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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  Great... again! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Our 5th Camry - October 25 - 12:30 pm

  This is our 5th Camry. Our first Camry was an 89. Its still in the family as I gave it to my 72 yo Mom about 8 years ago. We had 2 - 94s (mine and my wifes). We replaced my 94 with the 02 Camry 3 years ago (running great), and just 3 months ago we replace my wifes 94 with the 05 Camry. Having driven my 02 Camry for 3 years, I was surprised by the even smoother ride of the 05 Camry. ABS brakes are now standard & we opted for the side-impact-air-bag option so we feel safer.

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  The Best! - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By MAMayer - October 25 - 9:36 am

  I waited a long time to buy a 4Runner, much too long. I love everything about it. Exterior has classic lines; interior is very comfortable. Love it!

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  Cheap Plastic - Rear Speaker Covers - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By philip - October 24 - 8:10 pm

  Cosmetic and annoying. Plastic rear speaker covers in the LE crumble after 4 years and fall into the speakers. Toyota refuses to reimburse for replacement covers. Poor design choice and a hassle to owners.

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  Cant beat a Toyota - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Javi - October 24 - 7:18 pm

  My review is based on the 4cyl Se 2016 Camry. I have owned the vehicle for a while and by far beats my friends BMW same year. I have never had to take it to the dealer just for its normal check ups which include oils changes,tire rotation etc etc. I use this car as a daily driver and drive about 35 miles per day and about 60 on weekend days. Its comfortable. Quiet. Sound system is great. You cannot expect for the car to be fast when its a 4cyl none turbo. But the cars performance is great and its great on gas. Im not willing to get less miles per gallon for more horse power. It fits great if you drive it everyday and its very spacious. Great back seat space and huge trunk. My neighbor has a Toyota Camry 1999 and has over 200k miles. Toyota is the way to go in my opinion. I highly recommend it.

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  Cant beat a Toyota - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Javi - October 24 - 7:18 pm

  My review is based on the 4cyl Se 2016 Camry. I have owned the vehicle for a while and by far beats my friends BMW same year. I have never had to take it to the dealer just for its normal check ups which include oils changes,tire rotation etc etc. I use this car as a daily driver and drive about 35 miles per day and about 60 on weekend days. Its comfortable. Quiet. Sound system is great. You cannot expect for the car to be fast when its a 4cyl none turbo. But the cars performance is great and its great on gas. Im not willing to get less miles per gallon for more horse power. It fits great if you drive it everyday and its very spacious. Great back seat space and huge trunk. My neighbor has a Toyota Camry 1999 and has over 200k miles. Toyota is the way to go in my opinion. I highly recommend it.

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  Cant beat a Toyota - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Javi - October 24 - 7:18 pm

  My review is based on the 4cyl Se 2016 Camry. I have owned the vehicle for a while and by far beats my friends BMW same year. I have never had to take it to the dealer just for its normal check ups which include oils changes,tire rotation etc etc. I use this car as a daily driver and drive about 35 miles per day and about 60 on weekend days. Its comfortable. Quiet. Sound system is great. You cannot expect for the car to be fast when its a 4cyl none turbo. But the cars performance is great and its great on gas. Im not willing to get less miles per gallon for more horse power. It fits great if you drive it everyday and its very spacious. Great back seat space and huge trunk. My neighbor has a Toyota Camry 1999 and has over 200k miles. Toyota is the way to go in my opinion. I highly recommend it.

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  Just about nails it - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Kayaker - October 24 - 4:33 pm

  For context, my previous cars were a BMW and Avalon. It came down to the Lexus 330 and this, which offered so much more for the money. Smooth power, comfort, luxury, room to spare in cabin and trunk, and all the toys are the story here. The controls are arranged well and are easy to use. Storage bins are ample and handy. Quality is in evidence everywhere. I looked at about ten large, luxury models in all and this one just stood out.

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  Did its job - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By J. VanZanten - October 24 - 3:46 pm

  we bought the Car for a reliable, fuel efficient vehicle. It did its job. When our family got bigger we outgrew the car. Around town we would still keep it. However we need something bigger with a two kids. I see it as an old man car but Toyota makes a quality car. Ours is a little over 150,000 and still runs great.

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  Fulfilling middle age crazys - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Middle Age Crazy - October 24 - 10:00 am

  MR2 puts the ear to ear GRIN on your face. Its about mid-engine, two seat roadsters. Going into a 35MPH corner at 60MPH, down shifting and peddle to the metal out of the corner with the car is still sticking to the road. Yes, rapping out the little 4 cylinder motor and hitting 60MPH in 7-8 seconds does have its thrill to. Heres the important stuff. I just turned 55 Years YOUNG! I am 61" and weigh in at 270#s. I have no problems getting in & out of the car. The car only cost pocket change as compared to the super cars. Insurance is cheap and GAS Mileage is a whole lot better than the super cars. ENJOY IT NOW!

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  Best SUV For Women - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By vinessalynn - October 24 - 10:00 am

  WE LOOKED AT EVERY SUV ON THE MARKET BEFORE DECIDING ON THE SEQUOIA. THE INTERIOR OF THIS CAR IS SO MUCH NICER THAN THE OTHERS. THE KIDS LOVE WATCHING MOVIES, AND I HAD A BLAST DRIVING ON THE BEACH. I CANT WAIT TO DRIVE IN THE SNOW. I FEEL VERY SAFE IN THIS CAR, AND MY THREE KIDS ALL HAVE PLENTY OF ROOM IN THE SECOND ROW. ALL THREE CARSEATS FIT,AND THERES ROOM TO GROW.