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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  First - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By upperarl - October 19 - 4:50 pm

  Great drive, easy controls, well designed. One improvement, the seats while comfortable could be upgraded to provide more support.

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  Another RAV4 For Me! - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By RGH - October 19 - 9:13 am

  I previously owned a 2007 RAV4, traded it in for a Ford Escape in 2012, and traded it in for a 2015 RAV4, that was a demo with 5,000 miles. I like all the new features in the Limited, eg. power lift back door, navigation/maintenance screens, many apps, etc., a few extra conveniences that I am loving! UPDATE AFTER 28,800 miles: Continuing to be very pleased with my RAV4! No complaints! I went back to see Candace, my sales person, once and was happy to see she was still selling Toyotas. Thank you, Toyota, for building another very sturdy SUV! Rachel from Orange, TX

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  Kunka - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Kunka - October 19 - 12:50 am

  As far as gas this car is great. As far as space in the drivers seat it sucks . I am 59" 190. and should do okay in it buy it is SNUG and UNCOMFORTABLE.This car is also loud and distracting on uneven and bumpy roads. Its aggravating.

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  27.5 mileage; love this vehicle!! - 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By dorenescar - October 18 - 11:53 pm

  With several months of driving down, we have advanced to 27 plus every tank. What a great vehicle!! The major downside is the back row, which really doesnt serve anyone except kids and skinny girls that dont mind cramped legs. Very peppy and great gliding from the hybrid engine. Highly recommend!!

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  Cant get comfortable - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Ouch - October 18 - 11:00 pm

  At first I loved this car for the way it drove, but after spending some time behind the wheel, I realize Ive got to get rid of it. There is no possible way for me to find a comfortable driving position. The problem is that the steering wheel and pedals are almost in the same vertical plane. Either Im reaching for the wheel or my knees are bent and almost on the dashboard. Dont know how anyone else deals with this as Im only 56" !! Also my head is too close to the visor, I have to duck to turn it down. This also means that in a crash, my forhead will smack up against the same. Tried everything. Very disappointed.

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  256k and still going! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Lindy Lykins - October 18 - 7:18 pm

  I bought this car with over 200k miles on it, and it is still an extremely good car. The front bearings needed replaced last year, and the hybrid battery finally quit at around 253k. But it was such a great car that I decided to install a refurbished hybrid battery ($900) and the car has been working fine since then. For a prius with this many miles, I am very satisfied with the continued reliability. It is unfortunate that the hybrid battery went out, but it had had so few other problems that I think it was worth it to fix it. I intend to drive it until the wheels fall off :)

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  Jeannie - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jeannie - October 18 - 6:30 pm

  Lots of room in front seats. With hatchback model able to fit more in - went camping with it and fit in stuff for three. Gas mileage not nearly what was projected. With 5000 miles on the car, I average 38mpg around town and 45 on highway (oppisite of what they quoted - and geting less as engine ages). The best Ive gotten is 50mpg - all freeway miles in rush hour traffic. Handles poorly on wet road - slips a lot.

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  Happiness/satisfaction - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By len - October 18 - 1:00 pm

  This is our fifth toyota camry in the past fourteen years. Each years model got better than the previous one. This 2007 is the epitome of the Toyotas quality.

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  Great Ride. Small Build Problems Dealer Doesnt Fix - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By homebase - October 18 - 7:47 am

  I have 4,000 miles on my 2011 Camry XLE 4cyc leather Nav. It has a smooth quite ride, engine is strong enough, zero sportyness. The turn signal mechanisum makes a clicking sound whenever the turn signal is engaged and the wheel is turned. The climate control needs to be adjusted continuously while driving. Other than the two minor problems I am going to have to fight with my dealer to fix, it is a great car. The first time the dealer looked at the car he kept it 4 days before he told me everything is normal. I dont think I will ever buy another Toyota.

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  not what they used to be - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By ryanfres - October 18 - 5:20 am

  Toyota along with honda are not what they used to be. They are made in the usa and are not built as they were 10- 20 years ago. I own a 2003 honda accord with many unexceptable problems such as head gasket failure and electrical problems. My 2002 Camry is in the shop as we speak for a new transmission, and have already replaced a power window motor at just over 38000 and i am a conservative driver. My chevrolet avalanche has 42000 and has never seen a repair shop. dont let a 20-30 yr old reputation fool you please. American cars have stepped up to the task of quality.