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:

• 

  Best Compact Yet - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By zeeno - June 11 - 6:10 pm

  I love my Yaris 3dr hatchback. Its fun to drive with an incredibly small turning circle which makes u-turns a snap. The mileage is fantastic, the automatic transmission is very smooth, plus I can choose to shift it when I want and the ride quality is great. The looks of the 3dr hatchback are very different and I like how unique it is.

• 

  Senior driving around SF Valley Ca - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By xls 4dr sedan(3.5l 6 - June 11 - 3:56 pm

  Smooth handling on freeways and city streets of Los Angeles, Orange County California. I am retired senior, male, 6 tall, long legs and I have generous leg room and ample view of road. This car will remain a vehicle I can remain proud of and comfortable in as I age.

• 

  Love It So Far! - 2011 Toyota Venza
  By carolinagirl66 - June 11 - 3:28 pm

  My husband and I just traded my 2006 Toyota Solara Convertible for a brand new, still on the lot, 2011 Venza. This vehicle has every option including AWD. I LOVE IT! This vehicle is so easy to drive and I really aprreciate all of the cargo room-especially coming from a 2 door convertible. The back up camera and navigation are nice features and I am sure that the AWD will come in handy this upcoming winter. Ours is a V6 and it will pick up and move on the interstate. The best part is that we feel we received such a good deal because they needed to move it before the 2013 models arrive!

• 

  Most impressive for the money - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Richie Rich - June 11 - 7:03 am

  The missus and I really fell in love with the new styling. We have now owned for 9 mo, a very competent performer indeed. The gauge cluster is a big hit with the different modes at the touch of a button and the sound system is awesome. Plenty of room abounds in the back seat for the adults and the reclining seats are a nice touch on the long trips. Driving is quiet and refined for a 4 cyl.,handling is good as well.The factory choice of tires could be better, they are not long lasting tread, they will need to be replaced before 25K miles. At 65-70 we can average 32-34 mpg - 27 overall mpg. If we were not so tight we should have gotten the V6. We wouldnt hesitate buying another.

• 

  Love it! - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Emmy - June 11 - 5:46 am

  I bought this about 4 weeks ago and I can honestly say that I am so lucky to have gotten this for my first car. The ride is super smooth and the seats are very comfortable. I love that you can raise the seat up higher if you need to. For an 11 year old car, it still runs and looks brand new. The paint isnt faded at all. My only complaint is that the air conditioner makes a whistling noise on the higher settings... its strange. Gets cold fast though, which is all that matters. The stereo sounds great too; I got a cassette adapter for my ipod, and it works perfectly.

• 

  Love my Solara.... - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Brian P - June 11 - 4:20 am

  I love this car...the styling is what caught my eye,but after driving it,the ride is just incredible...I can also say is without a doubt the quietest car in terms of filtering out exterior noise that I have ever driven.I also love the highway mpg..right now at 31 mpg...

• 

  2007 Toyota Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Mario - June 10 - 2:46 pm

  Since new it was just pain to go through proper break-in period. After that it is fun to exploit this marvel of engineering. I had to learn new "space" technology. Previous car was 84 Chevy Impala. No comparison. Excellent city fuel economy. In general this car exceeded my expectation.

• 

  A major mama gripe with design - 2013 Toyota Sienna
  By mamato4 - June 10 - 2:13 pm

  As a mom I like this kid wagon pretty well, but have one major gripe with the design. Its obviously meant to haul children, and almost all children are in some sort of safety restraint/seat these days. Problem is, the 2nd and 3rd row seats have this ridiculous incline, about a 45 degree incline toward the back. What they really need to start at is about ground level for proper installation of car seats. Ive had to roll a towel to stick under a car seat before, but this is insane. Who thought this was a good idea?? You really have to rig it to get the child seat at the proper angle, especially for the youngest children (newborns and babies) who are rear-facing and need to be reclined.

• 

  First Toyota - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Jessica - June 10 - 12:40 am

  I was able to lease my 2010 Camry at an amazing deal. I traded in my 2007 Ford Explorer because of how bad my mpg were and wanted a car. We looked at the Corolla but it was to small for my family. My deal was so amazing they even put in leather seats. The inside is beautiful. I can see everyones complaint about the cheap look to it but its still very nice and more classy then my Explorer. I miss having more room but the Camry is still a good size, even my hubby who is a big and tall guy fits well in it. I love the dash board at night and the extra storage areas in the car. I have had the car for about a month and am glad I choose this over an Accord, which I did not like the interior of.

• 

  380k and Still going - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By M.k. - June 9 - 10:03 pm

  I purchased this Camry new in 12/02. I commute to work about 120 miles everyday, and this car has served me well for 380,000 miles. I change the oil every 3,000 miles. Ive changed with suspension 3 times, brakes have been done 3 times. Apart from routine maintenance, the only problem this car has given me, was the A/C compressor went out at 210k. Not a big deal considering when it was replaced. I treat this car well, and it returns the favor. You cant get any better than that.