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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  6 yrs old and flawless - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Graco Guy - October 21 - 9:43 pm

  Bought this new in 2002 and it has been fine. Not a high performance vehicle with the 4cyl, but great road car and commuter. Have had not one single problem in 68,000 miles. Get about 32 mpg on the highway, and close to that on my commute mix. Very solid car, but not exciting to drive for me. Im thinking Acura TSX or RL next time.

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  Function over Form - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By Blaze - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Better than average reliability, plenty of power and room for toting a family around town or long trips, good resale value...not going to win a beauty contest. Some quirks such as noise in front struts and sun roof and wheel balance issue from the start...Ive learned to turn up the radio and Toyota replaced the bad wheel. Only big surprise repair was the power steering rack recently ($1200)...disappointing.

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  Great Ride, Poor MPG - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By rsl - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Almost new, but mileage far below sticker numbers. Ride is solid and comfortable (with exceptions below). No squeaks, rattles or wind noise. Exterior styling second to none, interior style flawed. Clock positioned so you have to lean forward to see it through steering wheel, and console so far back that its not accessible while driving. Seat back is poorly designed for me (62"), but might improve with time. Drivers seat wont slide forward like the passenger seat for rear access. Engine performs well, but if you try to drive faster than a little old lady you can almost here it drinking gas. The anti-lock brakes are excellent on wet pavement.

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  More good than bad - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By ellicott city - October 20 - 6:56 am

  Yes, there is a hesitation problem, usually not from a long stop but when you slow down to the lowest gears then try to accelerate quickly. So it jerks sometimes. But once up and going, the car is very smooth and quiet. The engine sounds bad or burdened when accelerated hard though. Even though its SE (V6), the ride is very comfortable even on the some bumps. I compared it with Honda accord (4-cyl). I felt that Accord has better transmission and build quality but the ride is terrible. I am getting 23.5 mpg on mostly highway usually traveling at 70 mph. It has a V6 punch and is somewhat fun to drive. The seat is comfy and it handles well.

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  Looking for safety - 2017 Toyota RAV4
  By William Hatton - October 19 - 5:54 am

  Some safety features weak and/or overpriced compared with Subaru

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  Jerky/Slow responding Camry - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By ramankgb - October 18 - 10:43 am

  The Camry gives impressive fuel economy for a V6. Reston, va to Erie, pa on a tank of gas. Very silent compared to my 2.4L Camry. The fit and finish are excellent and is the interior comfort. Excellent JBL stereo option. The only problems i noticed was, The transmission shifts back and forth at low speeds. It gets very annoying especially in rush hour traffic. I am assuming that to save on cost, the same tranny as the one used in 2.4L or 3.3L was mated to the 3.0L. Also, the Drive by wire system response is tragically slow, especially during accelaration for passing other cars, to the point that it can become a safety hazard, as the driver is unable to judge the passing time.

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  Fine Car overall - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Frank S - October 18 - 1:13 am

  I waited a month to write my review after I purchased the car. Overall, the car is fine and rides nice. It’s a Toyota and we all know it will last forever. The Entune 3.0 system is adequate but could be better. Hopefully Toyota will have Apple Car Play or Android Auto soon. My biggest thing is how the car rides and how it looks. It is very smooth and feels solid. The new design is also very nice. I traded my 13 Accord for the 18 Camry and have not regretted my decision.

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  Not bad for the money - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By bschram - October 17 - 3:11 pm

  Ive only had it for three weeks but mileage has amazed me. There is a calculator in the trip meter that told me I averaged 24.2 but actual MPG came out to 25.8 all city. WIsh vehicle had a little more ground clearance and some of its plastic panels were a little more sustantial. Car has a fragile feel to it. Comfort, quiet, mileage and handling are very nice. Looked at the Sonata but Crest Hyundai scared me away with the paint, fabric and all the other add ons they wanted on top of the car price that you are always advised to stay away from. Toyota can thank Hyundai for me buying a Camry.

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  M Theory - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By BigSam - October 17 - 10:53 am

  I have the Speedway Blue M-Theory Special Edition. Awesome 17" wheels & spoiler. Chicks love the car! Seriously. Mines a 5 speed & still has little power, but I dont mind. I usually get about 32 mpg, but I drive about 80% city miles. Havent been on a long road trip to test strict highway mileage. Im 63" & car has plenty of room for me. The seat is only halfway back! Ride is a little rough with "sporty" suspension on M Theory. Occasionally clicking sound in brakes, dealer says is normal - thats a little annoying. Fun to drive!

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  Mines not Quiet - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Karen - October 17 - 10:20 am

  After a year of research and test driving various SUVs and crossovers we settled on the HH and decided to order exactly what we wanted. We had test driven several HH and other hybrids and all were quiet, but none impressed us like the HH. When our HH came in we were excited. It was beautiful and had everything we wanted, except for the NOISE! When we brake to slow down it sounds like a jet engine winding down. It also has a click. We were expecting the quiet we had experienced with the other HHs we drove, but were greatly disappointed. The dealership has told us that some hybrids have that noise more than others - it is normal. I wont order again. I buy what I test drive on the lot.