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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  One year review, 50th anniv. edition - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Brant - November 26 - 9:16 am

  Had our TCH for 1 year and 15k miles. Live in hilly area in New England. 400+ mile trip to Lake George and back got 36 mpg at 73 mph with cruise. Low 30s in city driving. High 20s in winter when fuel blend change kicks in. Car is driven normally, not always trying to extract maximum mpg. Happy with our purchase though the interior is not up to typical Toyota standards. Car has been spot on reliable. No rattles or squeaks or bumper issues. OEM tires are awful and will be replaced by winter. Bought 50th anniversary edition and the car is loaded and sharp. Though a little disappointed at first (I am a car guy), I am now sold on this car.

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  Sorry GM Ford and Chrysler - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Jose - November 24 - 2:30 am

  Sorry for all 3 US automakers as they have never and maybe will never come up with a car as reliable and practical as a Camry. I bought this car with 118K and now has 184k, all highway miles. I dont take care of my cars and even then, its still running like a champ. I need a minivan now cause of my kids, so Ill be looking for a Toyota or Honda.

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  practical choice - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By hilberto - November 24 - 2:00 am

  As with my 2 forer Toyotas, Camry an 4runner it is relia ble and has thiooughtful amenities. I need a vehicle with good traction for my work, and with fuel economy. The ride is better than my 94 4runner, and is affordable

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  03 Matrix xr - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Brian - November 23 - 6:30 pm

  This car is well built and drives very nice. The lack of horsepower causes the car to have less pep with the 5 speed than I would prefer, but it is adequate for highway driving on average.I may not be able to run with some of the sportier cars , but it gets very good mileage on a tank of fuel and now it is more important than it used to be.

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  Comfortable Car, but Poor Initial Quality - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By dcsj - November 23 - 3:06 pm

  This is a very comfortable car to drive, and it gets terrific gas mileage, but initial quality is unacceptable. I have had this car for 3 months, and it has been back to the shop 5 times. Defective speaker diagnosed on 1st visit, replaced on 2nd visit. Sunroof side garnish came loose and smeared grease on window. Garnish re-attached on 3rd visit. Missing rear seat belt buckle replaced on 4th visit. Functionality problem with JBL premium sound system (complicated) diagnosed on 5th visit. Toyota asked me to bring it in at a later date. Vertical grease smear on right rear power window (undiagnosed) to be addressed on 6th visit along with the radio. Big hassle!

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  Great car. A few improvements - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Daniel - November 23 - 2:50 pm

  Great overall car. Outside it looks very good. Not too sporty. Inside is very solid and has higher quality looking materals around the dash and steering wheel. Toyota plays it safe and didnt try too hard on its design inside and out. I own the blue one. All of the paint jobs are very nice. It drives and handles great unless you are in hilly country. Then it needs some extra pep. The seats have a nice adjustable recline that is very comfortable but could be a little softer. In fact, the seats are very hard and dont break in.

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  Love this car - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Loangoddess623 - November 23 - 2:16 am

  Bought it in July 09 and coming up to 5,000 miles. Drives great, but will probably have the idle checked at 1st maint. & oil - idles a little rough occasionally when almost to a stop. The standard shift is fun to drive and everything I expected. Gas mileage is about 20 city/31 hwy. Added some upgrades; pin-striping, window tint, key fob and leather. Looks just like an LE and a stick-shift to boot ! Very roomy. Really like the "beefed-up" look of this generation. Was pleasantly surprised to see just how many amenities came with the base model. A lot of car for the money.

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  Camry beats all others - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By 4camryowner - November 22 - 4:51 pm

  No my Camry is not exciting to drive or very fast. It is however VERY reliable. I have owned 4 Camrys and am able to put 200,000 on each one with no major problems. My present Camry I bought used with 80,000 miles I now have 203,000 miles and only replaced the gas cap!!! Do not be tempted to the dark side (Ford, Dodge or Chevy) Toyota has best build quality. The 2003 model gets an honest 33 miles per gallon. Mixed driving (500 miles to a tank).

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  Dumb water pump location - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By brettgjacobs - November 22 - 12:20 am

  I bought my Rav4 used about a year and a half ago. No, problems up until recently. My Rav turned 90,000 miles and I took it in for an oil change and the mechanic told me that the water pump was failing. Normally, this is a pretty simple repair on most cars but for the V6 specific Rav4 the water pump is buried behind the engine and requires the mechanic to lift or drop the engine to get to the water pump. So, its about a 700-1000 issue to fix and most all V6 Ravs will need this nearing 100,000. Just a heads up! Otherwise, I love my Rav4!

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  226,000 miles salvaged still going - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By 96camryman - November 21 - 5:51 pm

  i am pretty bored of this car recieved it as a graduation gift pretty good though considering it gets beat every day i go 95 on the thruway and it holds up just starting to get problems but i dont care i put some 12 inch ma audio subs in it and a kenwood head unit everyone refers to it as my hoopdee its salvaged and crazy fun on the thruway but the pickup sucks unless you floor it but it gets great gas mileage filled up took a trip to auburn from buffalo and then got back 232 miles only used 1/4 of a tank of gas awesome love it will be using it for a backup when i find another one trying to get it to 1 million miles that would be crazy good