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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  A winner in my book - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Frank - Long Island - August 1 - 1:10 pm

  Overall fit and finish are outstanding. The convertible top is simple to use, quiet, and draft free. The car has impressive acceleration and excellent braking. Regular driving is a pleasure but the suspension is too mushy for serious fun in the twisties. Hard cornering can produce some real significant understeer.

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  My Little Red Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Gordon - August 1 - 12:16 pm

  Driving the Prius is a pleasure. We have not had any problems with it. It generates a lot of interest with our friends, especially the low gas mileage. Our most expensive trip to the gas station thus far has been $30 even at $4.00/gal. I drive 25 mi each way to work on the freeway. I fill the tank every week and a half. We take the Prius when we go out on the weekends and really feel like we are helping the environment and our budget. We are glad we have this car and that we bought it when we did.

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  "The Peoples Car" of the 90s - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By FanOfDr.Saito - August 1 - 11:53 am

  This has been a wonderful car to own & maintain; my wife bought it new when she was in college, and I got it after we married. Its "the little import that could"; I have over 160K mi. on it, have used it in ways the designers never intended (truck, off-road vehicle, long-range transport), and it *just keeps running*. I am able to squeeze 36 MPG combined with thrifty road habits. The body has its scars from the parking lot and highway rubble, but I dont abuse the drivetrain or suspension, and give fluids as recommended. I love this little guy; hes a loyal, modest and well-mannered steed. I will likely drive this car until it is killed in a wreck/earthquake (CA resident, of course).

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  A new Rav - 2017 Toyota RAV4
  By Kirk L. - July 31 - 3:39 pm

  I was already an owner of a 2010 Rav 4, the service and sales people at Toyota made all the difference in purchasing a new model. Mr.Y. Lee my sales associate was knowledgeable and efficient in the sales process. I brought two vehicles in for trade and was very satisfied with the trade in value. The service department including Rob Foley give the after the sale care I am looking for. Buy this for the brand but remember its the staff that make it worthwhile!!

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  Fun Drive - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By mbelanger - July 31 - 10:20 am

  This is the perfect car for me. It is a fun ride, a safe vehicle, very reliable, high quality construction and very economical. For those who want something smaller then the RAV4 this vehicle is perfect. I urge you to get the anti lock brakes, and the AWD. I had owned a Corolla SR5 in the 80s and loved it. This is the evolution of that car which captures the spirit of the SR5 and also gives you the versatility of a wagon. I have owned some nice cars, the Matrix is at the top of the list.

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  Happy, Happy 2nd Camry - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Arvin Hodgepile - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Bought with 40K, now at 75K. I have not had to do anything except change the oil and fuel up. The brake pads look new with plenty of pad left. Im going to have the timing belt replaced soon and the Toyota dealer has the best price around.

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  great car man - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Saam - July 31 - 10:00 am

  i just bought one recently.. its a joy to ride.

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  able to leep...... saved my life - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By gamootz - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I totaled my Tundra and was launched in the air for well over 145 feet, it landed and then bounced crossed the road and hit 2 other cars, I was knocked out but came to and just felt slightly sore. That truck saved my life ! I believe as does everyone who saw the crash scene that I would have been killed if I was in any other kind of truck made A++++ . I Thank you Toyota for making them safe. I believe that is the strongest and safest truck on the road ever built. I give this truck my highest regards and recommend them to everyone. AMAZING TRUCKS TOYOTA !!

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  Worth the wait!! - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Mrs. G. - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Unfortunately it took appprox. 7 weeks to receive my vehicle, when the vehicle arrived, and we looked it over, it was very much worth the wait! Interior: one would think Lexus, Elegant... Exterior: very sleek design... An eye catcher. Dealership very professional, when the vehicle came in, closing of the deal took only minutes, with the promise of being pampered for a lifetime.

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  Great car for the money - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By hdi - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This car kicks butt for the money. Its pretty looking and inexpensive to both buy and to maintain. Forget about honda civic