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! - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Emmy - June 11 - 5:46 am

  I bought this about 4 weeks ago and I can honestly say that I am so lucky to have gotten this for my first car. The ride is super smooth and the seats are very comfortable. I love that you can raise the seat up higher if you need to. For an 11 year old car, it still runs and looks brand new. The paint isnt faded at all. My only complaint is that the air conditioner makes a whistling noise on the higher settings... its strange. Gets cold fast though, which is all that matters. The stereo sounds great too; I got a cassette adapter for my ipod, and it works perfectly.

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  Love my Solara.... - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Brian P - June 11 - 4:20 am

  I love this car...the styling is what caught my eye,but after driving it,the ride is just incredible...I can also say is without a doubt the quietest car in terms of filtering out exterior noise that I have ever driven.I also love the highway mpg..right now at 31 mpg...

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  2007 Toyota Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Mario - June 10 - 2:46 pm

  Since new it was just pain to go through proper break-in period. After that it is fun to exploit this marvel of engineering. I had to learn new "space" technology. Previous car was 84 Chevy Impala. No comparison. Excellent city fuel economy. In general this car exceeded my expectation.

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  First Toyota - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Jessica - June 10 - 12:40 am

  I was able to lease my 2010 Camry at an amazing deal. I traded in my 2007 Ford Explorer because of how bad my mpg were and wanted a car. We looked at the Corolla but it was to small for my family. My deal was so amazing they even put in leather seats. The inside is beautiful. I can see everyones complaint about the cheap look to it but its still very nice and more classy then my Explorer. I miss having more room but the Camry is still a good size, even my hubby who is a big and tall guy fits well in it. I love the dash board at night and the extra storage areas in the car. I have had the car for about a month and am glad I choose this over an Accord, which I did not like the interior of.

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  380k and Still going - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By M.k. - June 9 - 10:03 pm

  I purchased this Camry new in 12/02. I commute to work about 120 miles everyday, and this car has served me well for 380,000 miles. I change the oil every 3,000 miles. Ive changed with suspension 3 times, brakes have been done 3 times. Apart from routine maintenance, the only problem this car has given me, was the A/C compressor went out at 210k. Not a big deal considering when it was replaced. I treat this car well, and it returns the favor. You cant get any better than that.

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  Very happy with my choice - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By ThatBrownGirl - June 9 - 6:03 pm

  As a long time Toyota devotee (1991 Corolla still going strong), I was hesitant to buy another one, considering the problems of late. However, Im glad I kept the faith. This is a great car. I settled on the Camry after the option packages I wanted priced me out of a Lexus and Acura. I got a fully loaded XLE V6 and it has exceeded my expectations. Roomy and luxurious! It isnt "sporty" or big on performance (maneuvering tight corners, etc.), but it is responsive and powerful; it easily gets the job done on freeways and hills. Design- wise, you cant tell the 2011 from other model years, but who cares? So far, oh so good.

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  Best Hybrid avalible!!! - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By breddick - June 9 - 4:15 pm

  This Camry Hybrid Le is an excellent vehicle. Average MPG the first week in FL was 45.2 mixed city and freeway mileage. As usual TOYOTA delivers what it promises unlike the others who promise MPG but alwats come up short. (KIA/Hyundai/Honda) Smooth quiet ride and excellent Michelin tires and superior build quality make this the best value available in the US currently. Thank You TOYOTA for this quality vehicle. Perfect!!!

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  Great van - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Amber Gonzalez - June 9 - 2:00 pm

  I have had no problems with this van. I run a daycare and with six children in care you are bound to have problems with getting in and out and the comfort, but with the sienna it is extremely easy to get in and out. Also, with the room that it has when the back seats are folded down is wonderful. We do a lot of traveling and this van is the most comfortable vehicle that I have traveled in.

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  BYE BYE Honda - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By Chris - June 9 - 2:00 pm

  I have to admit, the V6 is a powerhouse. I opted for the 6 over the 4 and will sacrifice 2 miles per gallon any day. Outside of the truck is a beauty, I didnt like the wheel in the back on the standard model and went right to the Sport edition. The ride is a little hard, but its ok with me. I am usually a Honda guy, but the truck was too good to pass up. The stereo is pretty good, though I will add a sub woofer. Overall, this was a great purchase and can not wait for snow for the 4 x 4! Trust me folks, its a winner!

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  I love Prius! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By AKS - June 9 - 10:03 am

  I got my Prius 6 weeks back. I absolutely love it!! Before this I was driving BMW X5, Now I like the Prius much better. Fuel economy may be the reason. I drive 125 miles everyday (all highway) and I track all my gas purchase, date filled and number of miles. So far I am getting 56 miles per gallon and that is awesome as compared to my BMW.