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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  Love it - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By edaber - January 20 - 1:10 am

  After about 2000 miles of mixed highway city driving I am averaging almost 37 miles per gallon. The car feels solid and not like I have sacrificed amenities for economy.

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  Missing some things - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Mjunda - January 19 - 10:50 pm

  Real good car. Great fuel economy. The orginal tires will only get 20K miles. Be careful putting in a carseat with a top strap. It you put it in like toyota tells you you may wind up with a permanent strap indentation on your rear headrest. The thing that is missing is the rear DOES NOT FOLD down on the SE model. I know it is for the sport tuning in the suspension, but I need more versitality in my cars. I should have bought the LE with the styling kit.

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  Good buy - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Driver1 - January 19 - 11:00 am

  My driving experience thus far with the Camry has been positive. It handles well and the engine performs great for a 4 cyl. The engine is quiet and it accelerates well. The seating is relatively comfortable. Although Im 62 tall and most sedans are not fun to get in and out of for me anyway. The only thing this car doesnt have is trunk space. If you have kids I would suggest a larger vehicle unless you intend on having only one child. Overall the car is fun to drive, its reliable, and is awesome on the freeway for those 2-3 hr trips.

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  Mostly Sensible, Little Flair - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By bustabust359 - January 19 - 9:23 am

  I drive the S, so it has a sportier look, but nothing sportier under the hood. I dont like that this model is larger than previous generations. At times my compact parks like a small bus. OK gas mileage, though I admit my mileage is 90% city (averaging around 27-30 mpg, 34-37 when I do drive highway).

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  Fun, Solid Vehicle On-road and Off - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mike - January 19 - 8:14 am

  As stated in the vehicle details, I purchased a 2016 Tacoma TRD Off Road with the 6ft bed and have around 500 miles on it. My buying experience (my first time buying a new vehicle) was regrettably long and stress-filled and, in the end, I ended up having to special order the truck I wanted. However, now that I have my Tacoma, I couldnt be happier with it and would really recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a capable, dependable truck but dont want to have to deal with the overwhelming size or poor gas mileage of a full-sized. The primary purpose of my Tacoma is commuting (17 miles each way) and it really is a dream to drive on pavement. Ive noticed that, with the softer-sprung Bilstein shocks and higher sidewall tires, my Tacoma really soaks up normal the small road "chatter" and easily handles the bigger bumps as well. There is also none of the bone-jarring or harsh pounding that you normally get with a pickup truck when you hit bumps or potholes. Fuel mileage has been exceptional as well, as Ive been getting anywhere between 18-20mpg in-town and 20-24mpg on the highway, if I keep speeds at or under 70mph. For once, the EPA ratings werent exaggerated. Ive taken my truck off road once and, in my experience, it certainly lives up to its reputation. The "road" that I took it on was more of a snowmobile trail that included muddy washouts and bony/rocky sections and the Tacoma ate up everything I threw at it. I was a bit worried about the seating position and lack of adjustability with the front seats and steering wheel but the Tacoma is actually a lot more comfortable than I was expecting. Im 58" with a fairly small frame and the seats and interior fit me perfectly. The "legs-out" driving position that gets so much flak from reviewers is actually how I normally drive so it was no problem for me. I will end with a word of caution and advise for those looking to buy a 2016 Tacoma: before buying this vehicle, have your dealer check the transmission fluid level because it is likely going to be low. Many, many people have been complaining about harsh shifting, especially when slowing down or going from Reverse to Drive. Its been discovered that a lot of units, especially those who have bought models with the optional Tow Package, are being shipped from the factory with low levels of tranny fluid. Its assumed that the factory techs arent taking into account the extra transmission fluid cooler that comes installed with the Tow Package, which adds volume to the transmission system, thus requiring more fluid. Before I purchased my vehicle, I had my dealership check the ATF levels and they discovered that it was low by a little over a liter. They topped off the fluids and I have not had any problems with the transmission.

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  The most fun Ive had driving - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Dee - January 19 - 6:40 am

  I traded up from a 2005 Corolla the best choice I have every made, donÂ’t get me wrong it was a great car but compared to my Camry it was just a baby. My Camry runs just as smooth as my momÂ’s Infiniti G35. The wheel mounted controls, blue tooth and speed/noise sensitive volume control, without a doubt make it the best full size sedan out there for the money. I know because I tried almost all of them the Madza6, Malibu, Altima, Sonata, Accord even a Hyundai Genesis and they all fail in comparison. Trust me.

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  Good Choice - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By broufam - January 19 - 4:57 am

  I purchased my 2011 Camry LE on Jan 6,2011. I Paid $20,500. I have the Bluetooth and Window tint and Aluminum wheels. I travel primary highway miles at 130 miles round trip per day. I have now filled up 3 times and as I average my fuel, it has been consistant with 31mpg highway. I do not do very much city driving. I drive 73Mph with cruise everyday to work. The car handles well, saying it has the 4cyl w/auto transmission. It is pretty comfortable to drive the distance I do to and from work. I have plenty of head room and the children in the back say they sit comfortable. My wfie sat in the back seat at the height of 55" and had no complaints. She really enjoys the car when she gets to driv

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  Everything ive wanted and then some - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By adam2562 - January 18 - 5:29 pm

  My 2010 4runner currently has 39k and has been flawless to me.. i bought it with 26k to avoid the high new car price and couldnt be more satisfied with it. Itll tow anything that Ill ever need to tow and carries everything i could want. The only thing Ive had it in the dealer for was the TSB on the headlight replacement for when they haze up. I didnt need it done but figured Id do it before i was out of warranty. all these things need are oil changes and routine maintenance and they should go forever! I love the new interior on the 5th generations! Bluetooth, backup cam, nice easy to use Navi all looks good on the black interior! cant forget the famous roll down back window!!!

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  Got it right the second time - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By MP - January 18 - 2:13 pm

  Okay so like most people my wife and I drove the two top contenders for the mid size cars. The Accord LX and the Camry LE. Although we liked both cars a lot we went with the recommendations of all the trade mags and bought the Honda Accord. After a month we both agreed that the Accord was no comparision to the Toyotas quite and more comfortable ride. Were not all that old but I dont understand how anyone can like the rock hard sharp edged Accord seats. There terrible! Other than that and being a little noisier than the Camry its a fine car but really not nearly as comfortable ride as the Camry. We traded in the Honda after a month and have had the Camry for two months and are very Happy.

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  Get the Accord! - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Joey - January 18 - 7:45 am

  I bought this car 2 months ago, and has always had awful road noise. There is an awful vibration when I get above 40mph, which really sucks. I really wish I got the Accord. The Honda Accord is much quitter, spacious, better looking, better mpg also. I cant believe I got the Camry, it is like a disaster. Get the Honda Accord!