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:

• 

  Camry hybird is worst car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By aamir - July 1 - 2:26 pm

  Camry hybrid is worst car Ive ever seen. I bought this car for almost $33,000 and after I drive this car almost 151,000 mile, the hybrid system cooked. And I change hybrid system for almost $13,000. That means the car cost me $46,000 and still not satisfied from this car because last week fuel system broke down on the highway and I get into an accident. Changed the fuel system for $1,000 again, and at 70,000 miles, the abs break system was shut down. It was changed for $1500. This car is worst car do not buy please.

• 

  Im happy with my choice - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By billp8 - July 1 - 9:56 am

  I compared the HL with Jeep Liberty and Ford Escape. What sold me on the HL was the rear seat room, build quality, control layout, engine/transmission, and Toyotas reputation. I also like the rear hatch with the spare mounted below (versus the side-hinged door with gate- mounted spare on the Liberty). Mileage in the first 1000 miles is 17- 18 city, 21-23 highway.

• 

  Boring, quiet, but great resale - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Geek with cars - July 1 - 9:40 am

  This is my second Camry and I certainly like the feel and look of it, however, there are some mechanical flaws with the tranny that have made me question the purchase. It rides quietly but is so vanilla that handling wise I find myself bored. Some may find that good, but the car cannot be pushed on ramps or tight turns. In the end it will be a great car for 16 year old daughter to drive. For me, I think I am going to need something else soon

• 

  Pleasantly Surprised... - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By 06princes - July 1 - 5:58 am

  I drive and still own my Dodge Charger, but the V8 with a Hemi, sucks the gas down..So,We bought this car to help with the rising prices of gas, and to save some money in the long run, and we love it, This car has a lot of get up and go, we have no trouble pulling out or picking up speed, It is so quiet, that sometimes you wonder if it is running, my three daughters fit in the back seat with no problem and one is in a car seat..We have a couple of hills that we have to go over everyday and the Prius has no problem going over them..So far we are well pleased with this little car, its doing everything it says it can...

• 

  Powerful little car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By AOW - June 30 - 7:46 pm

  Its my mothers car but I drive it every now and then to make sure all is fine. It has been very dependable, never in the shop for anything except brake pads, battery and regular maintenance. Did have problem with weather strip around the front doors. The dealer replaced them under warranty and the whistling noise went away. Every time I drive it, Im amazed by the power it gives. Merging onto freeway is a breeze and the pick up from stop is also great for 1.8L. This is the 3rd Corolla in the family. Cant beat the overall value.

• 

  Awesome 6 and economical milage - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By toy truck 2 - June 30 - 5:06 pm

  Picked up at Fitz Mall 200 miles from home, not too thrilled about the ride to pick up this vehicle.Wrong! Fun to drive and quicker than my V8 Forerunner though not as smooth and refined.JVC sounds better in Rav.Sunroof needs wind deflector,minor issue.Driving same speeds 55 to 75mph Forerunner got 19.0 mpg and Rav got 26.9 .40% better and exactly what I wanted,may even improve.

• 

  15 years and 215k miles and still like new! - 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By mikkous - June 30 - 10:55 am

  Im getting to where some pieces need to be replaced but they are all original! The factory muffler lasted to 189k miles! I used to go through a car every 3-4 months (Mercedes CLK, Mini Cooper S, Suburban, 4Runner, Subaru(s)) but just love this vehicle! At 15 years old it still feels like new and is as comfortable as the old t-shirt my wife hates me to wear. This vehicle is not for everyone... its big. Its bullet-proof. The suspension is remarkable and you barely feel what youre driving over. Huge pot holes or 4 feet of snow are no issue. With sunshine I open the large sunroof and windows and enjoy the day. Im thinking of buying a spare for when this one actually breaks!

• 

  Does everything with poise - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By bruns - June 30 - 9:56 am

  This car has been as reliable as everyone says Toyotas are. Now at 214,000 miles. Maintenance includes: 5k mile oil changes. A tranny flush and timing belt change every 80k or so. The only items Ive had to replace other than maintenance was the interior clock (replaced for free by toyota) and the inner tie rods up front. Very solid and high quality.

• 

  Love Our Sienna Van - 2009 Toyota Sienna
  By LoveOurToyota - June 29 - 8:36 pm

  We love our van. I had a hard time getting past the van stigma but once I did I would never go back. This car is so practical. We have kids, and the room and comfort of this car is amazing. It drives so smoothly. It is so much fun to drive this van. The automatic doors is a huge plus. I always worried about the kids hitting other cars when they opened the doors. You can close/open the doors from the inside of the van. This car is made for families. Toyota did a great job designing this car with so many family friendly features.

• 

  Great all around car for performance and camry - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By pennycali - June 29 - 8:05 pm

  I purchased the SE V6 after comparison shopping between a 2012 Acura TSX, Hyundai Sonata, and BMW 328i. I choose the Camry since it does everything well, a good value, and is reliable. Its not top of class in any category but overall bang for the buck, the Camry beats all of them. The Camry sport tuned suspension gives the car a sporty ride without being overly harsh like the BMW. The Camrys V6 is awesome. Smooth, powerful, and reliable. The Camry interior looks very upscale. There are some cheap plastic bits but its 10K cheaper than the TSX. The Camry styling is bland I have to admit but lets see if Sonatas can make it to 150K miles reliability.