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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  camry rating - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By rcfuccillo - April 4 - 3:06 am

  Visibility to rear not so good. Reflections on rear windshield interferes with visibility especially at night. Accleration is just adequate, could be better.

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  Greatest thing since sliced bread - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Ron - April 4 - 12:10 am

  I have 64K miles and have only replaced tires & wiper blades. I average 52 MPG, mostly driven at 50-55 mph. There is a learning curve to getting good MPG. I use the cruise control all the time, even in city driving. It works down to 24 MPH! Consistent speed is the key. The ride and handling is great. Fun car to drive. Im getting another this year.

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  Awesome mileage - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By KBO - April 3 - 11:46 pm

  Decided to buy a hybrid and started by looking at the Honda Civic and Toyota Prius. Was not even aware at the time that Camry came in a hybrid. Test drove all three and the Camry was a winner in all aspects except the mileage. I decided to give up a little mileage for the comfort and ride. However to my surprise my mileage has been much higher than I expected. My first tank of gas I averaged 40.5 MPG and my second tank averaged 43.5 MPG. I live in a relatively flat area and I dont drive the car hard. If you put your foot into it a lot you will not get any where near this gas mileage. Bottom line is I love the car and would recommend it to any one.

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  I only sat in the 2018 SE - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Alan D. - April 3 - 2:47 pm

  I have long legs. I sat in a 2018 SE and was pleased to find a little more front legroom than in my 2015 SE. Take it for a test drive on a coarse road to determine if road noise is considerably quieter than in the previous model. Be aware that new tires are quieter than tires with 30k miles on them. My 2015 SE is a little noisy on coarse roads, but not as bad as an Accord or Mazda 6. I dont really mind that, but have been in vehicles with a little less road noise. Other than that, if the 2015-2017 SE handles well enough for you, you may want to consider the 2018 LE for its smoother, quieter ride. You may prefer its lighter steering if you found the steering a bit heavier than preferred in the 2015-2017 SE. If you prefer better handling and a heavier steering feel, the SE and XSE may be your cup of tea. Of course, looks, standard features, and available options will matter.

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  Happy So Far - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Frugal Buyer - April 3 - 1:10 pm

  After my first full tank of gas, my mileage was 36.79 mpg (20% city, 80% hwy, w/ac; also, I bought used at 50k). Very happy. Handles well. More than adequate acceleration. Replaced a 92 Camry that I got 266k out of. Thanks Toyota.

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  It is a Toyota - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By steve b. - April 3 - 10:00 am

  This a very good car, rides good handles all weather conditions very well, great gas mileage 29+ miles per gallon. Sporty good looks what else can I say, I plan on keeping this car for a long time, this car would make a good used car for anyone who wants a 2 door coupe.

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  Outstanding Crossover - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Beverly - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Have absolutely loved my new Venza. Drive is smooth and quiet; gas mileage good, and car feels sturdy and heavy. Would not trade for any other vehicle!

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  The Real Deal - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Bratva - April 3 - 9:40 am

  Edmunds got it wrong on this one. They did make SLE V6 in Manual transmission. I drive one. I got it used, in immaculate condition. I care for it and installed a Magnaflow exhaust, KYB suspension, Brembo performance brakes, and sticky tires. Overall, a terrific car. Great JBL sound system and tons of fun with bulletproof reliability and power to boot.

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  BEST CAR IN ITS CLASS - PERIOD. - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By R. P. Oakley - April 3 - 6:53 am

  For the price nothing, absolutely nothing, comes close in this class. Lexus, Acura, Infinity you just dont cut the mustard. Wonderfully designed and built AMERICAN CAR, solid performance, fully appointed, eloquent style, comfortable, Toyota reliability - and a GREAT price!!!! Why throw your money down the tub to get a "fancy" label on the trunk? I am extremely happy with this TOYOTA and have no doubt I made the best possible buy. This car will appeal to smart shoppers that do their homework when looking for the absolute best performance and quality in a car - for the lowest price. Not for those that are willing to pay more for their clothes just for the "fashion" label.

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  2012 Sienna XLE - 2012 Toyota Sienna
  By bruno - April 3 - 5:30 am

  This is my 4th Sienna and every year they get better. I hated to sell but we decided to get a new 2017 Sienna XLE. I actually like some of the items more on the 2012 than on the new 2017 model, such as the layout of the dashboard. My 2012 was absolutely trouble free for the entire time I owned it which was from 7K miles until I sold it at 58K. One item I really enjoy are the power sliding side doors and power rear hatch. It has tons of power and gets great mileage. The dealer did not want to give me very much for my vehicle for a trade in, so I sold it myself. Do yourself a favor and always use Mobil 1 synthetic motor oil. Your engine will thank you in the long run! When purchasing a vehicle, always get a detailed service history and ask for receipts for any maintenance performed. Although a Carfax report is helpful, it does not always disclose the complete history of the van. Do your homework and have the van thoroughly inspected for storm or flood damage. The Carfax is only as good as the people who submit the information. I would highly recommend this vehicle.