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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  What A Truck! - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Mike Lecky - September 22 - 8:16 am

  So, I researched all the large SUVs and decided to make a good sound decision and go with the 2002 Land Cruiser. So far this machine exceeds all of my expectations. The comfort is unbelievable and the body is a timeless. If you have the pleasure of owning this car, you know the name and its history stands alone in its own class. Why buy anything else when you can own a Land Cruiser.

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  Oh what a feeling? - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By SubVet - September 22 - 2:10 am

  Have had the car little over two and a half years. Honestly the first and only one I will ever have. About every 20K have to lube steering column, have done 2 four wheel alignments, now on third set of tires. Scrubbed curb and did $1000 damage to suspension alone. Ride is fair at best. Yea, I guess I could weld the hood shut my expenses have all be under the car. Will not ever consider one again.

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  Researched Heavily - Camry #1 By Far - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By xtremeshopper - September 22 - 12:53 am

  WOW! Smooth and responsive interior is as luxurious as you can get without slapping an L on the grill. I only had to buy the CE model because it comes very well equipped. Since Ive had it Ive put 5100 miles on it and not even a hint of any problems! If any one is even considering buying a new car i highly recommend the camry over any other vehicle! Its roomy, stylish, affordable, and if estimates are true Ill get the best trade in value when im done!

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  Not perfect but a great value! - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Klem - September 22 - 12:49 am

  2016 SE, have had it for 5 months now. likes: Seats are comfortable, Easy to see out of, Fuel economy 30 city 38 HWY, Rear seats fold down to add versatility to the storage. Chassis is tight and steers good, Car is quiet even on the Freeway. Dislikes: I am 62" and the legroom for the driver is ok but the center console is too wide causing my right leg to be forced against it and it becomes pain-full after a half hr or so and then it becomes hard to find a way to get it comfortable. Older Camrys had narrower consoles and when I drive an older one I have no problems. I have the upper optioned radio and I agree with others that it really is bad. No depth to the sound, I would guess it has low wattage and cheap speakers. The NAV system Toyota owns called scout and it is really bad. Voice command is useless and often, more than not it does not get you to the front door of your destination but will leave your a block or two away at times. It has traffic app in it and it does not do anything, maybe Toyota plans to make this work in the future or something. We have pretty much resorted back to using Google NAV on our phones again. Dont get me wrong. For the money I still believe this car is a good value and plan to own it for a long time. Overall I am very satisfied with the purchase.

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  best bang for my buck - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By steven messina - September 21 - 11:20 pm

  well were to start what a value! i love my solora i have the 3.3 liter convertible with navigation. The solora is my daily driver, the gas mileage is awesome. Ill pop the top on the way to work in the morning, or late at night. I have owned toyotas before and the quality dependablity and reliablity is what keeps me coming back. my fiance and I are planning to buy the 06 hybrid highlander..we test drove it the day i bought the convertible and boy did that drive just like a v8!...the gas mileage is better then most cars..n e ways if you dont think that toyota is right for you then try owning one.

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  Toyota does it right - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By dmatt - September 21 - 10:50 pm

  I am on my 9th Toyota and couldnt be happier with the truck. The V-6 has better acceleration and get-up, and has a better transmission than my 2004 Mustang V-6 :( The transmission is very smooth and strong. I got the TRD Off Road package and the ride is smooth. It doesnt bounce or ride hard like many other trucks. I love the overall quality, style and design. Toyota just does it right

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  Uncomfortable Front Seats - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By jonemick - September 21 - 9:23 pm

  Im wondering if anyone else has a problem with there front seats being uncomfortable. The seam in the middle of the back has a wire behind it, its like leaning back with a 1 inch rope behind your back. Its very uncomfortable !

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  Great SUV - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Donnie - September 21 - 9:06 pm

  When I decided to buy a new SUV in 2004 I did my homework.The first thing I looked at was the depreciation of the first five years I owned it. I didnt have to look any further. Aside from its outstanding dependability and manufacturing quality, the 4Runner depreciates about $7000 less than any domestic SUV comparably priced. After owning mine for nearly three years I can see why they sell so well. And two weeks after I bought it I was asked to sell it. No way!!

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  Best Truck I Ever Owned! - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Blair - September 21 - 6:16 pm

  This truck is excellent. Havent had it very long, but I love it! I have basic needs, but need the 8 bed, so I purchased the 2DR V6. Exceptional. Hoot to drive, looks great, responsive, very tight.

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  Geart SUV added info - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By DC CALIF - September 21 - 6:10 pm

  Hi folks... I wanted to update you since my last report. We just got back from 2350 mile trip, Calif, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada. The 4 cyl climbed up 8700 ft mountains no sweat. 29.1 MPG 75-80mph. Yes I did down shift a couple of times but no prob. Oh, my brakes got better as they were mushy before. Dealer checked breaks (OK) before trip. I really enjoyed the trip and the car.