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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  What a great buy! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By ARW - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I brought my Camry with a little less than 15K miles. All the previous cars I had owned had been domestic and there is a big difference in the handling. My Camry came with ABS brakes and I decided to get the car certified before I purchased it and the dealership threw in a cargo net for the truck as well. Not a bad purchased for $17,450. I am having a ball with this car. It is worth every penny. I finally found a car that a 510 female can enjoy riding in the back seat. This was my biggest concern of mine. I knew I could drive just about any car, but I wanted one I could be confortable in the back in as well. Great job guys.

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  AWESOME - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By lharrington - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Previously had a 98 dodge sport.. absolutely love this van..its true what they say about feeling like your in your own living room as far as the comfort level...however, there are some things that toyota may want to look into. such as--that silly little eyeglass storage on the drivers side, the issue of lights-if a child may push an interior light and leave it on- it remains on-with no timer to shut off, auto door should open with out van having to be in park mode,cupholders/2nd row in sliders have to go-rearhatch,needs a handle to push on to shut...these are all small issues--otherwise i love this van.

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  Great car in town or long haul - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By Duncan Beardsley - September 10 - 10:42 pm

  We loved the mileage - 30,000 miles average 42.7 miles to the gallon on regular. We hadnt anticipated that we would take it on long trips, but have ended up doing so as the car operates so efficiently. We had been told it didnt have any acceleration when getting on a freeway. Not True. He have never felt that there wasnt additional power when we asked for it. Finally with the fold down back seats we have been able to transport all sorts of things that we hadnt expected would fit.

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  My Venza - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By rsj3064 - September 10 - 4:30 pm

  I purchased my Venza in April. I love the car, however my wife says that on the passenger side the seat is uncomfortable and the ride seems like you are rocking and rolling from side to side. Otherwise a fantastic auto.

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  Just keeps on going - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By I heart the Mry - September 10 - 4:23 am

  My mom gave me this car in 2006 with about 140,000 miles on it. Earlier this year, I decided I should probably start saving for a new car, as the Toyota was getting old. By time this car dies Ill probably have saved enough to buy a new Mercedes. It just keeps going! At 173K right now with no major mechanical repairs. I have recently had little things happen, such as the trunk "pop" mechanism breaking, but I can access it through the backseat for now. I hope my next car (hopefully I can afford another Camry!) lives up to this ones standard.

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  2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By jacqueline - September 10 - 12:16 am

  I LOVE the Camry. I feel safe in it. I love the blue-tooth and I can live with the cloth seats. The interior colors (gray) look very nice. I feel like I am being kinder to Mother Earth, and am happy driving right by the gas station. Its a great car. Go get one!

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  Best car on the road - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By E.C. Newell - September 9 - 11:46 pm

  We enjoy this car so much. It is the best car we have driven. We are not young people (in our 70s). We have driven GM cars for years, then switched to Toyota, what a difference. This is our 5th Toyota Avalon, (new) and we have one 1996 that my husband drives that he bought used. So we have driven 5 new ones and one used on making six, so you know we are happy with Toyota.

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  Surprisingly Roomy! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Ray - September 9 - 11:23 pm

  The title is what I hear from all of my friends and the "anti-Prius" crowd when they first sit in my car. With so many suggested improvements, why did I give it such a high mark? Mainly because the cons mean a lot less to me than the pros. Last year, I was set on buying a hybrid, so when comparing other models, the Prius was a hands down winner. The rear trunk/back seat design is much more superior than the hybrid honda civic. I also feel it is superior to the Toyota Camry Hybrid. If the Prius is too expensive, I have a friend who bought a Honda Fit and loves it. Overall, the Prius is a great car with a great design, and I am happy to see more and more of them in the Boston area!

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  Toyota; In a league of their own... - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Brutus the Buckeye - September 9 - 4:20 pm

  We just purchased a 2006 Camry XLE 4-cyl. We opted for the 4 cyl for the simple reason of gas mileage. At 28-29 overall driving and high 30s for highway, it was a no-brainer. The 4-cyl has plenty of pick up for us. Quiteness and ride quality for long trips is great same as Lexus. Camry is very quiet. Trunk space is good as well. Dash is easy to read and see. Headlights are great. And above all, it is Toyota. Awesome!

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  Love it! - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Jessica - September 9 - 12:00 pm

  Just traded my 2009 Toyota Camry in for this wonderful SUV and I absolutely love it! I feel like I have tons of room, endless storage space,it handles very well, and it is a very smooth ride. I got the Base model, and although it doesnt come with any upgraded features (GPS, backup camera assist, etc.) it is the greatest car I have ever had! I did some research on the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V, and I think I made the greatest decision ever!