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 Camry LE - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By jazz - April 17 - 2:00 am

  The Camry is by far the best car I have ever owned. It handles like a dream, and it has plenty of get up and go, especially for a 4 cylinder engine. It is very comfortable to ride in on long trips. All of the controls are easy to get at. It gets good gas mileage and is visually a beautiful automobile. It is also known for its reliability. What more could a person ask for in a car. I test drove many cars before deciding on the Toyota and I think Im hooked.

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  Satisfied - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By lmid - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I tested the Altima 3.5- nice features like sound system, cruise & audio on steering wheel (Toyota could have added), and exterior design, but the interior looked cheap. The seats were uncomfortable. I tested the Lexus ES300, but the added Luxury does not justify not getting a V6 XLE. I bought the Camry for all I received for the money. I hope it lives up to its reliability reputation. One reviewer also mentioned a sulfur type smell. I experienced this for the first week, but not since.

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  Pretty but painful - 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  By Jeff - April 16 - 9:25 pm

  If you are considering the current generation of Avalon - PLEASE read this and all reviews before purchasing. I drove my last vehicle for nearly 11 years before selecting the Avalon Limited Hybrid and was really planning that this vehicle would last as long - my conclusion after nearly 20,000 miles in the last 8 months is that the car might last but it wont be with me. The good - the car is beautifully styled, gas mileage is awesome for a car this size and the interior look is just really nice to be inside. Unfortunately thats about where the good ends - here are the negatives that I think you should consider before purchasing. First, ride comfort, EVERY person that has driven or ridden in my car has complained about the seats - front and back. They are dreadfully hard - an extra feature in the drivers seat is a nice lump that rests between your butt bones - I hope you are catching the sarcasm because Im laying it on thick. The driver and passenger seats both feel as though there is a baseball tucked under about 3/4" of padding right in that spot.

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  Kansan loves the Prius - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Jerry N. - April 16 - 10:30 am

  After four and a half years of Prius ownership we have sold ours to our son and bought a new one. The only real failure we had with the 2002 model was a computer failure that was repaired under warranty. We really love the way the Prius educates you to be a more economical driver. Would I buy another? Already have!!

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  Great Running - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Victoria Valencia - April 16 - 4:00 am

  The best vehicle I have ever driven. It has great pick-up. Very comfortable to drive. Taken on a few long trips handles great going over passes. Getting great gas mileage for an SUV. Holds 5 adults and 2 children. I think it is the best looking SUV on the road

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  Surprisingly good - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By RCR - April 16 - 2:30 am

  This vehicle is much better than I expected. I was hoping for a reliable utility vehicle, but it is that and much more. After 7000 miles, the car has been not only reliable but extremely comfortable and quiet; actually luxurious. Mileage has been much better than expected and much better than reported by many other reviewers. I have never checked the mileage on just highway driving or just city driving but I have never been below 25mpg combined, and usually closer to 27mpg.

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  Some parts should be recalled - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By James - April 16 - 2:00 am

  The door handle was broken in two years. I put two brand new catalytic converters on it the engine light comes back on again. It can not pass the annual inspection even though it still runs good with 125,000 miles on it. Its a pain to go through the inspection every year. It should last a life time.

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  Not so impressed - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By accountant - April 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car to replace a 12 year old camry. I thought I was moving upscale but after 3 months I have my doubts. The car runs smooth and has good power, satisfied with the mileage. The materials seem cheap. The panels on the exterior are poorly fit together and dont line up to each other anywhere. Everything is plastic. So far the airbag light was stuck on, they had to replace the seat belt latch. The trunk wouldnt close unless I slammed it hard as I could, they had to redrill and move the latch a little, the rubber weather stripping around the sun roof started peeling back, they glued it down, and now my compass keeps sticking on NE. I prefer my old Camry, more comfortable.

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  Fun Car - 2011 Toyota RAV4
  By carfreak - April 16 - 2:00 am

  Plenty of performance, easy to operate GPS navigation, very comfortable seats, and pretty good cargo holding. Vehicle came with Bridgestone Tires that have some road noise due to tread pattern. Vehicle has typical excellent Toyota fit and finish.

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  Amazing car! - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By smooth operator - April 16 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving around in my new Camry LE 2011 and cant believe how smooth the drive is and how little road noise. My wife and I love this car.I was originally going to by the SE but decided to go with the less priced LE. It has pretty much everything the SE has but cheaper. I feel safe in this car where I never did in my Honda Civic...I still love Hondas. It has a sporty look and some pretty good power to back it up. And to top it off, pretty economical.