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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  Pray you dont have a problem - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Atlanta Sucker - February 18 - 10:00 am

  The computer chips in the Camry seem to be hard for the dealer to diagnose. My Camry has been in the shop for 45 days in the six months I have owned it. Toyota at both the dealership and regional level treats you like you are public enemy number 1 for daring to have a problem with their car. The biggest mistake of my consumer career has been the purchase of my second Toyota.

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  Decent small car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By ncskibum - February 17 - 10:43 pm

  We bought this car as a replacement for a gas guzzler. We have yet to hit 33 mpg in town. My daughters 97 Corolla does better. I am 62" and find the front seats uncomfortable and the back seats impossible. I cant find a comfortable position for long drives because the steering wheel does not telescope. The seats do not offer much lower back support. I had a Civic for a month while the Corolla was getting a new front end. The Civic seats were more comfortable and the cloth was better quality. Civic had more pep but was also much noisier. Both cars suffer from not being set up for taller dirvers.

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  Unhappy - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By mike williams - February 16 - 4:46 pm

  The appearance of the new camry is great. I had a 1995 camry and loved it. This 2007 camry does not live up to the camry tradition. Gas mileage is poor, 25 mpg. The gas pedal & transmission are out of sync. At lower speeds when you try to give it gas an intermittent delay occurs between the gas pedal & transmission. This is dangerous. When it finally decides to engage the auto jerks forward. Car looks good but it is seriously dangerous. Dash also rattles.

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  So So - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Lon K. - February 15 - 4:55 am

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  First And Probably Last Toyota ... - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By Phil K - February 13 - 4:08 pm

  Reliable but dated, tinny, poor material quality. Archaic instrumentation. Interior comfort is well above average.

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  Toyota - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Lynn - February 3 - 1:16 am

  I purchased this used at 94000 miles, one owner, claiming to have no problems. Since 8/06 I have had to replace 4 tires, have it aligned, replace front brakes (would not pass inspection), need to replace rear brakes; check engine light on - had emission sensor replaced (expensive) and now check engine light on again. Cup holder has broken - very bad spot and poorly designed/made. I downgraded from 2004 Tahoe to this due to other circumstances than gas mileage; have had hard time finding replacement wiper blades for front/back; windshield leaks around rubber seal; lack of inside compartments; cig lighter jumps out of "pocket" if you try and use it; not real pleased with this.

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  NEW FLEET AUTO - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By Trish - February 1 - 5:20 am

  This was my only option for an all wheel drive fleet car. This is the base model, so I know upgrades would help. It is the most uncomfortable car I have ever owned. I am a healthy person with no back issues, but this seat, with no lumbar support, caused a lot of lumbar discomfort. The suspension is terrible. I can rotate the steering wheel three inches in either direction, and no response from the SUV. It is cute in appearance, but I am very disappointed that I have to spend the next three years in this automobile.

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  Disappointed - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By LK - January 31 - 10:10 pm

  I traded in a 2004 Malibu for this 2010 Corolla. I wish I had my Malibu back. The only thing I like about this Corolla is the gas mileage. The car floats all over the road with the steering, is not comfortable, and hard to see backing out from 45 degree parking.

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  My Camry se - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Ross - January 31 - 2:39 am

  My mistake

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  Another follow up review - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Eroc69 - January 29 - 9:10 am

  OK, Ive had my Camry for over a year now. The gas mileage is still good, cant give specifics but for a V6, its good. The driver seat has been re- padded 2Xs and is still horribly soft, for me. The dash rattles have been fixed twice, NOT. still rattles and its frustrating. The car is roomy, pretty quiet and gets good MPGs, the engine is awesome but the chassis is not up to the task at all. Read the editors review here. I had my OEM Turanzas wear out at 14K and was lucky to get local Bridgestones to gimme a mileage warranty adjustment, got new tires for $290.00 instead of $500+ This car is a disappointment.