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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  2007 Toyota Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Elizabeth - May 7 - 9:10 am

  My 2007 Camry rocks!!! Acceleration, braking, pickup, everything about the car is awesome! The car absolutely wants to fly. I had a 99 Camry before; it was great also, but the upgrades on this one are wonderful. Its quieter, faster, great fuel efficiency, more standard options, more room, the stereo is great. I just cant say enough about it.

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  Venza: The Un-SUV - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Jon - May 6 - 6:43 pm

  I bought the Venza because after about 15 years of driving sports coupes and sports sedans, I wanted something different, something with more room for those occasional trips to Home Depot. The Venza is replacing a Lexus IS 350. The Venza is quick, not fast, but quick. Because of a lower center of gravity than the typical SUV, it handles mostly like a sedan. The 20" wheels (standard with the V6) probably help with that. I like the Venzas aggressive styling and its room cargo space. Overall great car.

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  Krakow - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By Wojciech Skrynkowicz - May 6 - 3:57 pm

  Mechanical engineering,check engine sign is on,one cylinder down,car computer to change,slowly starting!electronic problem!

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  My 3rd Camry - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By camrygirl2 - May 6 - 8:33 am

  I bought my car a month ago & so far I am LOVING it! This is my 1st SE Model & I really like the style/handling better than the LE model. Its roomy enough for hubby, kids & myself. Very comfortable for long road trips. I love the interior. My legs dont feel crammed. Radio display is nice. My car didnt come with Entunes or navigation but I always use my cell phone for navigation & other apps. The 6 speakers sound great, could be a bit better for a 2013 but Im satisfied. The bluetooth is awesome... loud & clear. I also like how the car display shows you your average speed, mpg & how many more miles you can drive with the gas you have in tank. The trunk is spacious. Great car,great deal!

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  The perfect car! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Bowman45 - May 6 - 8:03 am

  I truly love this car more everyday. Purchased the AWD 6 cyl. Have owned two BMW 3-series, three Vettes, two Eddie Bauer Expeditions, one Acura, two Hondas and I have to say this is the best all around car I have owned in my 33 years of driving. Its the best of both worlds. Handles and accelerates like a sports car but will pull my motorcycle trailer and has plenty of room to haul things. To save money I didnt get the Nav and leather package and Im still not disappointed. The car gets more attention than any thing I have owned. I feel like this car was designed just for me.

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  Happy with my purchase - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By RR - May 6 - 7:34 am

  I have read a lot of negative posts but I am very happy with the 2016 Tacoma. I am averaging 22 MPG and enjoy driving everyday. I will say I do have a lag when taking the truck from reverse to drive and this does need to be addressed by Toyota. I dont feel it is a safety issue but it does take a second for the transmission to kick in when you put in drive. The truck looks great and I get compliments all the time. I drive 37 miles everyday to work and it has plenty of power when I need it. I would recommend this truck.

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  Overall a good car, with one issue - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By baratis1 - May 6 - 12:13 am

  Had it built about 2 months ago. I got the red with tan interior. I am completely satisfied with the buy apart from one issue, as stated above. The suspension is rock hard. Im not entirely sure ill be able to put up with it forever. My previous car was a 2003 subaru outback. The subaru was MUCH more comfortable and also had better handling. A 41,000 dollar car like this should be MORE comfortable than a 22,000 dollar subaru thats 10 years older. The suspension really is unfortunate. I also feel somewhat cramped in this car. My outback was very open and didnt have quite as much legroom, but it had tons of headroom and hiproom. Thats something this car doesnt have.

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  Everything I had hoped for - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Phil - May 5 - 11:46 pm

  I have had for a month and it is everything I hoped it would be. Very comfortable, roomy and attractive. Been getting 22-24 MPG around town. Have not had on the open road yet. Look forward to our first long road trip next week.

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  Question on Electronics - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Becky - May 5 - 11:40 pm

  Yesterday, I hit the wrong button, pushed Power instead of Park. This morning, it took three tries to get started, and any time I park on a slant, it really doesnt want to start. Its my fault, but the dealer cant find anything wrong with the electronics. Other than that, its been wonderful to drive and I do a lot of that!

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  Fun, Fun and Fun.... - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By RONCOR - May 5 - 10:23 pm

  Smooth and very fun to drive. Fell styling, safer, big and roomy.