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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  1999 Camry endless problems - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Alex - September 14 - 7:06 pm

  I purchased this certified car in Dec. 2002. At the beginning it was good. After I had problems with leaking water pump, transmission problems and last huge problem it start lose engine oil. Dealer made some repairs, but it was getting worse and worse. Last time 2 months ago oil level was below lower mark after 1000 miles!!! Dealer hold car for a week, replaced rings, recondition the engine head, bearings etc. Now, after 250 miles it lose 30% of oil. So, I need to go to dealer again.

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  New Owner - 300 mile review - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Fischman2 - September 14 - 7:00 am

  Well, I just got the car a few days ago and I have already put over 300 miles on the car. I got approximately 27.4 MPG on the first tank. Fun to drive, very comfortable.

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  Great Quality Mid-size Truck - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By wheatonbama - September 13 - 10:14 pm

  I have had my 2003 4runner for 11 years now with 156,000 miles and only had one major mechanical problem, which was replacement of gas tank fuel lines. Other than routine maintenance and wear and tear, the truck is great. I get really good gas mileage on the highway between 23 and 25 mpg even driving 70 mph on the hwy. In some instances I can get 27 mpg just driving 55 mph on cruise control. Hope to keep it for 300k and another 10 or 11 years. Oh yeah I use synthetic oil.

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  Solid truck for recreation - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By kdburns - September 13 - 9:33 pm

  This truck is a tank in mud and snow. Less than a week after we purchased it, we took it out into the Owhyee Mountains. While crawling up hills though several inches of mud, the Tacoma tracked very well where other (much larger) trucks had slid off the road and torn up the brush. My Tacoma has forded many streams and climbed over rocks without developing any problems. With lots of payload (lbs) and a truck bed, I can fit all my gear, including shovels and saws, for winter camping in the truck, plus my dogs crate in the back seat. It handles surprisingly well on highway - better than my Subaru Forester. Over 16000 miles, Ive averaged 20 mpg in city, highway, and off-road miles.

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  no teething problems - a followup - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By captain - September 13 - 6:30 pm

  Generally a big no-no to buy a truly new car - better to wait awhile and let the mfgr. work out the bugs? After 4 months and 10000 miles I would tell you that this does not apply if that car happens to be a Toyota. No problems at all of any sort - just an insanely quick (it will outrun almost everything else on the road), comfortable/quiet car (think Lexus), and all at some equally ludricrous mpg. Averaging 27 mpg at a 70/30 highway/city mix. This is a BIG car! Funny thing is, that although I live in a big city, just dont see any Avalons on the road and very few on the dealer lots. No matter, if you are looking at larger 4 door sedans, the Avalon is a must drive and a superior value.

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  Love it! - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Ml Mccarthy - September 13 - 1:36 pm

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  Amazing car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By m3turko - September 13 - 10:18 am

  The first owner was my dads friend. with no care for his car. barely any oil changes or checkups gave it to us at 140,xxx. Had one accident already. and went through 3 more. 1 from the back, 1 in the front. got it fixed and kept on going the car died 4 months ago at 189,xxx but dont think yours will too since the car was in the last accident which caused it. so after we got it from him. we kept it in top condition and i know for a fact we could have pushed it to over 250k. so my opinion? its one tough s.o.b. i honestly recommend it.

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  Primary driver - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By herb - September 13 - 10:16 am

  Overall, its a fun car to drive. It looks sharp, a step above the other cars, with cool head and tail lights, stylish body and room for 4 adults.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Brian Con - September 13 - 7:26 am

  Purchased it new based on the value for the money, safety and comfort. Did not order the nav or the laser cruise control which appears to be a smart move. White metallic paint with the light grey leather looks great. Add the factory mudflaps which will keep the sides of the car clean. No repairs of any kind until the recent rash of recalls. Transmission can seem "funky" once in a while? I believe that the Touring model has a less "soft" ride for more spirited driving dynamics but I did not like the black interior. Great road car! 4k mile drive out west and got +30 mpg at 80+++ all day long. We are in our 40s not 70s and we enjoy the car very much. We are keeping the car long-term.

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  Excellent Used Car - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By dadjazz - September 13 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this car as a school commute vehicle for my son. It had 70,000 miles at purchase. It now has 105,000 miles with only a small strut mount problem that cost a couple of hundred bucks to fix. Excellent reliable transportation.