - 11:26 am

  The Toyota Echo is the value for your dollar car next to the Honda Civic. If you are looking to give your new high school graduate a new car, A Honda Civic or Toyota Echo is the car. Although 2005 is the last production year for the Echo, look in 2007 for the Toyota Yaris to be the next best thing. Japanese producted Yaris is the exact same frame and structure as the Echo, but you now have a 3rd or 5th door (hatchback).

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  Long time toyota owner - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Scott - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased 2011 Camry after trading in 2007 Solara. Car rides great and very comfortable. Price was right, especially with zero financing. MPG is respectable. Much better ride than my folks 2010 Honda Accord!

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  Honey of a car - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Honey - December 12 - 8:36 pm

  I think its cute and for the price, it is very reliable and economical. If youre looking for a good, sound economical small car, I think the Echo is a good choice. The trunk is suprisingly roomy and the seating is tall and very adequate.The down side is its a bit noisy when driving on a highway. I wish it was better insulated from road noises. And it does sway when passing a semi. Otherwise, I like my Echo just fine.