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:

• 

  Best Car Ive Ever Had - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By MVGal - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is a dream to drive. Its so reliable, so smooth on the road, so quiet, and the V6 accelerates in and out of traffic like no car Ive ever owned. Ive never had any problem with it, just do regular maintenance. I love all the XLE features. And its a black beauty. You think you are driving one of the more expensive cars, but you dont have the sticker shock. All cars should be made this well.

• 

  Great SUV, except Navigation system - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By victor5555 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is one of finest excuted machines Ive ever driven! Has the ruggedness and off-road abilities of a mountain goat, yet is UNBELIEVABLY smooth and quiet and has the performance matching or exceeding some sport-sedans!!! WOW! The only major negative is the SUB-PAR Navigation system, which is full of errors and has limited functionality!

• 

  What a car! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By happyfamily - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased a new 2003 camry for my wife yesterday. It has ABS (just $258!) and Goodyear tires. I did extensive research and test drove Accord, Altima and looked Passat. Camry has roomiest interior and best ride quality, and its nice looking. This is a replacement for my long beloved 93 camry. It has 190000 miles on it and still runs and feels great. Unbelliveable! Camry gives me the most worry free and enjoyable ownership.

• 

  Best Car in the world - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By sueram002 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Since the day I bought it, Ive felt excited about getting in and driving it. I get compliments on it all the time.

• 

  Extremely happy driver - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By bmb1920 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Camry and I couldnt be happier.

• 

  Its Rocks!! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Edder - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Great car, but expensive. Gonna have it for a long while, so who cares.

• 

  Great Car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By JO - December 26 - 9:16 am

  I love driving this car. Its my 5th Camry; this one surpasses all of the previous models. Theres nothing like the sound of silence in stop and go traffic!

• 

  The Civic has met (&lost to ) its match - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By david - December 26 - 9:03 am

  Praise... Toyota has finally brought a design engineer to the table for their lower priced vehicles; should also add a bit of spunk as well(did I hear Paseo?). Not sure why it took 30 odd years (240zx, 280zx, CRX, Civic, RX7, etc)but the compitition will be weeping

• 

  Lower Your Expectations - 2015 Toyota Avalon
  By Brenda Smith - December 26 - 8:31 am

  We purchased a 2015 Avalon in July. It was a nice vehicle but the more I drove it, the more I realized it did not meet my expectations. Due to its reputation, I expected the "flotation" ride of a luxury car. I also had issues with wind noise and bumping my head getting in and out. (Not a vehicle for people who have any difficulty getting in and out of a car). To say I was extremely disappointed is an understatement. The dealership could do nothing about the wind noise....... we even tested one straight off the lot when I came to pick mine up from Service. It did the same thing. My aunt had purchased a 2015 Av Hybrid around the same time. When I spoke with her, she said that she had not realized now noisy her 2015 Avalon was until they went on a trip in a friends Ford F150. Now thats sad that a pickup was quieter than a luxury car!!! I traded in a 2013 Kia Soul that I just loved other than the ride. It had zero wind noise!!!!!! Complained to Toyotas Houston division but since it is not a safety hazard, they deemed nothing was wrong with the car or its design and offered no alternatives in terms of helping me purchase a different vehicle. My only recourse was to go back to the dealership and trade it in. I now own a 2016 4Runner and LOVE it. Yes, it is not sound proof, but it rides better and is more comfortable than my LAST purchase of a "luxury" vehicle. I use the term "luxury" loosely and sarcastically. BCS

• 

  Awful Gas Mileage - 2010 Toyota Matrix
  By barryw1 - December 26 - 4:01 am

  Ive owned; Honda CRV - the Honda got much better gas mileage, Nissan Pathfinder V6 - comparable gas mileage, Saturn VUE AWD V6 - Saturn had much better gas mileage ... Do not consider this vehicle.