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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  Fun with style - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By TLU - October 23 - 3:36 pm

  I just purchase this corolla and found it to be a joy to drive. The design change is exactly what Toyota needed for their ailing corolla line. The design resembles the Lexus IS 300 and the ES 300 class. The interior is spacious and luxurious. The exterior is sporty with great lines and quality. Some things I think Toyota could work on is to minimize the motor noise, increase the leg room for the driver, and increase the hp from the 130 to a more sportier 150+ for the S model.

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  Have owned 2 - Luv em - 2005 Toyota Celica
  By Celis Mom - October 23 - 6:03 am

  My first was a 91 Celi Conv. Sold it in 2003 and bought a new one. Celi generally stays within the zip code, but when we go - we are off for a long ride. I get a bit more than 30mpg in town and on the road close to 36 if shes just been tuned and my foot doesnt get heavy. Never had a mechanical problem with either Celica. So with 14 years and 150,000 miles experience, perhaps Im an expert.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By ulugh - October 22 - 10:40 pm

  My 99 Camry was by far the best, most reliable car I have ever owned. I wanted to trade for a new Camry a year ago but then heard of the redesign for 2007 and decided to wait. Im glad that I did because this is the benchmark for all mid-sized sedans. A number of items that were part of option packages on my 99 are now standard equipment and you cannot beat the value of this vehicle.

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  Great vehicle - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By JD - October 22 - 6:46 pm

  Very impressed. Toyota finally has removed the "old folks" label given to the Avalon over the years. Great size, power, interior and ride.

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  Great automobile - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By rds - October 22 - 4:46 pm

  No mechanical problems

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  CANT GO WRONG - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By RAV4 OWNER123 - October 22 - 10:46 am

  All in all, the 06 Rav4 cant be beat. When it came time to purchase a new car for the family, we actually looked at the new Camry and Highlander. In fact, we were walking in to purchase the Highlander when I saw the Rav4. I stopped our agent and said "I want that". My gas mileage is great. Im getting EPA estimates - and Im a teen so I drive it ruff. The quality is great and the look is awesome.

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  Teddy 1997 Toyota Camry LE - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Sheila - October 22 - 5:09 am

  Car was bought in 2001 had 64k miles at purchase, now has 162,285 miles on it and so far still going strong. Car is now 18 years old and counting. Im still driving it. Totally reliable and dependable strong. Will definitely buy another Toyota whenever this one stops working. Thats my Teddy he is strong and smooth runs like a champ. STILL RUNNING STRONG NO MAJOR PROBLEMS LOVE IT. Would love a new Camry if I could afford it. But I will keep this one. Still looks great.

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  Very Happy! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By pdxor - October 22 - 1:43 am

  Just purchased my Blue 2007 Prius Touring a few weeks ago and have been very happy with it. You do have to work on driving habits to maximize fuel economy but the results are great. I have a short commute that is uphill in the mornings. I average about 38 mpg on the way there. On the way back I have gotten as high as 77 mpg though! I just completed 30 miles of errands and averaged 57.5. My last car was a 1997 VW GTI. It has been a big upgrade in terms of interior build quality. The fit and finish is superb. I have not had any rattles and the ride is much more solid than my VW. I have had not problems with handling and it feels very stable on the highway.

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  A Second Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Enjoytheride - October 22 - 12:56 am

  Our household just purchased our 2nd Prius. We have a Tahoe, Carrera C4, STI and a 2004 Prius and found we were always fighting over who gets to drive the Prius. Both Priuss have all options for the model year. The 2008 model has an improved display and easier Nav system operation. (I still prefer my Garmin.) The 2004 was purchased used and has been a great car. These cars are very well built (bulletproof), adequate acceleration, low CG flat handling, very quiet interior, very good sound system, comfortable for long drives and dazzling fuel stinginess. They are great daily drivers. I would not hesitate to buy a used 2nd gen one, 2004 or newer. They will hold their value well!!

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  nice buy - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Patrick - October 21 - 2:06 pm

  Very good manuverability, peppy, ride is very smooth, I get caught in Downtown Buffalo city traffic every morning with about 10 miles of highway miles and I consistantly get 23-25mpg. I paid $24000 and it was a GREAT BUY!!! I am completley satisfied with my purchase