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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  Amazed, pleased and excited - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Estar69 - July 19 - 3:33 am

  I test drove this before I drove the standard gas powered 4 cylinder Camry. Took them both out on the highway and drove them similarly, accelerating heavily at 60 mph until I reached 80. The Hybrid was impressive and just as quick (if not slightly quicker) than its non-hybrid brother. The interior is very quiet and a little eerie at traffic lights and when you first start the car. Were it not for the "Ready" light when starting, you would not know it was running until the electric motor kicks in. (A note for the ladies...those hot summer days that you want to adjust your hair and make-up will cost you virtually nothing while you enjoy the A/C.)

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  First Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Rusty - July 19 - 2:03 am

  Only have had the car a week now but so far its been great. Averaging 38.5 mpg so far - no problem areas either. Electronics are fun but will take a while to figure out. The blue tooth phone setup was a snap and my razr v3 connected with no issues.

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  Great car! - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By erock - July 18 - 11:46 pm

  Only had this car a month but its by far one of the best cars Ive owned. 120,000 miles when I got it and it runs like new. The solidity and quality are unmatched. Replaced the tires and wipers so far but thats it. Would recommend this car to anyone.

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  This Van Needs Work - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By carguy2005 - July 18 - 12:30 pm

  I really want to love this minivan, but its making it hard. The build quality is just not up to Toyota standards. I just got home from a 220 mile day trip, and the rattling sound is driving me crazy. Its either behind the dash or in the drivers door, but of course, has been undiagnosable by the dealer. This is only one of several quality problems weve had with this Toyota. Im going out shopping for a different van on Monday and will buy whichever seems to have good build quality. Very disappointed in my first ever Toyota.

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  rear hub bearing to be replace at 36000 - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By dianad1 - July 18 - 12:29 pm

  my car needs now hub bearings to be change at this low mileage to me. the dealer says is wear and tear and have to pay it.!!!!! ridiculous since there is no way i can brake as a driver the hub bearings. im trying to change my car i will never buy toyota again!!!!!

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  Interior not up to Toyota standard - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By sue - July 18 - 9:56 am

  I currently own my second 2000 Camry and this is my fourth Camry. I love the security in knowing it is going to get me where I need to go and bring me home. However I have a complaint about the quality of the intereior devices, I have had to replace door handles, the motor for the rear window had to be replace and we do not use the window often at all. The seat is wobbly and the mirror cover on the visor is broken. On the door arm rest the part around the window buttons is coming away from it. I suggest if you have any problems go ahead to your dealer and maybe they can replace it for cheaper.

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  Great Car, Reliability?? - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Dan G - July 18 - 4:10 am

  Only had the car for 6 days and 340 miles. Car ride and handling is excellent at all speeds. Road and wind noise is not bad and acceptable. Bought the "S" model with the "SX" sport option. Great looks! Gas mileage 28 mpg combined city and highway. Hope it improves to 32-34 avg. Only on 2nd tank of gas and has away to go to be broken in. Very comfortable seats, roomy cabin frt and rear compared to the competition in its class. Reason questioning reliability, is the "trunk latch" failed. Used 10 times. Had to rope down trunk lid via the rear seat when laid down. Brought to dealer for repair. Latch on order. Hope this is not a sign of whats to come? Toyota reliability? Hoping its just a fluke.

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  SE V-6 - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By nashvillenapa - July 17 - 11:30 pm

  Love the car! First thing that come to me off the top of my head is the transmission. It seems to hesitate and not know when to shift at times. Ive also had a minor problem with squeaks and rattles from the dash that should not be there. Other than that, I love the power, handling, quiet ride, and a great JBL sound system.

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  A near perfect SUV - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Frank - July 17 - 7:23 pm

  My daughter drove an older one and was hit by a speeding car running a light. Her 4runner sacrificed its own life to preserve hers, she was shook up but unhurt. My bosses daughter rolled one off an embankment from an icy road. She was shook up but unhurt. He was so happy he went out and bought her a brand new one. I know the accident reviews are good for this truck, but we believe they are way understated. We believe it to be one of the safest in the world today. This high quality full frame, (not unibody) truck is one of the few true off road vehicles left. With its low range gearing and its "positive 4 wheel lock" it is a stand out in a crowd of crossovers and halfway vehicles.

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  It was the right way to go! - 2011 Toyota Sienna
  By hcruz1980 - July 17 - 5:53 pm

  Just bought our 2011 Sienna last week and it drives like a dream! Steering is so smooth, turns and corners effortlessly. Has great pick up. Feels like your driving a living room on wheels. The first few days I felt like the car was almost too luxurious for me! Definitely spend the money or negotiate the price to get the XLE model. Ours has leather seats and navigation. I figure the dvd can be bought after market. Leather because our kids would have destroyed the fabric seats. It was between this and the Honda Odyssey. Test drove both and in the end it was a youtube video that helped us decide. Type in Toyota Sienna vs. Honda Odyssey and look for video from New York Training.