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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  Salright - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By ZeroNiner - February 19 - 8:20 pm

  The V6 Camry is a wonderful car to drive. I have driven it for nearly 4 years and am very satisfied. Fuel economy is decent, cannot complain. I gave performance a 5 because of the delay when the gas is pressed a bit much, but sometimes noticeable even with calm acceleration (somewhat annoys me).

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  Lovin My Camry - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Amy - February 19 - 6:33 pm

  I traded in an 2004 Expedition for this Camry & I am TOTALLY loving this car. It was time to downsize with gas prices steadily on the rise. We test drove Fusions, Malibus, Accords, Altimas & when we came to the Camry, we were sold on it. It looks great, is a wonderfully smooth ride, and the gas mileage is great. I average about 26 miles per gallon (we live in the country & have to drive 10 miles into town every day). We didnt want all the extras of the higher priced models, and the LE fits us just perfect. Its very quiet inside the cabin, too. In a month Ive put about 1200 miles on it. I cant wait to go on vacation in my Camry!!

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  Tire wear - 2009 Toyota Tundra
  By mike mahoney - February 19 - 1:20 pm

  i love the truck but the outside edge of the front tires has wore off at 15,000 miles and Toyota says theres nothing wrong with the front end. they have a problem with the tundra and they cant fix it.

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  new 2015 SR5 TACO - 2017 Toyota Tacoma
  By Was truckless in Clebveland - February 19 - 10:37 am

  Go Long Bed baby

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  2010 Camry - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Dan - February 19 - 9:33 am

  Performance is good for a 4 cyl. And it looks good, but from there on it is downhill. Milage is pitiful. 24 on hyw at 60 mph, and 15 to 16 in town. Interior is hard, almost everywhere. Leased this SE loaded for 36 months. Cant wait till I can turn it in.

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  Code Red! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Audrey - February 19 - 2:46 am

  I have been researching the Prius for 4 months and decided it was time to move on it. Its fun to drive and quiet. The controls are easily accessible and Im getting 46-48+ miles per gallon. My previous car was averaging 16 mpg. Im getting 3 times my moneys worth. Its an awesome car and Ive never been happier with an auto purchase before.

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  Wouldnt recommend Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By JT - February 18 - 11:50 pm

  This car offers poor drivers seat comfort, poor vision (it sits way too low), only average ride quality, gas mileage *well* below the advertised numbers, and a jerky, balky, surging transmission that is difficult to use. (And the Toyota people say theres nothing wrong with it; its just the way it is!) The car also does not allow fresh air through the vents; if the AC isnt on, the interior becomes very warm, very quickly. I also dislike the foot-operated parking brake, but thats a minor complaint.

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  Great MPG - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Stefan Constantino - February 18 - 1:24 pm

  I recommend this car with its great MPG and decent price for what you get in return. The seats are comfortable and the dashboard is fairly easy to use. The cargo room is big for a hatchback and the interior has a lot of room for a compact vehicle.

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  First time buyer - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By celicaluvr08 - February 18 - 7:33 am

  This car is awesome, Im 19 and this is my second car, I used to have a Honda civic. I got in it at the dealership and knew I was driving away in it. Its not really fast, but with the action package that Toyota introduced in 2002, it looks fast and with gas prices now a days, going fast is irrelevant =) The interior is very spacious, well the front seats are. I wouldnt recommend taking more than one person at a time. There is so much more i could type about this car, I love driving it, it turns soooo many heads... I love it!

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  Love My Car - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Linda - February 18 - 4:30 am

  Ive had my Highlander for 3 months and absolutely love it. The comfort and drive are superior. Ive test drove a number of vehicles and by far this was the best suited for me in size, comfort and driveability. Cant say enough - I love driving my vehicle.