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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  I am very happy - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Tetyana Y - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Very comfortable. Easy to operate. Pleasure to drive.

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  Never thought I would drive a Camry - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By JJLuc - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a Nissan Maxima for the 2005 Camry SE. There were only 3 left in the state so I settled for the silver one (like in the photo). Right away, you notice how much more refined this car is versus the Maxima. Although the Maxima has a super engine, the transmission was shaky. This Camry looks great, at first I didnt even know it was a Camry. The 3.3 V6 is smooth and quiet, the 17" wheels and spoiler give it a sporty look. Toyta reliability should be super. I test drove a Passat V6, Altima V6, Accord V6, I just liked the Camry better, it feels more solid and refined.

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  Love this Hybrd. - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Maggie - November 2 - 11:52 pm

  Great array of safety features: blind spot monitor, rear view camera, automatic low/high beams. Sometimes it is difficult to read the navigation screen. Would like to see heat/act in rear seat.

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  I Love This Car - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Spargo - November 2 - 12:06 pm

  This car is simply amazing, I love the connection between driver and machine in this car, it was the perfect vehicle to gain some real skill in. I had learned before how to drive manual but this is the first I have owned. I personally love the power, we live in a world of speedlimits so having a car where the sensation of speed is greater than the speed youre going or the ammount your accelerating is actually a good thing. Every drive is a thrill and I almost feel bad pulling into my own driveway.

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  So far so good - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Complex - November 2 - 6:36 am

  Replaced 2006 Honda Ridgeline (great truck while it lasted), this is a big change to get used to. I considered the Camry (didnÂ’t want to wait for the 2010s), and the Ford Fusion (did not have fold down seats). The Prius is a technology wonder. My complaints are minor because I may be spoiled or want perfection but other features are superb. So far, Im loving it. The mileage is the best part. The first time I filled up, I thought the gauge was broken as it took so little fuel.

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  Finally Decided on a Van - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By shawnandt - November 2 - 6:23 am

  Time to replace 6 year old Minivan for our family of 5. Dont care what other people perceive as Cool or Not so without question we were getting another Mvan. Comfort, convenience, Space and Efficiency all trump any stigma from others. Waited until the new Sienna, Odyssey and the Quest came out to decide and needing an 8 pax for that occasion when one of our kids brings three friends along, the Quest was out. Hours of websearch and extended Drives of each, we decided on the Sienna SE. We loved our Odyssey, but cant get past the new exterior so we got the Sienna. It looks/drives Sporty and loaded with options, Bluetooth, backup camera, moonroof etc; were very, very satisfied.

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  Love my runner - 2012 Toyota 4Runner
  By John Causey - November 1 - 8:44 pm

  Fantastic vehicle, could use a little more power. Ride is a little noisy. No maintenance costs so for. Almost 90000 miles..

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  My New 10 year old 07 Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Ernie S. - November 1 - 2:26 pm

  I just "inherited" this car from my wife when we purchased a new SUV. It is an 07 SE V6 Model, sunroof, leather, alloys,ect, with 59,000 miles. Over the 10 years of ownership, I have driven it only for long trips. Originally we were going to sell it and purchase something with high mpg, since I have to drive 100 miles round trip for work. But once I started driving daily, while we searched for a replacement, I fell in love with this Camry, esp the 34 mpg highway mileage (60 mph top speed). The V6 (14.3 sec 1/4 mile times according to numerous magazine tests) is incredible. Very fast. Smooth ride and very quiet. The only complaints I have, keeping in mind it is a 10 year old car, is the super white paint and the low height of the car. Seems like I am sitting on the ground as I drive, although part of that is my previous ride was a 4x4 Tundra which is quite a bit higher than the Camry. The white paint, and I have taken excellent care of and waxed this car often since purchase, appears to have developed a haze and chips very easily on the hood. I have read numerous other complaints about the white and believe it is a factory defect. But, for 10 years old, it is what it is. Love this car!!!!

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  This car never stops going - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By snoopy - November 1 - 1:13 pm

  Bought this car 2 years ago with 84K on it. Currently has 131K on it. Still going strong, it has been on many road trips, without any issues! Just minor replacements, battery and a brake light, very impressive for a 10 year old car. Handles very well in snow and rain, love the ruggedness of this car. City mileage is usually around 18, lately have been getting combined mileage of 24 mpg. Love this car and am sad to have to give it up due to skyrocketing gas prices.

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  Worth every penny! - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By YotaMan - November 1 - 11:00 am

  I bought my 4Runner with 54K mi and after 3.5 years I now have 165K. It has never left me stranded. All Ive done to it is replace the plugs/wires, brakes, timing belt, water pump, shocks/struts, tires, and other routine maintenance. The only problem Ive had with it is this week the front U-joint went bad causing it to ride rough. It cost 100 bucks to fix. Engine sounds as good as ever and I plan on putting another 100K+ miles on it!! I knew I had a solid truck and it was confirmed when I backed into the side of my neighbors bumper. It peeled his fiberglass bumper off like a banana! Scratched my paint and put a little hole in my metal bumper... cant even tell. Now thats a truck!