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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  2008 Corolla S - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By rjvatlanta - April 27 - 7:21 pm

  I bought this car used with 75,000 miles and now own it 15 months and 20,000 miles later. Other than changing the oil and brakes & rotors, I have had no mechanical issues. Bought it as a reliable commuter car and it is living up to the assignment.

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  16 years 199,400 miles - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Dave - April 27 - 3:38 am

  Cant say enough about this car. Purchased new. Until last year no problems whatsoever. Regular maintanance only; brakes, shocks, tires, belts, ect. This past year bearings, power steering pump. Will run it until it is no longer financially prudent. By far the best car Ive ever owned. Q

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  Solid fit and finish - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By frogdaddy - April 27 - 3:36 am

  Researched for a long time. What a solid and refined vehicle. All plastic matches and doesnt squeak. Comfortable and smooth ride. Sits high enough without realizing its a truck. Nice interior. Great storage and convertible seating. Versatility without being too big.

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  Love my Camry - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By bswgjtm - April 27 - 1:53 am

  I bought my 2011 Camry in July 2010. I traded in a GMC Envoy for it, looking for reliability and affordable transportation. In December of 2010, I let my stepdaughter take my car on a road trip from upstate NY to Maine. She fell in love with my car and when she graduated from college, she bought her own. Yesterday, my daughter and I went to our neighborhood Toyota dealer looking for her first gently-used vehicle and, without any influence from Mom, she said, "Do you think there are any Camrys in our price range?" 3 2011 Toyota Camrys are a part of our family now. I think that says it all. In the almost 5 years of owning mine, I have only had to replace the tires and rear brakes.

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  1995 Toyota 4Runner - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By mrooker - April 26 - 5:33 pm

  Exceptional reliability - no problems of any kind over a seven year period.

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  City MPG doesnt match - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By zipper6 - April 26 - 4:32 pm

  I bought this car 3 weeks ago, I like everything about this 2013 CAMRY SE except the advertised MPG and exterior. We had a good deal from the dealer thats the reason I bought this. MPG advertised for CITY is little misleading for what I have noticed. 3 weeks close to 800 miles now and car give me 18-20 Avg in city. 25 MPG only if their are no lights and no stop sign. On HWY I get 40 MPG if I drive 65 miles on cruise. If I drive 70+ MGP goes down to 35-38. So I am happy cruising on 65 :) but little mad when driving in city :( Exterior looks little cheap than compared to my 1997 old camry i told 4 years go. Overall its a good car and hope it stays reliable like everyone says.

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  I absolutely love my car!! - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Linda E - April 26 - 1:12 pm

  Ive had sports cars(Mitsubishi and Corvette) and older Camrys, Celicas, Fiat... this is my favorite car!! It is so comfortable. I got leather seats and loaded with extras and I am so happy with my car purchase. The dealership (Cabe Toyota in Long Beach) was the BEST!!! Evan Morioka was so knowledgeable and the entire support team has been fantastic! So glad I bought this car.

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  Very nice car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By derek - April 26 - 11:53 am

  Very smooth ride. Lots of leg room. Very comfy seats. All handles are easy to reach. Very quite all the way around. Good fuel economy also.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By bmore - April 26 - 11:13 am

  I have been extremely pleased with my purchase. The vehicle accelerates wonderfully. I have been averaging 25- 26 mpg (mostly highway and AC on 100%). Which is a great thing since gas prices are hitting close to $3. I do wish it had power locks. The Nav package is very nice.

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  Noise & Handling Problems Etc. - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By mrfinnigan - April 26 - 8:44 am

  Road noise is excessive, I believe it is because of the Bridgestone tires. Also it is difficult to keep car from drifting all over the lane expecially when there is a little breeze. There is no valet lockout for trunk. Volume speed control on radio does not work. Cant see display on radio in daylight. Cant hear directional signal.