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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  Im sold (3 times)! - 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By elsa3 - February 15 - 3:17 pm

  We reluctantly bought a new 2007 Camry Hybrid after test-driving a Prius, as the frame of the Prius hatchback blocked the rear view and the seats were not comfortable. I was sure that Id be disappointed with the Camry since Id really wanted the Prius, but I was wrong; the Camry is the best car weve ever owned, and weve owned a lot of cars! We were so impressed that we have since bought a 2009 and 2011 Camry Hybrid as well, and still drive all 3. We get between 40 and 42 mpg and put about 15,000 miles a year on these cars. Most impressive is the acceleration available when passing; I feel safer in these cars than in any Ive had before.

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  Best Car - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By Altin - February 15 - 10:06 am

  I graduated from school and I needed to buy a reliable used car. I chose a Toyota Corolla and I am very happy for it. My car had 97000 km ( 65000 mi) and so far I have done 6000 miles and it is great. The fuel economy and start it is great. We need to use our block heaters in Edmonton, but I didnt have a plug in and one day the temperature was -31 degrees Celsius (-24 F), but no problem, my reliable friend started. It is 10 year old but looks like new, because of superior quality that you find in a Toyota.

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  Dont Buy the Navigation System - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By ghung - February 15 - 7:13 am

  I just purchased my 2011 XLE Sienna two weeks ago and found out that not all addresses are in the navigation system, even those that have been in existence for quite some time. When I had the dealership check it, they said they cannot do anything because the disk that uploads the direction is contracted out to a third party vendor. When asked if the problem can be resolved, they said they cannot guarantee that the issue would be fixed. I was then directed to the corporate customer relations department. The representative said the same thing and was not very helpful. To make a long story short, I would think twice about buying this since Toyota doesnt appear to have this problem resolve.

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  Camry a.k.a. TANK! - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Kc Stebbins - February 15 - 5:01 am

  This car may not be anything sporty or highly appealing but I give Toyota all credit by making a strong running reliable car! This car has been by far the BEST car Ive ever owned. I purchased the car with 235k on it so it was well broke in. The car now has 284k on it and has never failed me. Other than regular maintenance of changing the timing belt, tires, brakes, oil. I have had no major issues at all with this car. Everything works on it. It does consume a little oil though but the car is going on 18 years old. I would recommend anyone to buy a camry. The build quality is amazing too. Everything is still in tact inside and out. It is very comfortable to drive on trips as well. I lived in Ohio and taken the vehicle to Indiana, Michigan, west Virginia and Kentucky several times, and here just recently drove the car from Ohio all the way to Arizona with absolutely no problems! I hope this car lasts for a long time to come even with almost 300k on it. I will definitely be buying another camry for my next car. Toyota has me sold, compared to other brands of cars that consistently have problems and dont even live to see the day of 200,000+ miles

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  So So - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Lon K. - February 15 - 4:55 am

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  Im sold (3 times)! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By elsa3 - February 14 - 1:47 pm

  We reluctantly bought a new 2007 Camry Hybrid after test-driving a Prius, as the frame of the Prius hatchback blocked the rear view and the seats were not comfortable. I was sure that Id be disappointed with the Camry since Id really wanted the Prius, but I was wrong; the Camry is the best car weve ever owned, and weve owned a lot of cars! We were so impressed that we have since bought a 2009 and 2011 Camry Hybrid as well, and still drive all 3. We get between 40 and 42 mpg and put about 15,000 miles a year on these cars. Most impressive is the acceleration available when passing; I feel safer in these cars than in any Ive had before.

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  Quiet ride - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By LEE - February 14 - 12:56 pm

  Quiet ride and reasonably comfortable on 3 hour drives. I can get 48 mpg in in three quarters of the year without thinking about it. Keyless entry will spoil you fast. Alot of diffent and genius ways to store things in the car. Two cup holders. Bi-open glove compartment and even a place above to store sunglasses. Fold down seats are easy to operate with a false floor in the hatch area. I am 6 foot tall and have plenty of head room. Good in snow? The included all season tires are very bad and dangerous in snow & ice. I immediately got some Blizzaks and they work great and can drive with confidence. The brakes do hesitate on bumps but with the recall service I expect, I am not sweating it.

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  review - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By FredK - February 14 - 12:33 pm

  Problems with body rattles and electrical. When cold will not pick up -really lags. noisey engine which is underpowered.Poor rear visibility when backing up.

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  Mixed - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By colec - February 14 - 2:58 am

  Got this car as a hand me down from family. While the car has proved to be fairly reliable, I feel like the problems I have experienced with only 138,000 miles are not consistent with the reputation that Toyota builds for itself. Many interior things have broken and have proven costly, the clock alone was several hundred dollars. I also feel like for a 98, and the top Camry model, steering wheel controls and keyless entry should have been available. This is the first car, out of the three that Ive had to leave me stranded somewhere, due to it not starting. Other than this car, my family owns all GM and one Ford, and believe it or not, the 98 GM sedan we have has been a better car overall.

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  Great Ride - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Tom - February 13 - 8:13 pm

  Took awhile to find an SUV that suited my towing needs and that I could live with day to day - found it! I waited for the new Tahoe and once I drove it, the decision was a no-brainer to purchase the 4Runner. Fuel mileage isnt bad either.