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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  Now a real road machine! - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Glenn Norris - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my auto last Friday and immediately went on a 500 mile trip. I now have a 04 Toyota MR2, a 2009 LE Camry and this 11 SE. This car has a great comfortable ride with stiffer suspension than the LE. The fit and finish is outstanding. It held the curves very well on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I especially recommend the Smart Key System with PB starting and wireless door entry and XM radio w/Bluetooth wireless. Also, spend a couple of hundred dollars and get pin-striping and side body molding. It will pay off in the long run. Fox Toyota in Clinton, Tn was great to deal with. I choose this car over the Hyundai Sonata Because of the much better trade and the dependability of the Camry.

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  Unexpected - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By andram - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I was looking to replace my base model Yaris with a more feature laden car. After driving the Subaru Legacy, Forester, Outback I was drawn back to Toyota. I appreciated the reliability and confidence you get by owning one, they truly are well built cars. I originally drove an S model Corolla, but wanted to try out a manual Camry. Luckily the dealer had a 2007 5 spd Camry on the lot, I was surprised. It drove great, competent but not sporty handling, great brakes, and very spacious. Having driven both the 2007 2.4L 5 spd and the 2011 2.5L 6 Spd Camrys, I can say the 2.5L 6spd combo is the way to go. Very smooth, plenty of torque. They are hard to find cars, but well worth it!

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  Best car - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By cari - August 12 - 1:13 am

  Bought the Toyota Corolla in Vancouver 1994 and when I moved to Ontario, it was transported across. It has been the best car ever with no problems. Serviced once a year and running like a new car. Highly recommendable.

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  Great Car - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By Tarbox - August 12 - 12:00 am

  This is my second Avalon. It is a great car. Roomy and responsive. Quiet and quick.

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  Quality and Reliability? Think Again. - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By robertoduh - August 11 - 10:26 pm

  I bought this oh so reliable Camry in March 2010 with only 96k miles. I was thinking this car would at least run to 200k or maybe even 300k, but I found out it wont even make it to 130. I have 123 on the clock now, and in the time I had it, I poured over $6500 in repairs. A rebuilt transmission/engine, faulty airbag module, two broken window motors, and a new gas tank. The transmission went out at 100k, and the engine went out at 103k. Now with this "new" engine, it loves to stall at red lights. Not really helpful if Im stuck on a grade in traffic. Also, the interior quality sucks. My door panels are all cracking and falling off because of weakened clips. Thats quality for ya!

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  Sold - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By sold - August 11 - 4:56 pm

  No repairs and always starts to 180000+ miles. Still getting 32 miles to gallon.

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  First Month with the Camry Hybrid (2007) - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Ron Turner - August 11 - 3:23 pm

  My wife and I have been driving a 2002 Camry 4cyclinder XLE and love it dearly. Never a moments trouble with this auto and fairly descent fuel efficiency.. avg 23mpg. Last month we purchased a 2007 Camry hybrid EXPECTING that this Toyota would be as elegant and fun to drive as the 2002!! The interior of the 2007 is not as nicely appointed as our former Camry and the overall driving experience is inferior to our 2002. The shifting process from gas engine to the electric motor drive is far from seamless and the average fuel consumption is only about 29mpg. We are both quite disappointed with our new Camry. The limited trunk space is also a major concern to us.

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  Nice car - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Garrett - August 11 - 8:37 am

  It is a very nice car. Worth way more than what I paid for it. Ive had it for about two years now and it had 189,000 miles on it. The handling is very good, the leather seats are very comfortable, the visibility is good, moon roof is fully functional, acceleration is rather decent, and brakes are good. The radio is not very good. The speakers sound very good for this generation, but the antenna motor (the one that is supposed to retract the antenna back into the vehicle after the radio is switched off) does not retract the antenna; it just makes noise. The CD and Tape players no longer work, but the AM/FM Tuner works great. The trunk is absolutely massive and the interior room is superb. Overall, a very nice car.

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  2002 Sequoia Limited 4x4 - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By HS - August 11 - 5:43 am

  Fun vehicle to drive. It is very well built and plenty of standar features. I felt that the 10 speaker description on the window tag is misleading. They count the front door speakers as two because is has a tow elements (tweeter and wolver - if I am describing it right). But even count this speaker as two each, I still can not find two of the ten speakers. The sound system could be a little better.

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  Echo Best Gas Mileage, Reliable, Roomy! - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By family2kids - August 11 - 3:23 am

  The best car ever. My wife and our two kids fit in just right. Bought the car with 17K miles in it in 2004, now has 140K miles. Drove from Frankfort KY to Chicago in one tank (38-40 mpg) everytime. Very easy on the wallet, usually pump gas once or twice a month at most ($20-25 bucks/mo). Drove through the worst snowstorms (Nebraska, Illinois) and did well. Carried five adults with trunk full of suitcases to Chicago airport from KY just fine. Able to pass cars or trucks on hwy real easy. VERY ROOMY, more space than Corolla, Camry, Taurus, etc. Father in law 64" 300 lbs drove comfortably over 400 miles, that says something :). Toyota is awesome. Odometer easy to see while driving.