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:

• 

  Used 2002s Are Awesome!! - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By mechanicsrule923 - May 2 - 8:23 am

  I currently own two 2002 models - one with 110,000 miles, the other with 170,000. And theyre still perfect! Toyota did it right with these models. The interior is still modern by todays standards. And the 3.0L V6 is a beast! It runs so smoothly and quietly; and yet it is extremely powerful and responsive. Weve never had a problem - no leaks, no noises, no dysfunctions. Ive replaced typical parts: tires, air filters, oil, bulbs, etc. and it runs like new! The parts are easy to find and cheap, too! My other cars are at least $60,000 each; but the $14,000 I spent on each of these Highlanders was much better spent! If you find one, buy it!

• 

  Second Camry - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By kenbb - May 2 - 8:16 am

  Runs quiet and smooth. Great drivetrain. Interior materials are a notch below past models but I seem to see this on all the new cars of the present generations. If you look close on any of them you will find someplace they are trying to save.

• 

  My new Spyder - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Jan K. Ryder - May 2 - 7:20 am

  I just bought this car and love it. I chose the shift over automatic because I wanted the "truer" feel of a sports car, and I have not been disappointed. The Spyder is affordable, great looking and very responsive. As for luggage space... it is very adequate for my needs. This will be my fun, weekend car!

• 

  99% Love It - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Mike - May 2 - 3:46 am

  Having just driven the car on a road trip, I love the car even more. With part of the trip involving driving through heavy rain, I have some interesting insights (below). HUGE style improvement with Prius V. Wish the antenna was shark fin, not antenna.

• 

  Glad to be back in a Camry!! - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By jolene - May 1 - 7:00 pm

  I bought this car with 98k miles without any doubts after owning a 95 camry, then going to a Chevy. I have not had a minutes problem with it. I am so glad to be back in a Camry!!

• 

  Gas saver - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Brian - May 1 - 6:40 pm

  Love this car, first tank from dealer, got 401 miles, wasnt sure how many gal they had put in, but with a 11.1 gal tank I knew I was close to 40 mpg. Let the last bar start flashing before I filled tank, drove 5 miles while it flashed, stuffed 10.6 gal in the tank and took off, I work a midnight shift which is an advantage with traffic, as in I rarely have to stop. 100 mile round trip, lite traffic, and this tank I did not use this A.C. keep that in mind, kept it as close to speed limit as possible, very rare to go over 70 mph, this car love to go 60 mph, anyway I made one tire pressure adjustment from 29 lbs (dealer) to 35 lbs. Drove the 10.6 gals for 449 miles for 42.3 mpg. Love it!

• 

  Wish I could buy a new one - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By veconomos - April 30 - 4:53 pm

  Last week my bf was using my Camry on interstate 81 and was rear ended by some nut who came upon him doing about 90 mph. The Camry then spun off the road and hit a tree. It was totally demolished from every angle but he was able to get out and walk away with only some bruises. The back end was hit so hard that the gas tank should have exploded (had a full tank of gas) but it never did. That was the best car ever. I had it four years, inherited it from my Mom who had it five years. I had to replace the radiator and the exhaust and that was it. The car never failed me, was great to drive, and got at LEAST 40 mpg. I am looking for another one, dont care if it is old. It was better than new.

• 

  Our 2nd Camry is still a winner. - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By highmelocity - April 30 - 12:56 pm

  Terrific, reliable car. We first had a 1990 Camry V6LE, which was sweet beyond reason, so when it came time to trade up, we bought a 2000 Camry CE (budget was a bit tight!). Its still the reliable, top-of-the-line, quality car we know & expect. Its not quite as sporty as our 90 was, and is definitely frumpier, but it still performs like a Toyota should. We also really wondered how it would be to drive a 4-cyl after having had the V6. No worries! Weve taken her on several road trips, over mountains/passes, highways, you name it, and she delivers kick when you need it. Plenty of energy and decent gas mileage, to boot. Child safety seats work in this car, but are _difficult_ to install.

• 

  Fun to drive - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Solara Convertible - April 30 - 11:30 am

  This car is a pleasure to drive, very smooth and very quiet. When the top is up it doesnt even feel like a convertible. My only complaint is the small back window but you get used to it.

• 

  BEST MINIVAN OVERALL ON THE PLANET - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Colin Bolger - April 30 - 11:20 am

  Very pleased with it, except for the poor gas mileage. I am a VERY conservative driver and got only 17 mpg (with premium fuel!) on the highway, precisely what a neighbor gets with his new Sienna. I took both the Sienna and Odyssey on three extended test drives and found the Odyssey to have a decided edge in acceleration & sporty handling on twisting roads (no lean on turns when pushed!), partly due to its lower center of gravity. But who buys a minivan to drive like a Ferrari? (I think Consumer Reports and Edmunds have a sporty handling bias; hence Odysseys ratings edge.) The Sienna is more refined, quiet, plush, has very good handling and acceleration and was the best overall, hands down.