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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  Great ride and priced right - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Francar - December 10 - 2:53 pm

  Great ride and very comfortable. Car handles well and is very quiet. I wish that the leather seats would heat up a little faster, on cold days in the North east it is a shock on the rear sitting on the cold leather. Like the display unit in the console with the rear camera. Havent had the opportunity to take it on a long ride on the interstate so not sure what mileage would be for highway driving.

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  My First Toyota - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Joe E - December 10 - 12:56 pm

  I live in the Chicago suburbs and have a 45 mile round trip. Bought this car after owning a Mustang GT and went from filling up 2-3 times a week to once every week and a half! While you obviously wont be taking anybody off the line, the car has good acceleration when needed. I was initially getting 30 mpg/tank, now 35-36 mpg/tank, dont know if its because weather is now warmer or the car (and my driving habits) being "broken in". One misconception is that the electric motor will take the car up to 40 mph; if you accelerate like a normal person (or are going uphill), this just isnt the case. Ive found you need to accelerate to your desired speed, then ease off the gas pedal.

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  Lots of Sparkle! - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Mike Miranda - December 10 - 8:26 am

  Others complain about the styling. I had a 2007 Camry and I think this car looks so much better. It could be a little more plush inside but I probably should remind myself that I bought an SE which has more of a sport sensibility. The seats while not the most comfortable have a nice feel to them and are easy to get in and out of. My only complaint is the ride is a bit harsher than what Im used to but again I hear the LE and the XLE have a softer ride. Performance is great and if this one turns out to be as good as my 2007 I can count on having many miles of dependable, trouble free driving. For me thats what its all about.

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  Same problem with GPS screen going black - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Lisa S. - December 9 - 7:36 pm

  I also have the same problem with the GPS screen randomly going out. Its in a relatively long line of issues weve had with the car. From a quality perspective, this has been a much higher maintenance Toyota than our previous 3. While I appreciate the fuel economy gains, weve had problems with the indoor cabin air filtration system, brakes, air conditioning and now this significant NAV screen issue. The radio also cuts out from time to time. It seems like theres a malfunction in some of the electronic components or wiring. How that Im out of warranty and not looking forward to this conversation at the dealer tomorrow.

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  My 3rd Avalon - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By Hank - December 9 - 3:46 pm

  This is my third Avalon. I am still getting used to it but overall, I really like it. It has a great ride and is very quiet. The only thing I do not like is the hardness of the drivers seat. I can feel something under the padding, perhaps it has something to do with the seats cooling feature. I have been driving around for the last 4 months with a thin quilt under me. This makes it more comfortable. Hopefully the seats will break in and I can take out the quilt. Other than that, I really love it.

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  I love my matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By WEEEEEE!! - December 9 - 2:36 pm

  This car has been great it has never failed me once. The design is simple and easy to use. I love the power the 1.8 4 banger motor makes. Its awesome I had my matrix xrs at 140 mph (on a closed track of course). I bought this car coming from a Mercedes Benz and this car has been better. There is no traction control or stability control which is ok because you can throw this car where ever you want. Its so fun to drive I love it.

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  Love my Prius! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Meg - December 9 - 12:36 pm

  Have only had my Prius for three months and have already driven 12,000 miles. It handles nicely and the gas mileage runs 51 mpg on the average, but I do very little city driving and some fast interstate driving. Just love it and recommend it as one vehicle in a two car family.

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  Great Dependable Auto - Bad Strut Mounts - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Grayfair - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Great car, no problems even with 117,000 miles on it. Interior/Exterior are in mint condition. It drives nicer than most American made cars. I highly recommend the Camry, for as much use as we get out of it, it gives us no trouble. The Strut Mounts are bad. They start making the wheels rattle after awhile and need to be replaced. I paid $117.73 to have the front strut mounts replaced in 2002. Around 100k the windshield wipers dont go back to the closed position when you turn them off and stop in the middle of the window. I just wait until they are at the hood & turn off. Had timing belt changed at 70K & the 100k tune-up.

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  Great Solara - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Don Schubeck - December 9 - 10:00 am

  No problems in 54000 miles. Im a former Detroiter who usually only bought U.S. vehicles. Have only replaced battery and tires. I have owned about a dozen vehicles (mostly new) and this is the best.

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  My green eyed monster - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Happy Ravver - December 9 - 10:00 am

  You guys who get bad gas milage are trying way too hard!! I AVERAGE 30.5 mpg doing about 75 on the expressway and jumping off the line every chance I get. The automatic is lazy (found that out on the test drive), so opt for the 5-speed for a little more oomph.