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:

• 

  Prius Rating - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By John - November 29 - 1:00 am

  A great car for driving and economy

• 

  my xrs - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By moneek - November 24 - 7:06 am

  This is my 3rd Toyota Corolla. I had the 2003 s series before I got my 2005 XRS. When I first drove my car off the lot and hit the freeway it made me scream. The power and speed were amazing. I love the race car bucket seats and the chrome trimming. However, the beep beep noise that the car makes when it is in reverse or when you dont put your seatbelt on fast enough are a pain in the "you know where." Overall the driving experience has been a pleasurable one.

• 

  4 Runner - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By George - November 23 - 4:36 am

  Very reliable car from an engine and systems standpoint. Wish the mileage efficiency was higher. Suspension is a bit hard; it bounces quite a bit on small bumps on the road.

• 

  grand slam - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By james sportsman - November 22 - 10:00 am

  this car exceeds my 2001 solara far and away, iwish it got better gas milage but i hardly ever get out of LA CA.I GOT THE CAR IN SEPT OF 2003 AND ONLY HAVE 3000 MILES ON IT

• 

  A Smart Decision - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By Nick - November 22 - 7:50 am

  I just purchased the 08 Corolla; traded in an 07 Mustang GT. I couldnt be happier with this decision. The Corolla is peppy, smooth, and handles well. Plenty of horsepower for commuting to and from work in a combination of city/highway driving. When you shut the doors, it sounds as solid as my wifes Volvo. No chance to check on fuel economy, so my rating there is based upon what Ive read; I hope to get in the mid to high 30s, however. The halogen headlights are very bright. The four speaker, base stereo sounds fine. I love the simplicity of the design. This car just makes good sense. The more gas prices rise, the more money I save.

• 

  Reliable, but very boring - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Henry - November 21 - 12:10 pm

  My parents bought my Camry new in 1995 and I recently inherited it. It now has 180,000 miles and is showing few signs of its age. Although it has certainly been a reliable car, the Camrys performance is barely adequate. The lack of power becomes a big issue when merging onto highways at high speeds. The car accelerates very slowly and theres lots of body roll on turns unless you take them very slowly. This might be acceptable for the average driver, but if you prefer an engaging driving experience, the Camry is not for you. Ill be selling mine soon.

• 

  Love my Truck! - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By ABerge - November 21 - 6:10 am

  I bought this vehicle a few months ago. Although it had high mileage, I have had few problems with her. She is reliable and dependable! I have a job that takes me out dirt roads, long interstate commutes, and she buzzes along like its nothing. Very tough, and very cute!

• 

  Its A Toyota - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By kvnh2os - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I have been happy with my 98 2DR XCab 2WD. I wanted the 4WD, just too pricey. I would not use 4WD but maybe 5-6 times a year. Even though its 2WD, its still a Toyota. I have taken it places that Jeep Grand Cherokees wont go. All in all, its a great truck. The only real complaint I would have is the front end of the truck looks ugly to me. Not as well styled as other model years.

• 

  Wifes Choice, Not a Mans Car - 2000 Toyota RAV4
  By Rudy2000 - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Great Toyota reliability, excellent build quality. A bit under powered, but OK for daily commute. Great gas mileage.

• 

  Wonderful Experience - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By FirstTimeOwner - November 19 - 10:56 pm

  I own the 3.5L V6 XLE Camry. I switched to Toyota after owning German cars for 13 years. The Camry drives very smoothly, securely hugging the road while curbing. The V6 has enough power at all times: on highways while accelerating and from a stop-start state. It is well laid out inside as well. I am completely satisifed with this car. I have had no problems whatsoever - the peace of mind of owning a car that retains its value is priceless. Camrys end up an asset even after 5 years and 100k.