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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  OWNING ONE MAKES YOU------ - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By joe540ci - September 2 - 1:13 am

  Makes you learn and understand how cool a hybrid is. You start driveing different to get better mileage (braking sooner and lighter to recover energy, etc). You start looking for articles about your hybrid. Wonder if a bigger after market battery is available to boost the mileage higher. After 3800 miles Ive gon from 24 mpg to an average of 27+mpg. I just can"t see not ever buying a non-hybrid again.

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  Love the Camry! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Brenda - September 1 - 5:46 pm

  I love the Camry. I live in southern Virginia and travel to Pittsburgh, my hometown, several times a year. The trip is about 8 hours and I dont feel the least bit tired after the drive. Its comfortable, has great handling, and looks good too. Every time I stop along the trip, folks compliment me on it being such a good looking car. Toyota is such a reliable car, so Im happy I made this purchase from domestic cars to a Toyota. The domestics dont hold a candle to the Camry.

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  2016 prius eco - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By rob weis - September 1 - 4:35 pm

  With the eco trim. No spare tire. Guess I have to watch tire condition to avoid tire problems or keep AAA on speed dial if I have a tire problem

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  First time buying a Toyota - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Kelly L. - September 1 - 1:42 pm

  Drove multiple Toyotas and was sold quickly after driving the 2018 SE Camry. Handles well, easy to use functions, and looks sharp.

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  Reliable & quiet car - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By th - September 1 - 9:26 am

  I enjoyed to drive my Camry 1997. Just to bring to the shop for regular maintenance, and fix 1x for the steering rod in last year (9 yrs & 5 months). Its is a fine, reliable, & quiet car. If someone ask me which car I will buy, Ill say another Camry!

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  One Year with the AWD Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By mick - September 1 - 9:03 am

  I have 15500 miles after one year with the 2004 AWD Matrix. No mechanical problems. I am located in the upper midwest so AWD in the winter is a big deal. Winter came and I had no problems. Summer time I have a boat so we are on the water and at the beach a lot. It is a great beach car. I average about 31 mpg on the highway and 21-24 mpg in town. For a 4-wheel drive, that is as good as it gets. Zippy and nimble in town. Comfortable on long trips. Needs more low-end tourque. Big hills can be an issue.

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  Cant beat the gas mileage for the price. - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Jon - September 1 - 8:46 am

  Just bought a new 06 Corolla CE, auto, pwr locks/windows & mirrors, I have 750 miles on it, gas mileage is great, 37mpg on second tank. May pick up some after break-in? More than doubled my Silverado mpg.

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  This car is great - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By billngb1 - September 1 - 7:33 am

  This is my second Camry and Toyota has to my amazement been able to improve on my previous model. The 6 speed transmission has helped with the engine noise especially when accelerating at highway speed. Downshifts are quicker and the fuel economy is 35 mpg on the highway in less than ideal conditions. I will not consider another GM or Ford in the future. Becasuse of their poor workmanship and inability or unwillingness to resolve past problems I will soon be an all-Toyota owner.

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  awesome 4Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By AnthonyS - September 1 - 2:56 am

  This vehicle is an awesome vehicle to drive on and off road. It has a Lexus like interior and and Gated shifter.

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  2017 Camry SE Great Car - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Chuck - Ohio - August 31 - 9:23 pm

  Car is very quiet and smooth. SE suspension is a little stiffer which I like. Controls are easy to use - not into all the Tech stuff. 4 cylinder engine is perfect choice for average commuter. Gas mileage is OK - could be better. Like the 6 speed automatic over the CVT in other cars. Love the interior layout and seat comfort. Test drove the others and the Camry was the best value. Overall a great family sedan. Good deals now to make room for the redesigned 2018. Dealership was great - easy to work with and no pressure.