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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  Best car I ever owned - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By John - July 8 - 12:31 pm

  Bought used from the dealer with 36,000 miles on it. Just turned 340,000 miles. The only maintenance done since I bought it was oil/filter change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, timing belt and water pump every 100,000 miles, radiator replaced at 337,000 miles, oil seals at 240,000 miles, one battery and two sets of sparkplugs/wires replacement, and driver side window motor. I get 28 mpg in the city and 32+ mpg on the highway. Ive driven cross country several times, off road in the woods, and in all weather and never had a problem. Havent touched the transmission at all and no problems. Great car all around.

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  very solid car - 1996 Toyota Avalon
  By mountiefan - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I am a 21 year old college student and I recieved this car as a hand-me-down from my dad. He purchased the car new in 96 and when I got it last year it had 175,000 miles on it. It now has over 205,000 miles and is still running like new. I have never had any problems and have only preformed routine maintenence. On my last trip I got 30.7 miles to the gallon on the interstate. Thats Morgantown, WV to Ringgold, GA on one tank. I absolutly love this car. I plan on keeping it until it quits on me which could be a very long time. The dealer told me when it hits 250,000 they want me to bring it in for a picture.

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  WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By V8 smoker - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I Love this car so much. Although its slow at first when accelerating but after 6800 RPMs you can feel the rush of a great amount of speed. It kinda catches your opponent off gaurd. I love this car. Its better then my Eclipse. oh yeah...smoking mustang gts is fun.

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  Very good car.... - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By LeAnne - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I have put more than 100,000 miles on an already used Camry and never had a bit of trouble with this car! I enjoy the powerful acceleration since I drive mostly highway miles. At 153,000 miles, only a few minor electrical problems have surfaced -- I call that a good car!

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  Love my Camry! - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By dianebuzz - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Camry used in 1998. Fortunately, I also purchased an extended warrany because I, too, have had the same problems that Grillman has had with his Camry. The warranty paid for all the repairs. The car has been great for me. Previously, I had owned GM cars, but I am a full Toyota convert. Even with the repairs, it is better than any experience with GM. One other problem - the dealership I bought it from failed to mention it had been painted over the factory paint. It has completely oxidized and looks horrible.

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  New owner myself - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Eli of Pacifica - July 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my first truck, but I have to agree with others who say that the Tundra is a "car-like" drive.I am really excited b/c by the time I pay off the payments, I will probably have a baby or young one who will be able to enjoy the truck for several years to come. I reccommend the Tundra over the competition (and I did test drive the competition). I have sports package, towing package, sr5, all weather guard, and midline radio out the door for 23,850 (about 30K after 100k warranty and other tax,charges). 0 down and 1.9%apr = EXACTLY 500 a month for a truck that is tough, sporty, and had a bumper to bumper for the next 7yrs/100k!

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  Cool Commuter... - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By ATL27 - July 7 - 11:26 pm

  I purchased the Prius V a little over a month ago and to date I have recorded about 1,300 miles. I bought this vehicle as a commuter and in that role I’ve been very pleased with it. The mileage has been outstanding; I drive in “Power Mode” only and I just filled up tonight achieving 51.3 mpg as measured by miles and gallons used in mostly city driving (The onboard computer was a bit optimistic registering 53.5). The worst mileage I’ve received was a 250 mile interstate only trip at 75 mph where I got 46.5 mpg. Overall I think it’s fun to drive and it has decent/adequate power. My only complaint is that it does have a LOT of road/tire nose on rough pavement! Ive had no problems to date.

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  #1 - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Cinda Greene - July 7 - 3:20 pm

  We brought the 4runner because of its looks, reliablity, and value after used, we are pleased. Its performance in passing slow cars on two lane roads is great. Its good to know you can get through any kind of snow or slippery condition if you need too also. It has a comfortable ride.

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  Prius: Great Car For Today - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By SamB - July 7 - 3:26 am

  I purchased a used 2005 Toyota Prius with 6600 miles on it in the summer of 2005. The car now has over 28,000 miles on it. I have driven the car in most kinds of weather. My longest vacation trip was about 1800 miles. The car has performed magnificently. I have gotten as high as 59 mpg on one short trip. I averaged over 51 mpg on my 1800 mile vacation trip where I traveled at 70 mph and more. Mostly, I get about 48 mpg in summer and about 43 mpg in winter in general driving around Mt. Vernon and Evansville. The dealer says thats about normal.

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  Lexus/Shmexus - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By DocDzl - July 6 - 10:26 pm

  The TCH made me overcome my fears and doubts about Toyota dealers and my desire to get a small BMW, Volvo, Infiniti or non-hybrid Lexus. Exceptional features, mpg, build quality, all for thousands (in some cases--many thousands)less. Not a Bimmer, but enjoyable to drive, particularly with the standard traction/stability control.