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:

• 

  Great Small Car - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By mcdawgg - March 1 - 7:03 pm

  This is a very nice, reliable, comfortable, and inexpensive car. It is quiet on the highway, and comfortable. Bullet-proof reliability. Cheap to maintain, and great on gas. Many people say the 4 speed automatic is old and outdated, but take another look. Thats right, the Corolla is just about THE most fuel efficient in its class, according to Consumer Reports. So, yes, a 5 speed auto would be bettter, but the 4 speed auto still beats just about all the other cars in this class, and it is very quiet. The engine & transmission are proven - ultra-reliable for an automatic.

• 

  Happy in a Camry - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Nort Josephson - March 1 - 5:50 pm

  Its a very comfortable smooth driving car. The gas mileage is approximately half of what I got in the Prius, but I knew that when I bought it. The safety features are very good. The moon roof will probably never be used but you cant get the car without it. I really miss the rear window windshield wiper. I dont see why the headlights dont automatically come on with the windshield wipers. All in all Im very satisfied.

• 

  My 09 Camry - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By longhoferj - March 1 - 4:43 pm

  Bought mine about 10 days ago, and have driven over 200 miles and still have 2/3 of a tank. I had an 08 RAV4 and I loved it but the gas was killing me, made the painful decision to trade before the value went down. My dealer got me into a loaded model which is nice. Love the bluetooth, works perfect with my Razor. Got the premium sound system which was satellite ready but required extra 500.00 to upgrade. I think at this price point it should have Sirius standard. Im still figuring out how to use some of the toys but already love it. I think when I break it in it will get about 40 a gallon. Moon roof, nav all work great. If you want to save money on gas and ride in style you cant beat it

• 

  Best Car had to Date - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Michele - March 1 - 11:03 am

  Just bought my Camry with 78,000 miles. I get better gas mileage with this car than I did with any new vehicle I have bought. I also have a newer Ford Taurus, and it doesnt come close to the mileage. The get up and go is much much better than the Taurus also. It is a quiet and easy ride. I would have preferred a seat that would lower and raise but otherwise okay. The placement of the clock is not very convenient to other passengers and armreast could be raised a little to make it more comfortable. Other than these minor things, I think I made a great choice and will probably buy Toyota again.

• 

  So much fun - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By luvmatrix - March 1 - 10:00 am

  Gas mileage is better than my 2000 ford focus that i traded in. I love the whole look of the matrix. Thats what sold me more than anything. I am a new mom, but didnt want the minivan yet. This is a small sporty car with great hauling abilities. I can put two strollers in the hatch and still have room for some groceries. It has lots of compartments, great for moms with tissues, wipes, and toys.

• 

  Outstanding - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By zman2 - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 98 camry for >6 years. The only problem I had was the water pump went out at 80k miles and took the timing belt with it. My wife started driving the kids around in this car and made me drive her new Jeep Grand Cherokee. She figured I was insured for more.

• 

  Everything I Ever Wanted - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Desert Dog - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my SR5 Tundra for the 04 4Runner. As much as I loved the Tundra, I love this vehicle more. It has the same smooth V8, and the transmission is equally smooth. I love the way it handles, and the full- time 4WD means never losing traction on wet pavement (which my Tundra always did). I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a quality ride. Mine hasnt seen much off-road yet, but soon. The ride on the street is excellent.

• 

  Not very good - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By marklist12 - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I am very dissapointed in this vehicle. I have had it since September and it has been in for service a total of 103 days. Transmission went out on it. Front rotors were warped so bad the front end shook. Now it rattles over every bump. I cant believe anyone has given it a favorable rating. There must be a half a dozen other owners at the dealership having the same, and more, serious quality and reliability problems like myself. Ill never buy another Toyota!.

• 

  Love This Car - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By angie - February 28 - 11:40 pm

  I love this car! The gas mileage is great, and it has decent power for a compact car. I recently got in an accident with this car and it held up great, no injuries. When we buy another car it will be another Corolla.

• 

  GPS Problems - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Pierre - February 28 - 6:23 pm

  Really like this car, only problems I encounter is the transmission "slipping" feeling and the feeling that the front of the Camry wants to "take off" with head and cross winds. Also, 8 of the last destinations entered into the GPS were not in the GPS software.