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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  Comparing to other similar cars, good - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Maria - September 26 - 4:13 pm

  The MPG disappointed me. It is not the value manufacturer says.

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  07 Solara Convertible - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By 95flhtcu - September 26 - 10:10 am

  Overall this is a very good car. Acceleration is very good. the interior is Lexus like quality. With the top up, its almost like any sedan. there is some body shudder but only under unusual circumstances. The switch for the top is in a VERY bad place and isnt lighted. Same for the "all up" window switch. There is only one power outlet thats useful, the other is in the bottom of the console. rear window pillars are huge, making backing out of a parking spot an adventure. The trunk is actually useful.

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  Toyota Tundra - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Bubby - September 24 - 4:16 am

  Great engine and driveability. Much quieter than most other full size trucks.

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  07 camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By KD - September 23 - 7:56 pm

  I used to own a 2000 camry that I had zero problems with. So I got another one. However, this one wasnt the same. The seats are way to low to the ground making long drives uncomfortable. Also, the accelerator is delayed a few seconds which is the most annoying thing Ive ever seen.

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  Hitting the sweet spot... - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By jfburke619 - September 23 - 2:39 pm

  Looking for a respectable truck that can get around town and hit trail. Some of the amenities are a little outdated and the mileage is less than you want. That said, you want a capable off road vehicle that is comfortable around town with ok mileage then this is it.

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  Test Drive Carefully - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By M.A. - September 22 - 2:50 pm

  The powertrain is lousy! When driving, there is a delay between when you push the accelerator and when the engine starts to rev. My girlfriend always thought I was crazy until she was driving it one day and pushed on the gas to pass someone and the car didnt accelerate for one to two seconds. It is also difficult to transition smoothly from slowing to a stop and accelerating without the car whipping your head back; this is not because of the awesome power; after the kick, there is not much left. I brought this car in to two different dealerships and also called Toyota to complain. They all say that the system is operating properly. Id never buy another Toyota!

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  Richards 4Runner - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By richardvann - September 21 - 10:00 am

  The 4Runner is a fun to drive SUV. I like the truck-like durability and ruggedness. I wish they had kept the redesigned (2003 model year) 4Runner a little more true to its roots...looks like a soccer mom car now.

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  Is what it is - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By geoffsmith76 - September 20 - 6:23 pm

  After researching this model for about a year, I finally decided to trade in my beloved beamer since we had our first child. I wanted something that was ultra safe and reliable. I wanted something that could get me through whatever mother nature threw at us. I have been through creeks. I have been through deep mudholes. My FJ has performed flawlessly. This thing cuts through snow like a hot knife through butter, it really, really does. I have done nothing but given it oil changes and put gas into it. It has been on several 500+ mile road trips, and two 1200+ road trips.

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  Gas Mileage - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Bill - September 20 - 4:30 pm

  So far 4 cyl 2wd is performing well. Mileage is disappointing at now 20 mpg and falling. 2600 mi on the odo. Trip at 70 mpg+ brought 24 mpg. around town may end up below 20! Brakes clunking after reverse and then into forward.

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  So Far So good - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By richiero - September 19 - 6:10 am

  After having the Mazda 626 (2000) the Avalon Limited is quite a jump. The jump has been good I find the interior to be roomy and comfortable. The car is big. While it isnt a sports car, it is nimble. Noise is very low The rear seating room is immense. Control location for driver is convenient.