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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  Bruce Lees Opinion - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By bruce Lee - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Great Vehicle

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  Satisfied... - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By mozzez - August 8 - 2:00 am

  PROS: This car is a HUGE improvement from the identical model of 2001. Seats are much more comfortable, Im 65" and my head doesnt have to stick through the sunroof. Radio/dash controls easy to access. Interior is stylish. Plenty easy-to-access storage throughout console and armrest. Back seat is comfortable. Low/no road/wind noise. Adequate steering/suspension. Plenty of storage in trunk - packed all but kitchen sink for roadtrip w/ child. Awsome safety features - 4 million airbags. My wife would give a rating of 12 if possible. CONS: Tranny jerks sometimes only when cold - maybe b/c its new? Exhaust pipe hangs down on all Camrys. Why?

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  Still excellent - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By JonJon1223 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE my Camry SE. I do a lot of driving daily, mostly highway. I get 30+ mpg, the ride is comfortable and quiet, the seats are really nice, great stereo with XM radio. Its roomy and fun to drive. Dont believe all the negativity that appears here. Its mostly bogus. Camry is by far still above the Sonata, Accord, and Altima.

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  Thank god for toyota - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By mark150 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  When looking for a small truck very few options existed. I owned a Toyota Tacoma before a few years ago, and checked out Chevy Dodge, Ford, Nissan. Besides hefty price tags, low resale values, bare bones options for $25,000 or less, no other truck compared to Tacoma. I was further surprised at the addition of the 4 cylinder with double cab offered this year. The truck is awesome, decent power, great ride and surprisingly quiet. To me their is no competition out their to compete with the Tacoma.

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  Excellent Buy - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By gary owens - August 7 - 7:20 pm

  Never owned a Toyota until I bought the 2007 Camry. I have heard about Toyotas from friends about how they were excellent automobiles and one of the best automobiles to own. So when the wife wanted a new car I decided to check out the Toyotas and was hooked.The new Camry design is excellent and I am excited to own my Camry. When I go to buy another auto it will be a Toyota.

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  Keep trucking! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Nawlins - August 7 - 5:50 pm

  Fuel mileage excellent (for a truck) 18.2 mpg after 3wks.

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  An SUV I can live with - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By ChuckHawley - August 7 - 5:50 pm

  Please understand that I really hate SUVs, but my family needed a car that could hold 6-7. I have always thought that the Highlander was the best looking small SUV, but I didnt realize that it had a third seat that would allow it to hold our family. We sold our Eurovan and bought a dealer demo, and I think its the best car I have ever owned. At 25K miles, its tight, quiet, comfortable, and everything that I could ask for in a family car. We happened to buy the loaded model, although I would have been happy with any combination as long as it had the third row. We have had it off-road once in Tahoe, and it handled a very rutted, rocky climb with ease. Highly recommended.

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  Best Out There For The Money - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By AsPaprman - August 7 - 1:23 pm

  I think this car is fantastic. I never thought I would own an Avalon, as I like really big luxury cars. This has met all my expectations. One thing I do not like is on the less expensive touring model you get HID headlamps, on the more expensive XLS, you dont! What were they thinking, for this price range almost $37,000 loaded how can you not give HID bulbs!

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  Happy owner - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Bruce - August 7 - 2:30 am

  The Solara is everything I hoped for. It has a smooth ride with great acceleration and handling. The interior is very comfortable and the sound system is fantastic.

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  Fun To Drive - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By dmedress - August 6 - 8:38 am

  Purchased the Camry SE 3.5 Fully Loaded in November 2013. I test drove many other vehicles before making a decision on the Camry SE. Prior to buying the Camry I drove 2003 Honda Accord that was bought new ended putting 140k. The Honda was in perfect mechanical condition but decided it was time to buy a newer car that had updated comfort features and the latest technology. After all the research and test driving I chose the Camry because you get more for less. The Toyota Care and roadside assistance sealed the deal. MPG is great considering its the 3.5