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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  Only Toyota - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Guitarmom - October 28 - 4:40 am

  We have purchased many Toyota vehicles but this is the best! We love Toyota due to the quality of the vehicle. They hold their value better than any other vehicle of this price. The ride is super quiet and smooth. It holds to the road great. The ride and drive is super!

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  I like it - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By LittleMaster - October 27 - 10:06 pm

  I never liked toyota before, but this car is great.

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  Cheap, Efficient, SOLID - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Paul - October 27 - 5:20 pm

  Just an overall great compact sedan. Of course driving it you would think it was compact. Quiet ride, good stability, and fun. With prices they way they are you are able to have a regular car that isnt a hybrid and still gives you great gas mileage to the gallon.

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  no one told it it was a truck - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By John Scull - October 27 - 4:41 pm

  First off as I still have my 14 year old Ranger, there has been a learning curve, a big one. First off love the truck, and it is easy to enjoy. Used it for work the first week I owned it and while it was not as easy to do the job as it was in the Ranger it filled in well, and had no problems. Truck rides nicer than the Ranger and is gawd awful quick compared to the Ranger. While the Ranger ride is very truckish, the Tacoma is much smoother and is much more comfortable. I am still learning all the bells and whistles, but I find a lot of them very useful. the climate control system took some getting used to, but does its job very well. I am not impressed with the Sirius System and could very well live without it. In fact I will be cancelling g it shortly, as it is so limited in choices. Have not had to use four wheel drive much so far, but when I did it was flawless, and easy to use. Little bit fuel hungry, but this is off set by performance. No one told my truck that it was a pick up truck, as it loves to whoop up on those pesky lil Beer Can Racers, the ones that are souped up mini cars, which is kinda fun. While not as powerful as the Mustang 5.0 I liked, it will get you in big ticket area rel quick. I am also impressed by it have a class 4 towing package. Over all very pleased with mine.

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  Dont look any further - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By jjehly - October 26 - 1:23 pm

  This car is a LOT of fun to drive. The ride is a little more stiff than the Camry and its a little louder. The guages are extremely easy to see even in direct sunlight and are very well thought out. All of the controls are within easy reach and make sense where they are placed. The drivers seat has a height adjustment so my wife (on the short side) can see out just as well as I can when she lifts it up. Our 3 kids fit in the back without any problems and my 10 year old still has plenty of leg room and room to grow even when I have the seat as far back as I need it. The seats folding and creating a flat loading space is great, durable and easy to clean.

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  Camry vs Accord - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By DK - October 25 - 1:00 pm

  I purchased a Lunar Mist 2006 Camry SE 6cyl auto. I have previously owned 4 new Accords (90,94,98,03) but this is my first Camry. I chose the Camry because it is much quieter, roomier, and smoother on the road than the Accord. The dash layout is better (even the steering wheel audio controls are lighted). The 03 Accord quality was not up to my expectations. The Camry SE is sportier and handles much better. Both V6s have plenty of power, and the Accord did get a MPG or so better, but the Camry more than makes up for that in everyday driving pleasure... very easy to live with.

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  Great... again! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Our 5th Camry - October 25 - 12:30 pm

  This is our 5th Camry. Our first Camry was an 89. Its still in the family as I gave it to my 72 yo Mom about 8 years ago. We had 2 - 94s (mine and my wifes). We replaced my 94 with the 02 Camry 3 years ago (running great), and just 3 months ago we replace my wifes 94 with the 05 Camry. Having driven my 02 Camry for 3 years, I was surprised by the even smoother ride of the 05 Camry. ABS brakes are now standard & we opted for the side-impact-air-bag option so we feel safer.

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  The Best! - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By MAMayer - October 25 - 9:36 am

  I waited a long time to buy a 4Runner, much too long. I love everything about it. Exterior has classic lines; interior is very comfortable. Love it!

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  Cant beat a Toyota - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Javi - October 24 - 7:18 pm

  My review is based on the 4cyl Se 2016 Camry. I have owned the vehicle for a while and by far beats my friends BMW same year. I have never had to take it to the dealer just for its normal check ups which include oils changes,tire rotation etc etc. I use this car as a daily driver and drive about 35 miles per day and about 60 on weekend days. Its comfortable. Quiet. Sound system is great. You cannot expect for the car to be fast when its a 4cyl none turbo. But the cars performance is great and its great on gas. Im not willing to get less miles per gallon for more horse power. It fits great if you drive it everyday and its very spacious. Great back seat space and huge trunk. My neighbor has a Toyota Camry 1999 and has over 200k miles. Toyota is the way to go in my opinion. I highly recommend it.

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  Cant beat a Toyota - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Javi - October 24 - 7:18 pm

  My review is based on the 4cyl Se 2016 Camry. I have owned the vehicle for a while and by far beats my friends BMW same year. I have never had to take it to the dealer just for its normal check ups which include oils changes,tire rotation etc etc. I use this car as a daily driver and drive about 35 miles per day and about 60 on weekend days. Its comfortable. Quiet. Sound system is great. You cannot expect for the car to be fast when its a 4cyl none turbo. But the cars performance is great and its great on gas. Im not willing to get less miles per gallon for more horse power. It fits great if you drive it everyday and its very spacious. Great back seat space and huge trunk. My neighbor has a Toyota Camry 1999 and has over 200k miles. Toyota is the way to go in my opinion. I highly recommend it.