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:

• 

  Well-planned - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By mb - December 22 - 4:43 pm

  I love this car! We got it b/c we wanted an SUV for kids and knew wed get hit hard at gas pumps, but also b/c in test drive, it was the most comfortable, and most thoughtfully planned interior of many SUVs, including new Acuras. Ive had a honda for 11 yrs and enjoyed the FWD, the reliability and all the nooks and crannies in it (I miss those hidden compartments) but this car has style, more cupholders than you could possibly need and that 3rd seat in the 2nd row is an amazing feature!

• 

  Toyota, Please bring this car back - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By qkslvr - December 22 - 3:53 pm

  I bought my 2002 new and have 190,000 miles on it. I just returned from a seven week 9400 mile road trip. My guitar, my golf clubs, my clothes with room for a passenger. This is one of those amazing cars like the old Honda Civic Hatchback that do so many things well. On top of that, this design was over the top for a $20K sports car. I hope you all recall the great commercials implying that the car looked like it was going 60 while standing still. Since Toyota sold nearly as many of these as Mitsubishi did of their Eclipse I still dont understand the move to discontinue it. Lets face it, the MR2 may have been a performer but one could never travel in it with more than a carry-on.

• 

  Traded my 2014 Lexus IS for a 2015 Camty Xle - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By steve w - December 22 - 2:42 pm

  I decided my Lexus IS was not a very practical for my current needs. I was planning on getting a Camry XSE V6 to replace the IS. After driving the XSE, I felt the ride was a little too harsh, so I drove the XLE V6. It rode great, and was very quick, but the dealer suggested that I try the 4 as well. I was very greatful that he suggested that, because although the 4 is not nearly as quick as the 6, it was actually .2 seconds faster 0 to 60 than the IS I was replacing. I currently have lees than 2,000 miles on the Camry, but love it so far. We drove to Colorado from Wisconsin and got over 34mpg even though a lot of the trip has speed limits of 70 or 75 mph. The Camry is smooth, quiet, and very comfortable. It has plenty of cargo space, and the back seat is very roomy. I plan on taking a lot of road trips in the Camry and know I can do it with complete confidence and total comfort.

• 

  NICE CONVERTIBLE! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By CONVERTIBLE MAN - December 22 - 8:43 am

  The lower-end priced "family" convertible market (adequate back seat) is limited to a select few: the two usual suspects are the Chrysler Sebring and Volvo C70. When you drive each, you wonder how the front end stays put when you run over anything but a newly-paved road. The Volvo is the "prettiest" convertible out there. But that ride is so disappointing. Which brings us to the Toyota Camry Solara. I dont know why they include "Camry" in the name, since you wont find it anywhere on the car. Its comfy, roomy, zippy, gets decent gas mileage, and VERY quiet with the top up. It has some body quiver, which results from it being a sedan with the top cut off, after-market.

• 

  Outstanding Truck--worth the price - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Standt - December 22 - 7:03 am

  After one month of ownership, I have no serious complaints about this truck. It handles wonderfully and has plenty of power to spare. I am so glad I chose the LB over the SB. I am 6-4 285 and was plenty comfortable in the front cab. I test drove this cab with 3 others that were over 6-0 and 200 pounds and we were all mostly comfortable. As far as noise goes it can get a little loud during accelleration but is reasonable and quiet most of the time. Hope you like cup holders, this has a bunch, good for cups and water bottles in the doors.

• 

  Repeat Prius buyer - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Steve Nelson - December 22 - 3:08 am

  Car seems not to hold the road as well as old Prius. Cut down the weight to improve fuel economy. Less rear storage space😒

• 

  First 12000 miles - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Phil Wakeling - December 22 - 12:00 am

  I traded a 1999 Subaru Impreza on the Highlander and get better mileage than the little 4 cylinder. Four cylinder economy and V8 power - great combination. My overall average fuel consumption for 10 months of mixed driving (mostly in Michigan) is 26 mpg. Best was 28 mpg for local driving - no freeways - and the worst was 23 mpg on 10% methanol in Iowa on I80 at 80 mph. This is a fun an comfortable car to drive - not as quiet as my wifes Avalon, but close. It is stable in the snow at freeway speeds and climbs snowy slopes with ease. I have driven in beach sand with no problems. The high torque at low speed works well in these circumstances, almost like a low range on a conventional 4wd.

• 

  06 Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By 06 Prius - December 21 - 2:50 pm

  This Prius replaced my 2003 Prius; I thought the 03 was ahead of its time, but my new one is just outstanding. I am currently averaging 49.1 MPG, most of which is high speed interstate driving (6000) miles.

• 

  Great Car for More Reasons than One - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By brian_g - December 21 - 7:30 am

  I bought a Prius before Hurricane Katrina. Now that prices are back down, my neighbors snicker as they get into their Escalades and Expeditions. For most people I have met, the Prius seems too extreme. However, I enjoy the car so much that I find myself interested in long trips again. I volunteer to run errands. It is just "fun". The performance is much better than I expected, and although initial acceleration is a little pokey, passing is easy and the car does fine at highway speeds. The ride is comfortable, the interior is ergonomically pleasing, and I have room for my family (3 kids). Finally, I feel confident that I am saving energy.

• 

  Recall Jitters - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Ellen - December 20 - 10:20 pm

  This is a magnificent car inside and out. Rides like a dream. Much better than CRV. Interior is laid out much better than any other small SUV. Joy of ownership blunted by Toyota woes. What a shame.