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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  Best Decision - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Katie R. - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I test drove more cars than I would care to admit, coupes, sedans, SUVs. I thought I had my heart set on an SUV but didnt find anything nice in my price range. Then I saw the Camry XLE on the showroom while looking at the Highlander, and asked to drive it. That was it! I fell in love with it and bought it after shopping the dealers.

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  Excelent - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By jamil shaikh - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I like the quality and reliability. Bit unhappy with the shape

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  Grey Rocket - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Errol Carter - December 4 - 8:54 am

  This is a quality sedan with good gas mileage in the city and on the highway. It has performed well and continues to give good service.

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  I wouldnt want any other vehicle. - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Maureen Riester - December 4 - 6:43 am

  Its a small car, so its easy to park/handle; yet remarkably roomy on the inside. My 62" friends dont complain about riding in the back. When I moved into a new apartment, even my queen size bed frame fit in my car! I have absolutely no complaints.

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  Rating of Camry LE 2007 - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Rating Camry LE - December 4 - 2:46 am

  The look is much improved. Serious disappointment in gas mileage - particularly over my previous 1999 model. Interior is very nice and much improved. The car does have more power, is both wider and longer than previous models. There is a delay in the initial accleration. The ride is, as in previous models, very smooth and luxurious.

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  Loaded XLE V6 - Magnetic Grey - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By GC-VA - December 3 - 11:50 pm

  All around well conceived mid-size sedan. Looks great in XLE/ V6 trim with dark grey exterior. Smooth, comfortable, reliable, fast. A discreet near luxury car that is sexier and sportier than previous Camrys.

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  Great Choice After Lots of Anxiety - 2014 Toyota Sienna
  By luxsacra - December 3 - 5:59 pm

  It was difficult deciding among Toyota, Honda and Kia. All have their good points and drive well. I bought the Toyota four weeks ago, and I am happy with the decision, though Id probably be just as happy with the Honda and Kia. I have the blind-spot monitor option ($500) and like it a lot. On the Sienna it is on both side-view mirrors; on the Odyssey, it is only on the passenger side. The long-slide 2nd row seats allow for almost 19" of leg room in the 2nd row, though that would leave almost no leg room for the 3rd row. Both 2nd and 3rd rows have shades. Entune and navigation system are great. Lots of cargo space behind 3rd row. 3rd row seats store easily, but not as easily as Hondas.

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  Toyota Disappointment - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Dave - December 3 - 5:56 pm

  Have 2200 miles on this vehicle and am getting around 30 mpg on trips. Have the same problem others have been experiencing with hesitation in acceleration. Also vehicle hates to decelerate below 30 mph on level ground without braking. Hates to slow going downhill even when in 3 gear. Using the brake so much will must likely result in premature pad replacement. Have a real concern when starting the car as it revs so high and when putting it in gear it backs up extremely fast. Have had it back to the dealer twice and contacted Toyota customer service. No action has been taken to resolve the problem. Seems like Toyota is not adequately addressing the situation. Very disappointed.

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  Our new 4Runner - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By matt barron - December 3 - 10:26 am

  This vehicle looks awesome from every angle. We got the color we wanted and the 2006 SR5 looks like a limited did in previous years. The standard HAC (hill assist start) has come in handy a handful of times on my in-laws monster driveway. Our 4-liter V6 gets 23.0 mpg on the interstate, thats strong. It stands head and shoulders above its competitors.

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  Prius, A Real Winner - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Ron M - December 3 - 8:43 am

  This car has everything. Its technology at it best. The Prius feels larger than it is. The interior is spacious, Storage and cargo space is quite large. Batteries are underneath the car rather than in the cargo area. The Prius accelerates suprisingly fast. It handles and feels like a mid-size car. The $3100.00 Federal tax creit for the first 60,000 units sold in 2006 is a real bonus. Tax credits are gradually reduced 50%, then 25%. Toyota estimates that 15,000 will be sold each month through 2006. I cannot say enough good things about this automobile. Consumer Reports rates this car as a hybrid best and the repair records show that the car has been nearly flawless for the last 2 years.