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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  Could be better - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By chili palmer - September 12 - 1:56 pm

  Just bought the 2WD Limited edition. Took it for a test drive before buying but I didnt notice the poorly designed inside door handles. It seems when you try and use the electric window switches the handle gets in the way. Try it youll see what I mean. I have a 2003 Highlander and it rides better then this 2008. This 2008 rides more like a truck with the 19" wheels. All in all I think its one of the best out there. They just have to twik it a bit. Also, its bigger than my 2003 which I think I like, Ill have to get use to it.

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  Corolla CE 5-speed - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Lucian95 - September 12 - 1:36 pm

  I bought a 2005 CE model with a manual transmission with 7k on the odometer for $10500 OTD. It works well and it does well what its supposed to do. The original tires are not the most confidence inspiring. Will replace with new Falkens for more secure wet and dry traction. Overall, I like the car, very frugal -38 mpg highway commute with AC on. Original stereo is very decent, brakes are good and the seating position is fine for the size of the car. Im 6 ft tall and Im comfortable, but I will need an occasional visit to a chiropractic - not a car for long journeys.

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  Fun Run - 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By bob - September 12 - 11:33 am

  Long trip, short trip; the Land Cruiser makes just a trip to the store a "Fun Run". We had a Town and Country and look all over for a vehicle that had that ride and comfort with the SUV safety. Most were just built up trucks. Cadilac had a great exterior, but was a chevy truck inside with just more padding. The LC is functional, fun, and the inside is built for the vehicle and the drivers and passengers favor. The problem is the wife took it and I have to drive the T&C to work...

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  A fun car - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By ToyRaver - September 12 - 11:23 am

  I have the AWD L edition. Ive had this car for 5 yrs already and have 52k mi. Its a nimble car, pretty good ride and pretty good looking. The only problems I find are the low 17 mpg avg in NYC, very noisy in fast traffic and the brakes. It has very good handling. Worked great in the snow, but then again we rarely get snow here. Weve been using Amsoil synthetic in the engine and the gears. Overall its a great car to have w/ the main exception of the poor mileage. Ive already had the 02 check engine light and the charcoal canister engine light too. For now, I had the comp upgrade, still waiting on my 02/cata conver disaster known for 01s.

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  Bad Wind Noise - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By shawn123 - September 11 - 7:46 pm

  I bought my 2012 Camry XLE 6 months ago and so far i got 21000 miles (HIGHWAY MILES). Great on gas mileage, Seats are comfortable enough but definitely much better then my V w CC. My only complain is why there is so much wind noise every time i pass 70mph you can hear it coming from both side y previous Camry and My SISTER-IN-LAW Camry feels smoother and quieter then newer generation. Other then that overall great car. im getting average 32mph so no complain there.. I would suggest to test drive on open freeway and drive for a while before purchasing.

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  Great Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By jim - September 11 - 5:36 pm

  Driving 130 miles + daily to and from work, I average 18.5 miles/gallon at the sweet spot of 63 miles/hour. Freeway I have gotten up to 21 max. Power is great, ride is a bit bumpy with the TRD package. Fords interior is much better designed as far as layout. The leather seats should come with the ventilated option like the highlander. No real problems yet, emergency brake needle adjusted. Tires on the TRD hydroplane a lot, will not use the BF Goodrich next time. I should have opted for the navigation system, and forgotten about the JBL under the back seat. Interior storage room lacks, but the 6.5 foot bed is just the right size for most parking lots. All in all would I buy another, YES.

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  Cant Miss - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By drivingforward - September 11 - 1:43 pm

  Ive owned two Camrys and this 2005 has been great to me as was my 1995 model. I have had it seven years and really havent had any problems with it. Standard maintenance etc. I currently have a little over 101K miles on it and Im sure I could drive it another 7 years if I choose to. It has always gotten good gas mileage for its size vehicle and is a 4 cylinder. The pick up has always been good and a nice comfortable drive. Amazing space in the trunk. As a musician I haul around a PA systems and guitars and such. I always seem to be able to fit what I need. All around it has been a great vehicle.

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  I cant complain - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By robrjay - September 11 - 6:37 am

  I traded in a Ford Taurus X (Flex) to get the Camry SE. The SE model is the only one I liked. The sporty look is great to me. I was on the fence between this one and the 2011 Accord. The ONLY reason I went with the Camry is the seats were more comfortable. The Accord seats hurt my back. The car feels really solid to me and my wife enjoys the ride as well. The suspension is noticeably firmer in the SE vs the LE or XLE which we both like. I hope to have it for many years, trouble free.

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  Great Luxury Car for the Money - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Howard - September 9 - 4:30 pm

  Driving in comfort; lots of power and pick up, yet economical and affordable.

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  Take Notes GM - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Albolski - September 9 - 4:16 pm

  I bought the car with 80k on it and I have 107k miles on it now after just over a year. Had no problems. Ive done only standard maintenance (oil change, tires, etc) and changed the front brake pads. Its my 2nd Toyota car after a long line of GM failure cars that I purchased. GM Take note, this is how you get customers, if you build a reliable vehicle, they will come. If youre looking for a fun car to drive you will not get it with this car. It has no bells and whistles. You get 100% reliability and that is it.