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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  Simply the Best - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Dee in TX - October 8 - 10:00 am

  We considered the Accord, CR-V, Element, Santa Fe and RAV4 but chose the Camry. After e-mailing several dealers for their drive-out price, we ended up paying $17,700+TTL. Ive had Caddies, Pontiacs, a Lincoln, a 57 Chevy, Buicks and Olds and this car has the smoothest, quietest ride of all. After 14 years of buying "nearly new", it is fun to have a "brand new" car again.

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  Best Car I have ever Driven - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Tommaso - October 8 - 10:00 am

  For me, driving this car is like settling down in a good (but reasonably priced) resort hotel: quieter than I thought possible and as comfortable as a well-designed recliner. Power and handling contribute to a sense of safety. Fuel economy is incredible for a car that is now the size of the older Avalon, and bigger than at least one Lincoln model: 38 mpg on its first highway trip.

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  Should have bought an Odyssey - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By cmb - October 8 - 10:00 am

  This vechicle is very nice, but after having it for a coulpe of I weeks and then driving my brothers odyssey. i wish I would have bought it. This vechicle is way over priced.

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  Nick review - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Nicolas - October 8 - 10:00 am

  This 2004 Sienna is the best Minivan out there right now. They added all the functional/practical things such as, best ground clearance of any minivan, 6+ inches, powered windows on rear sliding doors(no other minivan does this), third row seats hides like the Hondas. This was Hondas major advantage over the Siennas. The second row seat can be for 8 passangers, with the middle seat able to be moved forward for easy access to car seats. Engine is very powerful. Performance is all around good, but cornering induces too much body roll. If you are buying a minivan between now and December of 2003, the Sienna should be your only choice.

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  Love it! - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By jessek1 - October 8 - 5:30 am

  I have wanted this car since high school (graduate of 03) and finally bought one in 2007. Had only 24k on it so practically new. I have lots of other drivers look my way. People always compliment that the style looks new, most people assume it is a new model car, not knowing production was stopped in 05. I will keep it until it rusts from under me!!! Despite the frigid Iowa weather last year, it started fairly easily before work. Needs more power, men especially will want to race me, only for me to act like I am receiving a phone call from someone right when it turns green. Tricky, tricky!

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  Expected lot more from legendary Toyota - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Roman Konstankevich - October 8 - 4:50 am

  Several years ago my friend had Toyota Camry and it was real pleasure to drive, but 2018 model is somewhat different and I am really upset with this car. I got it 7 days ago and made on it 300 miles. First of all it’s very stiff, I can fill every small pothole on the road. Toyota advertised it as 39 mpg on highway but so far it does not go over 31. I tried ECO and normal mode but mpg does not change so far. Acceleration is not predictable and you don’t know how to press gas pedal: smoothly or more aggressively. Heating seats works OK, but sets itself also XLE version does not have HD radio, which is really weird. Other technological advances are pretty much OK. Conclusion is simple : Toyota could not do it this time.

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  Toyota Camry, Totally Cool ! - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Kathy McCormick - October 8 - 4:46 am

  My Camry is the most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned, needing only the recommended, standard services during my ownership. Its a vehicle I enthusiastically recommend, by a manufacturer (Toyota) of the highest caliber. The back seats are as comfortable and roomy as in most luxury cars, making for a pleasant passenger experience. I plan to purchase Toyota products from this point forward.

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  Wow - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Wow - October 8 - 4:40 am

  I have had a great experience with this little car! Great on gas, great on oil! No leaking problems or burning oil at all. This car is quality. I commute nearly 80 miles a day, and this car has had no problems.

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  2005 Camry hits a home run!! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By David - October 8 - 12:13 am

  The acceleration and overall performance, comfort and convenience are not available in any other brand for this price.

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  Great, but has had its share of problems - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By aposak - October 7 - 8:13 pm

  My wife has had this car since we met. Its her daily driver, as well as our trip vehicle. Overall, it handles very well. The engine is powerful, much more so than my 2003 Nissan Altima (with the same size V6). It handles confidently, and the brakes are string. The few times weve used 4wd in the snow and offorad trails, it worked well. The interior quality is okay, with a few minor issues. The powertrain reliability, however, simply hasnt been there. Since Ive been around the car, it rattles loudly on startup. The 4x4 lights randomly light up, indicating a problem, but non found. Recently, the VVT module exploded, causing extensive engine damage. Caveat emptor.