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:

• 

  Corolla is number 1 - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By JP - December 10 - 10:10 pm

  Ive had this car for 6 months now and think its a joy. Smooth ride, great gas mileage (averaging combination city and highway about 35) and awesome looks. Ive heard the Camry is having a lot of quality control issues lately but the Corolla (at least this bodystyle) has been bulletproof. As for the engine...yes its a 1.8 4cylinder but I installed a k&N air filter and it greatly increased the power. I think the acceleration is fine and you almost forget youre in a 4. If you want anything faster, get a 3.5 V6 in the Camry! The 1.8 is a great combination of gas mileage and performance...for those that dont know its the same engine Toyota puts in the Celica GT (2000-2005).

• 

  Great ride and priced right - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Francar - December 10 - 2:53 pm

  Great ride and very comfortable. Car handles well and is very quiet. I wish that the leather seats would heat up a little faster, on cold days in the North east it is a shock on the rear sitting on the cold leather. Like the display unit in the console with the rear camera. Havent had the opportunity to take it on a long ride on the interstate so not sure what mileage would be for highway driving.

• 

  My First Toyota - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Joe E - December 10 - 12:56 pm

  I live in the Chicago suburbs and have a 45 mile round trip. Bought this car after owning a Mustang GT and went from filling up 2-3 times a week to once every week and a half! While you obviously wont be taking anybody off the line, the car has good acceleration when needed. I was initially getting 30 mpg/tank, now 35-36 mpg/tank, dont know if its because weather is now warmer or the car (and my driving habits) being "broken in". One misconception is that the electric motor will take the car up to 40 mph; if you accelerate like a normal person (or are going uphill), this just isnt the case. Ive found you need to accelerate to your desired speed, then ease off the gas pedal.

• 

  Love my Prius! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Meg - December 9 - 12:36 pm

  Have only had my Prius for three months and have already driven 12,000 miles. It handles nicely and the gas mileage runs 51 mpg on the average, but I do very little city driving and some fast interstate driving. Just love it and recommend it as one vehicle in a two car family.

• 

  Great Dependable Auto - Bad Strut Mounts - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Grayfair - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Great car, no problems even with 117,000 miles on it. Interior/Exterior are in mint condition. It drives nicer than most American made cars. I highly recommend the Camry, for as much use as we get out of it, it gives us no trouble. The Strut Mounts are bad. They start making the wheels rattle after awhile and need to be replaced. I paid $117.73 to have the front strut mounts replaced in 2002. Around 100k the windshield wipers dont go back to the closed position when you turn them off and stop in the middle of the window. I just wait until they are at the hood & turn off. Had timing belt changed at 70K & the 100k tune-up.

• 

  Great Solara - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Don Schubeck - December 9 - 10:00 am

  No problems in 54000 miles. Im a former Detroiter who usually only bought U.S. vehicles. Have only replaced battery and tires. I have owned about a dozen vehicles (mostly new) and this is the best.

• 

  My green eyed monster - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Happy Ravver - December 9 - 10:00 am

  You guys who get bad gas milage are trying way too hard!! I AVERAGE 30.5 mpg doing about 75 on the expressway and jumping off the line every chance I get. The automatic is lazy (found that out on the test drive), so opt for the 5-speed for a little more oomph.

• 

  Fantastic Car - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jygjyfjhvhjgfkuh - December 9 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned!!!

• 

  Excellent car - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Highlanders - December 9 - 10:00 am

  This is a Japanese built car and bulletproof. I had my fill of edgy design and unreliability (i.e. American cars)so went for the conservative look. It has handled every condition I could throw at it and it didnt hurt to have the traction control, ABS, etc. What has made this the best car buying and ownership experience I have ever had (in 40 years of driving) is the dealership. An unbeatable combination.

• 

  Simply the Best!! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By David2503 - December 9 - 10:00 am

  This quite simply is the best SUV on the market. Quite, smooth, and fast. Looks great too!!!