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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  Its a Camry! - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Jimbotron - January 7 - 8:31 am

  Traded in my 14 Mini Cooper S Countryman for something with much better resale value and reliability. I liked the updated look of the 15 Camry and found a used SE with 25K miles for $18.5K, so I hopped on the deal. The tranny is smooth, love the black interior with red stitching, backup cam and radio are sufficient (my Mini had none of these tech features, just a big speedometer dial which was pure novelty), pretty decent pep/acceleration for a 4 banger. I get around 29/30mpg with mixed city and hwy driving. Love the fact that it takes regular gas vs. premium. Coming from a Mini, I thought the handling could be a bit tighter and more responsive, so I installed a strut bar ($70 on Amazon) which adds a bit more stability in tight steering - it could use some wider track tires (maybe 225x17s) as well, maybe when I replace the tires. I also replaced all interior lights and headlights with LED lights, makes a huge difference in lighting. The factory stereo isnt bad, some decent high and low frequency output. I will definitely be upgrading the speakers soon. My biggest gripe is the wind noise coming from the front grill, I get some noticeable wind noise when I go over 50mph. Its not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but I didnt get this much wind noise from my Mini which isnt as aerodynamic as the Camry. I do miss the turbo kick from the Mini, but I also enjoy the smooth cruising and not feeling every bump in the road. This car will be for the long haul, so I plan to take car of it and maintain it as needed. I dont think youll make a bad choice going with the Camry for its reliability, decent performance, good mpg, and best of all, resale value. Its decently fun to drive and I actually look forward to driving it everyday.

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  Poor under body design - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By josder - January 7 - 6:26 am

  We traded our 08Rav4 in for the 2013 Rav4 We live in Upper Michigan where we get a lot of snow AND under the doors (including the back door)the snow & ice collects and then it melts off in our garage creating a huge mess! When you open the doors you can see the accumulation! This is a real problem and had we knew this before ... we would have gotten a different brand vehicle. Our old Rav did not do this. Perhaps Toyota should re design the doors and eliminate this problem

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  Reliability and holds its value - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By appel - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable car; found that they hold their value much better than the American versions; back seats a little difficult to fold down for backseat access; do like Fords folding flat seats. Love the SUV thus far.

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  Beware:Do not purchase 97-2001 Camrys - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Sludge Car Owner - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Consumers should be aware of a problem that involves the following 4 cylinder models between the years 1997-2002: Avalon, Camry, Corolla, and Sienna. These models all have the same engine which can be predisposed to an oil sludging problem. While Toyota has tried to be fair to their customers regarding repairs and possible replacement of the entire engine, I was very dissatisfied with my service to repair this issue as my engine was worked on multiple times until it was finally replaced. This car had it\s oil changed every 3000 miles without fail, and it developed such a severe problem-rendering the eventual new engine a necessity. Buyer beware!!!!

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  Perfection! - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By TonyG5003 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 2001 for a 2003, and was pleasantly suprised to see the telescoping steering wheel and stereo controls on the steering wheel. Also, the dashboard has a more pleasing shape to it. The only drawback to owning a Land Cruiser, is that you are never satisfied with anything less. Its an expensive love affair!

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  Efficient, hi-tech, comfortable - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By katherine - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Very fun to drive, and never fails to interest passengers. Zero problems after one year. Handles very well in snow. Wasnt expecting such a huge improvement over previous vehicle (1992 Saturn SL1), but got it in all areas. Feels solid and safe.

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  really fun ride - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By bubster - January 7 - 2:00 am

  fun, fast, really a treat to drive

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  Luvin my 4runner - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Cheasapeake - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I have a 4cyl with a 5 speed manual transmission. This allows for a nice mix of acceptable power (no towing) and great fuel economy. 18-20 mpg around town 25 mpg highway. (10 mpg in 4wd) The next problem I have with this truck will be the first!

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  1999 4Runner SR5 - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By jmel - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding. We purchased the SR5 for my wife, and replaced the cloth seating with after market leather that looks and feels like the factory installed Leather on the 4Runner Limited. We also added a 2 stage heating element to the drivers seat for those cold winter days. Nice!

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  RAV4 is Great! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Hampton - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I love my RAV4. I cannot say enough good about it. The fit and finish is excellent, performance is good and ride is good. I test drove the CRV and there is no comparison. The CRV felt and looked cheap and the controls were awkward.