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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  Worry free/comfort - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Dave - April 28 - 8:36 am

  I love my Camry. I took it on a multi-state ski trip; it was such a smooth quiet ride through the mountains, no problem in slush and light snowy back roads. I am 64 and no problem with leg and head room. I really like the new body design, and I love the car and am thinking of selling my wifes car for another Toyota, maybe rav 4, to add to collection. Hopefully being this is my first toy, there will be many years of no problems. :)

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  Nice cruiser roomy - noisy shocks - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By avalonowner - April 27 - 6:56 am

  Have put about 30k on mine since buying new. Had to replace brakes. It is based on the same platform as the 97-2002 Camry. I owned a 1998 Camry which had shocks that made knocking noises over bumpy pavement. This Avalon, while very serene, also does the same thing. Maybe the bushings? Its annoying considering the rest of the car is pretty tight. Rear door squeaks when opening. Otherwise, it has been a reliable, relaxing vehicle.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Scottie - April 27 - 6:20 am

  Best buy for the money. Comfortable with lots of room including trunk space. Lots of fun to drive.

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  Cruisin - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By Nandy2you - April 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my fourth Toyota and 2nd Corolla. My first one - a 1990 is still going strong with my daughter who has now clocked it over 225000 miles last month! This is the greatest little travelling car going!

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  Average Mini Van - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By tcle2001 - April 24 - 9:40 pm

  Purchased a 2006 CE 7 passanger Sienna new. The vehicle now has 160,000 kms. The vehicle had some early issues. The air bag light came on and took 2 years to resolve. Had to fight Toyota and dealer all the way. Finally replaced main wiring harness. Also had to replace drivers door (yes the whole door) due to broken hinges. All covered by Toyota. Other than that the vehicle has been good. It has plenty of power and is comfortable on long trips. My van is a box stock CE. From what I hear people with the fancy ones have more problems.

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  I highly recommend this car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Navyguy - April 24 - 4:23 pm

  In 2003 I bought a new Toyota Camry LE and I recently sold it. I bought a 2007 Lexus ES350. Overall I loved the car it is very reliable. I drive 70- 75 mph and get over 30 mpg. I had no issues with the car all I had to do was basic things like replace the breaks, and get a 100K tune up. I highly recommend this car. Lexus and Toyota are just hands down better than the competition. I am a tall guy 63 and there is plenty of room for me to feel comfortable. The back has plenty of room and you can also store quite a bit of groceries in the trunk. Overall this is a solid car but after six years it was time for an upgrade.

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  Solara convertible shakiy and shudders - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By rep - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Review by Cleveland Plain Dealer auto editor says the car is "less than mediocre" because the car shudders and shakes over the slightest road bumps as does the steering wheel. Poor rear visibility with top up due to large non- adjustable rear seat head rests and blind spot from side of top. Would like auto lock and unlock latches for top as in BMW 3 series. Would like automatic boot for top as in Audi Cabriolet even if it would cost some more. Would like option of body side moldings as on 2003 model. Seat belts dont move easily when tethered in belt hoder which also unlatches.

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  Great SUV with so so fuel economy - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By City Hunter - April 23 - 6:06 am

  This is my first toyota SUV, traded in my older Camry. A smooth and powerful V6 engine, quiet and comfortable ride, nice interior layout and romminess. excellent build quality. But strong engine vibration when cold start, eventually will gone after engine warm up. need to bring back to dealer to check up. Steering and handling are secure but not sound. Fuel economy only so so, Im conservative drive and try to lite on gas. I only get around 15 mpg mix driving. Rear door hatch is heavy to open and close. Overall is a very nice SUV with some negative.

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  Great Family Vehicle - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Starburst - April 23 - 2:36 am

  Weve put 5,000 miles on this vehicle in the last two months that weve owned it. Weve averaged 38.3 mpg overall, and as high as 40.4 mpg. This is a fabulous family car. It handles well and is very, very quiet - it is almost disconcerting at stop lights as the gas engine shuts down. This particular vehicle is well optioned; the on-board nav system is easy to use, the leather seats are supportive and the build quality is typical Toyota. Having said that, I could have done with a bit less plastic in a car that is this close to the top of the Camry price range.

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  Value - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By theo marks - April 23 - 1:42 am

  Great value for the cost, I looked for a truck for months. Most cost to much for a truck; if I wanted all the luxury bells and whistles I would buy a car. This truck fits me for the type of small projects I like doing.