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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  Why Didnt I Get the Hyundai? - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Sadbuyer - October 4 - 10:00 am

  I feel like such an idiot for getting this car, even after reading reviews about the transmission issues, during the long test drive I didnt hear/feel the lackluster trans. I could have gotten a 2011 Sonata for 5K cheaper then is (26K, but the only reason I picked the Camry was due to the "Strong" V6, but this damn transmission doesnt let it deliver the power right away, feels like there is a 3-4 second gap. I just had a close call on the freeway where I needed to "gun it" and I had no instant response which forced me off onto the side of the FW. If I knew Hyundai was going to offer a turbo Sonata I would have waited, in fact Im planning on waiting for it. Be safe Camry owners!

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  My 2009 Camry - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By My 2009 Camry - October 4 - 10:00 am

  I ordered a new 09 Camry and went to get it on a cloudy day after it came in to the Kingsport,Tn. dealership. Then I drove it home and parked it inside of my garage. Got my new Camry back out on a sunny nice day; thats when I noticed the paint had marks all over the car. I drove it straight back to the Kingsport dealer with only appx. 50 miles on it and the dealer agreed the paint was messed-up. After 3 meetings with factory Toyota reps., which agreed with me on the paint, Toyota rep. laughed , told me the warranty didnt cover it and they werent going to do anything about it. I explained to them I had always been a Toyota man.Still got a bad paint job. Buyer, BEWARE!

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  Weird steering - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By welcomeback? - October 4 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a 2010 Corolla S 2 days ago. Great around town but very disturbing on the highway because it wanders all over. I only test drove the car in town. Now I dont want to use it for a commuter car. Im wondering if it was damaged in transit or something. It will not track straight!

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  Great car bad headrest design - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By cl - October 4 - 4:33 am

  Great car leased a Camry se v6 with every package. Love everything about the car with the exception of the headrest which pushes my head to far forward. Outstanding dealership power Toyota of Irvine ca. Great price and very helpful.

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  Awesome - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By mopra - October 4 - 4:29 am

  I wanted to buy sonata or altima then decided to have a test drive of camry2012 , I was surprised by the handling of the car on curves and its smooth drive a notch above its older version.I bought the car same day and it is 1 1/2 months I am loving it every day.I get 30mpg in city.love the Comfy seats, we had 6 inches snow today , it drove through snow with exceptional handling .

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  One helluva car - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By Carl ventura - October 3 - 8:53 pm

  I absolutely love this car. Reasonably priced, a solid built car, handles great, a very tight turning radius, nimble. Great, great MPG. Plenty of interior room.

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  Ive got the Pooooower baby! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Ricky - October 3 - 7:46 pm

  Wow! This truck is impressive. Had a Silverado before. This truck is as smooth ride wise but that is where the comparisons end. This truck is like a giant sports car! (smile) I agree with a comment made in another review. This truck is indeed pure fun. As far as gas mileage. Hey its a truck! If you are worried about gas mileage get yourself a little jetta. Ill stick with my Tundra thank you :) One word to describe this truck: Power. This truck is what other 1/2 ton trucks want to be when they grow up lol If youre thinking about getting one, go for it.

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  Glad we bought it - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Eldo - October 3 - 6:30 pm

  Initially wanted an Enclave, but the Highlander Limited proved to be better for our budget while retaining all of the features I wanted. Fuel economy has been as good as advertised. Third row bench is easy to put up and down.

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  Very disappointed - 2012 Toyota Sienna
  By rzuch - October 3 - 5:35 pm

  I am so disappointed with the Nav system in my 2012 Sienna, and even more disappointed that Toyota refuses to do anything about it. The Nav system makes poor decisions, often adding quite a bit of time to my trip. And I cant hear the instructions when the radio is on as it does not turn down the radio volume. My last car does this and that was purchased 7 years ago! Entunes is mostly worthless as its dangerous for the driver to use it when the car is moving, so youre better off having the passenger use apps on a smartphone instead. The Toyota Nav system doesnt even change the time of day when moving into a different time zone. Id be better off with a $150 Nav unit from Radio Shack.

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  My Avalon - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Redregal - October 3 - 3:56 pm

  This is the finest car that I have ever owned in 60 years of driving. My only complaint has been the odometer and cruise control position readouts. They cannot be seen during daylight hours when wearing sun glasses. At night the dash is beautiful and easily read but they dimmed the odometer and cruise control lighting and you cannot read the information. Other than that this is an A1 car. Great performance and luxury. Its my "Lexus" at a bargain price. The active cruise control is the greatest accessory ever.