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 drive anything else~THIS IS THE BEST - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Grannyspitfire - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Great fuel economy. Great functionality throughout. Love all of the room. Lots of cups holders and storage throughout. Only complaint would be outside noise. I wish the Sienna would be as sound proof as the Camary.

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  Camry beats Accord - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By D Pierovich - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Weve had many Accords over the years but didnt choose Camry because of the milk-toast styling. We finally decided to give Toyota a try in 2001. The car may not look as good from the outside as an Accord, but the comfort and the low noise level on the inside far exceed what Honda can offer. Driving is smooth and enjoyable. The 4 cylinder is very responsive and actually "zippy" with only 2 people in the car. Standard stereo speakers are great. 30-32 MPG is normal.

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  disappointed with the big T - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By 2006 black S model - August 18 - 12:16 am

  Finally broke down and got a new car last year. Its riddled with rattles, loud and not too comfy on long trips. Great gas mileage!! Good power, even in the mountains. Wont be looking at Toyotas again.

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  Like the car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Happy owner - August 17 - 9:40 pm

  I like the car very much. Review needs 15 words but my first 6 say it all.

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  I always loved station wagons - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By WVW - August 17 - 5:06 pm

  This is a stylish comfortable Camry wagon. No pretenses of a rear seat (hello cramped RAV4 third row) and no pretending to be an SUV or crossover or whatever you try to call it other than a station wagon. Yeah they try to call this a crossover too, but we all really know it is a Camry wagon. The lines are classy, the interior is well designed and uses quality materials, and the totally predictable handling and bulletproof reliability are great for those who dont like any surprises. Venza gets you from point A to point B with comfort, good-looks and a minimum of fuss or effort.

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  Sharp Economical Grocery Getter! - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By mitchselect - August 17 - 1:40 pm

  Just purchased brand new base SE yesterday. And my original opinion was Hey, its a Camry (not offensive but not inspiring either).....but after purchase and driving and looking at it more, I find myself wanting to go places in it. The drive ride and handling are excellent (make sure you get one with the much better Michelin tires not the Bridgestones) both are being used from the factory and my dealer cheerfully switched them, no charge! Build quality and reliability are based on expectations, but i feel comfortable in that as this is a Camry. I am 62" 300lb. and feel very comfortable in it.

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  Room & great mileage - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By maukajt - August 17 - 2:13 am

  Have owned since 2/06. XR model auto, it gets the best gas mileage! People always asks us is we have a hybrid, as they cant believe the mileage, as well as the room. This age of over $4 per gallon gas. It has been a godsend as we are on disablilty. Even though we only have 4000 miles and have owned it for 2 yrs 4 months, we have not had any problems. It is a well made vehicle.

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  Yup - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By Gster - August 17 - 12:03 am

  This car is very good for driving distances. The gas mileage, I am happy with. The handling is pretty good. The only drawback, really, is the pick-up. The car does not accelerate quickly. That is really the only thing I would change. Its a great "school" care and one that will last you for a long time. I put about 22,000 miles since I got it in 2003 and have not (knock on wood) had any problems with it. Its a great car for the price. They could (which I think they did for 2007) make it a little sportier, for us young adults. Overall, dont pass it up for at least a test drive. The compartments and layout of the digits and the dashboard are great.

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  will keep forever - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Joe - August 16 - 11:40 pm

  I purchased this car used from a private party and, with its low mileage, low profile tires and after-market rims, I fell in love with it at first sight. Im still in love with its manual transmission, plush ride and still-in-style good looks after five years of care-free driving. They say the Solara is a mature womans car, but this honcho couldnt care less!

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  Love this car!!! Jackpot! - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By sarahf - August 16 - 6:33 pm

  I bought the 4 door, as I sometimes have to use a carseat, manual trans. I bought this car to commute to work 100 miles/day 5 days/wk. I get average 40 MPG at avg. 70 mph. Great on gas! Comfortable. Large trunk. I have a 3 y/o who sometimes rides with me, we have a larger carseat, it fits! I have not been disappointed with this buy! I have put 8000 miles on it so far!