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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  Not Sure Yet - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Delma - September 17 - 9:30 pm

  Instantly loved the new exterior design. After having 2 LE-V6 Toyotas, decided to go with the 4i, not sure it was a wise choice. Certainly lacks the spark of the V6. Find the few second delay when you accelerate disappointing. Trade off for me was the XLE vs. the LE with add ons. My overall mileage has been 23-24. I was somewhat put off because the car did not have body side molding (Even though I prefer the look without it). It seems to me that the ability to get JUST the add on(s) you want without paying through the nose for very questionable warranty type extras has decreased significantly. Also, it is difficult to get the details on those so called warranty items before the sale.

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  Toyota Camry - Made in Georgetown, KY - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Central Florida Man - September 17 - 10:03 am

  "Salsa Red Pearl" 2002 Camry LE, 2.4L, first year that it came with a timing chain, not a timing belt) and automatic transmission. Im 61 and fit comfortably. In daily commute driving, I average 28.5 mpg combined hwy/city on 87 octane gas (Melbourne, FL), and recently got 36 mpg Hwy between Warner Robbins GA and Melbourne FL (I strictly observe the 70 MPH speed limit). Some Camry years are known for leaking valve guide seals at about 70K miles - this one is no exception. Valvolines high mileage oil has virtually eliminated this after about 4,000 miles use though. Lastly, this is one of the easiest cars to drive that I have ever driven - steering & pedals require very little effort.

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  Amazing value in one little car - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By kevinmscott - September 16 - 6:44 am

  Bought an 02 S model about 3 years ago. Abused by original owners and left for dead. Our friend at the junkyard for it working in a jiffy. My first car, college car, put some 40k long and hard freeway miles on it (its at 180k now), replaced transmission, struts, manifold and a wheel baring, but it has never broken down on me or failed to start. Ive driven it through hot Vermont summers and freezing Maine winters. This is the car I walk out to every morning and thank the Lord for. It is a car I am truly satisfied with.

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  An Awesome Daily Driver - 2015 Toyota Corolla
  By cabecker01 - September 14 - 4:27 pm

  Note: Im reviewing this car for what it is -- a compact sedan. I hadnt planned on buying a Toyota. I even told myself I wouldnt because of the experience my relative had with an 09 Corolla. However, in my frustrations with my year old Nissan, I went to a Toyota dealership just to look. Boy was I shocked. It seems to be built to last, but I suppose thats to be expected of a manufacturer with a track record of bulletproof reliability. The CVT is awesome, but more on that in a little bit. The sound system is nifty. Its gorgeous. I get a lot of complements on the looks of both the interior and exterior. I got it in Slate Grey Metallic. However, it has its cons.

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  Excellent vehicule - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Bolton - September 14 - 10:00 am

  At this day, its an excellent car.

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  A little worried - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By rock - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Good looking, lots of extras, fun to drive and really good acceleration. Great stereo system and wonderful navigation system. Had to replace the transmission at 40000. It still jerks between 45-50mph.

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  2012 corolla best deal around! - 2012 Toyota Corolla
  By mcblowme - September 13 - 12:13 pm

  Bought this corolla for 0 percent financing for 5 yrs! Plus edmunds.com gave me a $750 check for buying this on top of any and all deals!!! out the door for @$14k with auto and air/ pw/locks/cd,ect...Now I got 7000 miles on it and get 33.4 mpg ave. I drive 80 miles a day up a mountain road and this car flys. I put aftermarket wheels and tires on it and that really improved the handling. Go up to 225/16/65 size and it really makes difference. Engine is smooth, car is a delight, nice and quiet, but will scoot is you rev up to 4 grand.

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  Disappointed in shift - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By JimmyC - September 13 - 6:30 am

  Car is OK but the transmission shift problem drive me nuts. Dealer says its normal, I just dont buy it. This is the only car that I have ever owned that has had a problem like this and it is my first foreign car. I have had cars since 1969 and never had a transmission shift like this. I have driven rental unit Camrys that were great. Why my car and why will the dealer not fix it?

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  Entry/Exit Not Easy - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Petals - September 13 - 5:20 am

  I had a 99 Avalon and now 08. New Avalon has smooth and solid ride and gives sense of safety. Turning radius is tight for a big car and this is a plus. I miss the bench seat in the 99. Entry and exit on new Avalon is terrible. I am female-56" (sr) and have to practically back in to enter and swing my legs out (they still hit the side of car) to exit. Door is too big and heavy. Toyota might be trying to appeal to younger buyer and may lose seniors if high beltline, heavy doors and entry/exit are not improved. My husband who is 511" cannot get into this car without extensive planning and exact maneuvering-not enough leg room for driver. Need more room in front-not back

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  A MUST HAVE!!!!! - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By greatdane - September 13 - 1:26 am

  I have enjoyed owning my 4runner immensely. Its a very dependable and long lasting rig. I have 168,598 miles on it w/ out a lick of problems, "knock on wood". Anyways I would recommend it to anyone.