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:

• 

  Like the Tundra - 2014 Toyota Tundra
  By bretn - January 4 - 8:41 pm

  Overall I like the Tundra, have a 6"lift on it and it looks nice. The turning radius is not quite what I would like it to be. Like someone else said, the carpet is a little thin, which means it will wear fast, if you dont put some liners in. The back seat is the roomiest I have ever seen (the kids like it better). We have had other Toyotas and have been pleased with the overall satisfaction. The stereo could be a little better, I like my music loud and its not loud enough, though the sound is good. Power booster maybe?

• 

  Smart Shoes - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Joe - January 4 - 10:26 am

  Purchased my Camry about a year ago with 202k on it, up to 216k now. Lets see, only things outside of normal maintenance (such as brake fluid flush, replacement of plugs and the original wires, and new tires) have been the replacement of the EGR valve gasket and the replacement of the rear bumper after I was rear ended. The steering rack is on its last legs, and has hiccupped a few times in wet weather, but the Camry has never failed to get me from point A to point B. Handling is fine for a front drive sedan, and the clunking suspension is fine for since it bobs up and down less on the highway then ones in better condition.

• 

  The Best you will ever own - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Dave - January 3 - 11:33 pm

  Superb build quality, handling, braking, reliability, mileage and looks good too!

• 

  Watch out F-150 here comes Tacoma! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Zak - January 3 - 11:00 pm

  When I first purchased the car I was amazed at the size. Prior to purchasing I was only able to view the 4-cylinder 2 wheel drive models. Let me say that the 4-wheel drive Pre-runner V6 looks more like the size of a F-150 then anything else. The front end of this baby is intimidating. The grill looks hard and the fog lights are well placed. The skid plate on the underbody is shown off to make an amazing looking front end that anyone will be jealous over as you drive down the road. The power in this truck is very pleasing. The 245 horses under the hood give great pick up and the torque is great for getting out of any tough situation (and I mean TOUGH)

• 

  06 tacoma - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By dean40 - January 3 - 7:58 pm

  have had this truck for a year now, and the only thing i have done is change the oil and filters, great truck!

• 

  Loving it - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Loving it - January 3 - 1:50 pm

  I purchased my Avalon XL new from the dealership. I picked the silver color because it looks clean when its dirty. The ride is very smooth. The interior is exceptionally quiet within the city, but the wind noise picks up on the highway and interstate. I purchased the 6yr/100,000 mile warranty with the vehicle. Toyota guaranteed if I never used the warranty I would receive a full refund at 100,000 miles. They refunded me a check for $1,187 2yrs ago. The paint still looks like new. The interior is excellent. The Avalon has enormous room. The dash forward design is genius. Ive seen the latest model and they made it with more room. This is definitely the flagship of the Toyota brand vehicles.

• 

  Excellent car despite all the negativity - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Scrubs220 - January 3 - 11:10 am

  I purchased my Camry about 6 months ago and I have to say that I absolutely love it. It is my first new car and after driving other comparable sedans, I think this is the smoothest family sedan at this price out there. The plush ride quality is more evident if you drive some other car after this one, and straightaway you will notice the difference. The fuel economy is great, interior is great, overall a great buy. and the 2011 is identical.

• 

  Camry SE V6: Fun to drive and own - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By smed1065 - January 3 - 8:33 am

  I checked out all cars in this area and found this to be the winner. Fun to drive, inexpensive insurance and can handle 5 people, if some are kids.

• 

  We Love Miss P! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By gustafsonjohnc - January 3 - 5:23 am

  I was skeptical when we first got Miss P. last year. I had never driven a small car and I was afraid it would not perform well on the highway. Was I wrong. She keeps up with any other car. We drove her to Florida (from Virginia) and we were able to pack plenty of luggage. Passengers have remarked how roomy and comfortable she is.

• 

  2016 Toyota Camry XSE 4cyl. - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By sns - January 2 - 7:12 pm

  I recently purchased a 2016 Toyota Camry XSE 4cyl. and traded in a 2014 Honda Accord Sport. I was going to buy a 2016 Accord but my 2014 Accord had such uncomfortable seats I decided to look around solely due to seat discomfort therefore I searched for and found supportive and more comfortable seats in the 2016 Camry and 2016 Subaru Legacy, too bad Honda doesnt check out the competition because they lost me due to their uncomfortable seats which lead to many physical issues due to the "C" shape seats which are good if youre a Formula One driver or a door gunner on the Millennium Falcon. Those seats gave an unnatural, hyperextension of the neck and back which caused me to place a bed pillow for some relief. GOOD (Comfort, Style, Value) My new 2016 Camry XSE heated, leather-suede seats are so supportive and more comfortable, I can drive more relaxed and natural, and the price was less than an Accord Sport which does not come with heated seats or Moon Roof. The Camry rides well and I get compliments on the look of the car, it comes with 18" sport rims, navigation, XM radio, Moon Roof, heated mirrors(some models), and 2 years free maintenance. BAD (knee room) The Accord had better knee room solely due to having a thinner console profile. I wish Toyota as well as other companies would thin the width of the center console so the knees had more freedom. If I move the seat close to the steering wheel, my right knee rubs up against the console which is uncomfortable for me, that did not happen in the Accord. I hope Toyota engineers as well as other companies would stop with the oversized console width, its unnecessary. Lastly, the leather steering wheel is a very low grade leather, almost synthetic feel. The Accord had a more supple, higher quality leather wrapped steering wheel, soft to the touch. Overall, Im glad I switched to the Camry it was time for a change and I am happy at this time with my choice. It was a tough choice between the Toyota and Subaru Legacy Limited, but it boiled done to price for me. The Subaru had the most comfort but it was 3K more, but check out the Legacy if youre on the fence I almost went with it.