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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  Love it - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By edaber - January 20 - 1:10 am

  After about 2000 miles of mixed highway city driving I am averaging almost 37 miles per gallon. The car feels solid and not like I have sacrificed amenities for economy.

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  Good buy - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Driver1 - January 19 - 11:00 am

  My driving experience thus far with the Camry has been positive. It handles well and the engine performs great for a 4 cyl. The engine is quiet and it accelerates well. The seating is relatively comfortable. Although Im 62 tall and most sedans are not fun to get in and out of for me anyway. The only thing this car doesnt have is trunk space. If you have kids I would suggest a larger vehicle unless you intend on having only one child. Overall the car is fun to drive, its reliable, and is awesome on the freeway for those 2-3 hr trips.

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  The most fun Ive had driving - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Dee - January 19 - 6:40 am

  I traded up from a 2005 Corolla the best choice I have every made, donÂ’t get me wrong it was a great car but compared to my Camry it was just a baby. My Camry runs just as smooth as my momÂ’s Infiniti G35. The wheel mounted controls, blue tooth and speed/noise sensitive volume control, without a doubt make it the best full size sedan out there for the money. I know because I tried almost all of them the Madza6, Malibu, Altima, Sonata, Accord even a Hyundai Genesis and they all fail in comparison. Trust me.

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  Everything ive wanted and then some - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By adam2562 - January 18 - 5:29 pm

  My 2010 4runner currently has 39k and has been flawless to me.. i bought it with 26k to avoid the high new car price and couldnt be more satisfied with it. Itll tow anything that Ill ever need to tow and carries everything i could want. The only thing Ive had it in the dealer for was the TSB on the headlight replacement for when they haze up. I didnt need it done but figured Id do it before i was out of warranty. all these things need are oil changes and routine maintenance and they should go forever! I love the new interior on the 5th generations! Bluetooth, backup cam, nice easy to use Navi all looks good on the black interior! cant forget the famous roll down back window!!!

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  Got it right the second time - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By MP - January 18 - 2:13 pm

  Okay so like most people my wife and I drove the two top contenders for the mid size cars. The Accord LX and the Camry LE. Although we liked both cars a lot we went with the recommendations of all the trade mags and bought the Honda Accord. After a month we both agreed that the Accord was no comparision to the Toyotas quite and more comfortable ride. Were not all that old but I dont understand how anyone can like the rock hard sharp edged Accord seats. There terrible! Other than that and being a little noisier than the Camry its a fine car but really not nearly as comfortable ride as the Camry. We traded in the Honda after a month and have had the Camry for two months and are very Happy.

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  Tacoma 4x4 Treasure - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By David Becker - January 18 - 6:22 am

  If youre looking for a great looking, great performing, reliable truck with all the bells and whistles, then the newly redesigned 2016 Toyota Tacoma should be your choice. It also has the highest resale value of any truck out there. This is my 4th Tacoma! . I just traded in a 2015 Tacoma and got exactly what I paid for it new! I would not own any other truck.

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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By extrovert - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I get great mileage and that is important since Im in college. Lots of head room. Ive not had one problem since I bought the car.

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  Wanted Reliability - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jabz - January 18 - 2:00 am

  My friend had a 4 Runner and never had any problems with it. I decided to buy one when I was in the market for a new car. Ive had my 4 Runner for a year now. No problems thus far. We can have some nasty winters here. I havent had any problems getting around. Its fun to drive. I would buy again.

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  Fun and Reliable - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Alexi - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I have had great fortune with this vehicle. It has been incredibly reliable. The only parts that have been replaced in 75000 miles are 1) the heater fan (a "critter" made a nest in there) and 2) the front brake rotors. Im thinking of selling it now and buying a the 2004 version, just so I can tow a trailer with the optional V8. I hope they never discontinue this model.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Me, Myself and I - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Wow! That about sums up my experience with my 2003 Matrix. The _ONLY_ issue Ive had with the car in 14 months and 51,000 miles is a rattle in the dash at about 20k miles. Although it took two trips to the dealer to get it fixed (I got a written appology for not fixing it the first time from the service manager), it hasnt reappeared in over 30k miles. If I were to improve one feature of the car, it would be the winter fuel economy. I get between 36 and 40mpg in the summer and only between 32 and 34mpg in the winter. My next vehicle will be another Toyota.