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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  Toyota Solara SLE convertible - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By ross333 - August 13 - 6:10 am

  There is a problem with rear view visibility from the drivers seat with the top up. The rear seat head restraints all so block vision out of small rear window. The Toyota body is not stiff enough with out the unit body roof, this makes the convertible a bit unstable on all but super smooth road surface. You get a lot of shake car needs improved body supports.

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  Love My Car - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By annie86004 - August 13 - 3:16 am

  I have been pleasantly surprised with the comfort of this car. The drivers seat curves nicely around me to provide support for my back. I havent had it long enough to know just what sort of mileage I get yet, but Im impressed so far - Ive gone about 100 miles and only used 1/4 tank. In my other car, which I traded in, I would have used 1/2 tank by that time.

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  WOW All of the angry owners - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Payne - August 13 - 2:31 am

  I appraise this car my last car was a 2007 Camry le that got totaled at 110,000miles now purchased a 2015 Camry SE. This car is a beauty its reliable and little bit affordable for me the fit and finish materials are nice on this midsize car. My new Camry was bought on 7/23/15 no issues I use this car getting around Lexington KY area etc. So far I have had zero problems its a beautiful car looks more like a Lexus instead being Americas Bestselling midsize car even interior comfortable equipped leather seats and sunroof. Four cylinder engine is sweet as gets excellent gas mileage 30/35mpg on highway believe this car is worth an true excellent value know this car will last 100,000 changing spark plugs and using Synthetic oil at that time breaking the motor not disappointed with my 2007 as still miss that car but more satisfied with this newer Camry.

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  Some Of Toyotas Best Work - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By bhmcommute - August 12 - 5:23 pm

  We traded a 2008 Accord for this Venza, much less road noise than the Honda. The front seat comfort is excellent. We get the same gas mileage in a 4 cylinder as we did in the Accord. First two trips on a fresh engine got us 28.8, so its right on the 29 sticker. Plus no more brake problems like all late model Accords. Love the comfort and room. The back seat is one of the most comfortable of any I have ever sat in. 4 cylinder has plenty of power and the V6 is just plain fast for a family size car. Plus, it just looks great. Very modern and stylish. Would recommend to anyone.

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  Reliablity galore! - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Joe D, Philadelphia - August 12 - 4:36 pm

  I bought the 99 used in 2004. Ive been driving for almost 2 years now and no problems! (clock wire is loose, no biggie). Still has great pickup, especially in 1st and 2nd gears! 4WD is great in the snow. One of the best riding/reliable vehicles Ive ever owned. This sucker will run to 200k miles without a doubt (currently only at 60k).

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  All around great car - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Pasta - August 12 - 2:46 pm

  As the title states... Bought the car for its mileage, dependability, and versatility. Im a handy-man so hauling wood and other building materials is a fairly common occurrence for me. I also MTB ride often and being able to throw the bike and gear in the back or several on a rack for long trips with friends is also common. This car handles ALL of that with grace. The manual transmission is good. Shifting is positive, short throws. Acceleration is more than adequate. Its not a sports car (for 15 years, my previous car). Youre in the wrong price range and class if you are expecting that type of handling and performance. Even still, the Matrix performs very well.

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  Great Car - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Saladin - August 12 - 12:33 pm

  I was debating between this corolla, a new Si or a used Nissan Sentra, and I went with the Corolla. I am very happy with my choice. I hated the style of the Civic Si. The car runs very smooth with no problems, and despite what many say, I have had no problems with the steering. The MPG is great. Its a fun little car to drive, great turn angle and super-easy to control. If you are into racing, you wont be beating v6 cars of course, but when youre up against another v4 consumer car, you will most likely come out as the winner thanks to the great engineering of this car.

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  quality econo vehicle - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By No1Stunna - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I spotted this little ride at the local dealership and on a whim went and checked it out...a couple hours later I was driving it home. It is designed very well on the interior, lots of little storage spots and plus the center dash is just tight. Rides well and can hold its own easily on the highway---just in case you are wondering. Fuel economy is off the chain but you dont sacrifice much to get it. People keep asking me what kind of car you got? Yo---get your own echo!!!

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  Toyota Echo - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By Mimerlan - August 12 - 10:00 am

  We have really enjoyed our Toyota Echo. If you are not after luxury, this is one to consider. It gets great gas mileage, and it has plenty of leg room. Our son is 62" and he has no complaints with the head and leg room. It has plenty of pep for passing and take-offs. And it cruises nicely down the road at 70 mph. It sets up higher than any compact car we considered. It also has plenty of trunk space. For the price, comfort and economy you cant beat it!

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  dont compare with GLE - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By CarManiac - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I brought a brand new 2001 avalon XL with bucket seats with power, JBL sound system, and 15inch rims. I had no problems with the brakes, tires, engine and etc. I really like this cars paint job. It is a great travel car. at the speeds of 80- 90mph there isnt much road or wind noise, which is amazing. there is one problem; after 8,000 miles the back doors open and close alot. Screws inside or something is loose, everytime i go on a bump i hear the squeeking or cracking noise on the doors. I dont know why some people compare this car with the Maxima GLE, i mean its a sports car, not a luxury family car.