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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  Style, Comfort and Drive - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Tyler - April 4 - 1:03 pm

  The fit and finish on my liftback was better than expected (even for a Toyota). The doors sound firm and heavy when shut. I am a long time Honda owner (6 total). I think I just converted. The seats are quite comfortable for what is described as entry level. They have enough side stability to keep you in place around tight turns. I fit two- 220+ lb, 6 ft adults in the back seat for an hour ride with no problem. The manual transmission is very responsive and sounds like it should be driven at a higher rpm in 2nd and 3rd compared to what I expected (a tach would be nice). Freeway on ramp acceleration with the manual is quite good. You can u turn on a residential street with feet to spare.

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  my 5th - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By PBucks - April 4 - 10:40 am

  This is my 5th Tacoma and like all the others like it a lot. My son took my 04 4 banger stick access cab to college. So I picked up this automatic version as a replacement. So far I really like this bigger body style. I normally get the easiest color to keep clean but this new Barcelona red called out my name when I first saw it. I get many compliments on the look of the truck. Must say though I miss the manual transmission. Ive been checking the fuel mileage and it is 24 MPG. I was thinking about getting a full size Ford or Chevy this time for less money but Im really glad I stayed with the Tacoma. I think they are the best and most useful mode of transportation for my needs.

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  wow - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By vinny - April 4 - 7:23 am

  This car is a real pleasure to drive, the new design is a big improvement from the previous years. I traded in my 2003 avalon for this and I am very happy,

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  camry rating - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By rcfuccillo - April 4 - 3:06 am

  Visibility to rear not so good. Reflections on rear windshield interferes with visibility especially at night. Accleration is just adequate, could be better.

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  Greatest thing since sliced bread - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Ron - April 4 - 12:10 am

  I have 64K miles and have only replaced tires & wiper blades. I average 52 MPG, mostly driven at 50-55 mph. There is a learning curve to getting good MPG. I use the cruise control all the time, even in city driving. It works down to 24 MPH! Consistent speed is the key. The ride and handling is great. Fun car to drive. Im getting another this year.

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  Awesome mileage - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By KBO - April 3 - 11:46 pm

  Decided to buy a hybrid and started by looking at the Honda Civic and Toyota Prius. Was not even aware at the time that Camry came in a hybrid. Test drove all three and the Camry was a winner in all aspects except the mileage. I decided to give up a little mileage for the comfort and ride. However to my surprise my mileage has been much higher than I expected. My first tank of gas I averaged 40.5 MPG and my second tank averaged 43.5 MPG. I live in a relatively flat area and I dont drive the car hard. If you put your foot into it a lot you will not get any where near this gas mileage. Bottom line is I love the car and would recommend it to any one.

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  4 runner - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jenn Davies - April 3 - 9:53 pm

  Runs well, no problems that Im aware of...

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  I only sat in the 2018 SE - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Alan D. - April 3 - 2:47 pm

  I have long legs. I sat in a 2018 SE and was pleased to find a little more front legroom than in my 2015 SE. Take it for a test drive on a coarse road to determine if road noise is considerably quieter than in the previous model. Be aware that new tires are quieter than tires with 30k miles on them. My 2015 SE is a little noisy on coarse roads, but not as bad as an Accord or Mazda 6. I dont really mind that, but have been in vehicles with a little less road noise. Other than that, if the 2015-2017 SE handles well enough for you, you may want to consider the 2018 LE for its smoother, quieter ride. You may prefer its lighter steering if you found the steering a bit heavier than preferred in the 2015-2017 SE. If you prefer better handling and a heavier steering feel, the SE and XSE may be your cup of tea. Of course, looks, standard features, and available options will matter.

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  I love and hate my Corolla XRS - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By leslie - April 3 - 2:06 pm

  I love driving it, I like how fast you can go but have not been over 85 in it. I dont know how hard it was driven before me but March 2008 the transmission went out. June wheel bearing went bad, replaced it and again in July. And in September gotta replace again.

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  Happy So Far - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Frugal Buyer - April 3 - 1:10 pm

  After my first full tank of gas, my mileage was 36.79 mpg (20% city, 80% hwy, w/ac; also, I bought used at 50k). Very happy. Handles well. More than adequate acceleration. Replaced a 92 Camry that I got 266k out of. Thanks Toyota.