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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  I wish they still made these - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By AlaskaDave - August 3 - 5:43 pm

  I bought this Camry in Anchorage, Alaska with 152,000 miles on it. It has been a fantastic vehicle. It now has traveled 185,000 miles and it still gets 19 city 26 hwy mpg, runs like a top, performs well, and is very comfortable for a large person (6 2" 230 lb). And everything still works! The only thing I would change if I could is to have a Camry wagon like this with AWD. That would truly be a car for the long term.

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  I love my Yaris - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By AT - August 3 - 1:16 pm

  I love this car. I just got the Yaris a week ago and Im loving it. I drive 122 miles a day, 5 days a week, total of 610 miles per week and I spent $40 on gas the first week on my commute in the Yaris, comparing to my 2004 Audi A6, which I was spending $50 every 2 days, I will probably save about $4,000 or more on gas this year because, last year I spent $6,900 on gas driving my A6 to work. Now that the A6 is parked in the garage I stand the chance of saving extra money on gas. Thanks Toyota.

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  Got Sol - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By In my sol - August 3 - 8:20 am

  I have owned this awesome car for 3 years and have only needed to change the oil. Recently, I am having some suspension issues - not surprising after 100K miles. The CD player also died recently. I would definitely buy another!

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  car - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By ernie mcalister - August 3 - 6:14 am

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  So far so good - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Tom P. - August 3 - 3:30 am

  We have 1000 miles on our base Camry LE V6 with no problems or regrets so far. No signs of the engine hesitation reported by some reviewers (not sure if it matters, but our Camry was made in January 07 in Kentucky). Weve averaged 25 MPG. The LE V6 is powerful and quiet. Acceleration is excellent. The only feature I wanted that it lacked is alloy rims. I probably would have bought the hybrid except that it has 1/3 less trunk space. The LE has fold-down rear seats, which the SE and XLE lack. By the way, if you want to tell the V6 apart from the 4-cylinder (without opening the hood), the former has dual exhaust. Note to tall drivers: models with a moon roof have slightly reduced headroom.

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  Glad I did! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Casey Nalezny - August 2 - 11:10 pm

  I dreamed of owning a convertible, but never thought it practical until now. Comfortable leather, awesome features, enough ROOM for all (even my hubby at 64"), a back seat that is REALLY a back seat, and easy to use automatic controls for just about everything. The ride is smooth, almost feels like I am in a video game at times. I am most impressed with how quiet it is with the top up, I dont even realize it is a convertible, unless of course the top is down HA HA! GREAT JOB TOYOTA!

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  So far so good - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Bonzoboy - August 2 - 5:00 pm

  Got the Venza on Black Friday ($26 K). Not all the bells/whistles, but many more than my 2002 Passat. I had back surgery in May, and needed a better ride. Even without the leather, the car is a dream to ride (we are 1/2 way through a cross-country tour). Didnt have a NAV, but for $100, I use a wonderful Garmin. For everyone complaining about the steering...it feels that way because its electric steering. Its not a German car, so theres little or no "road feel". But thats okay.

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  All wheel drive taxi - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By john richards - August 2 - 6:03 am

  This was purchased for my wife and she positively loves it. Shes owned two Chevy blazers and this one wins hands down. Handling, fun good looking vehicle. The only thing I can think of that she does mention is she wishes the back window would open for better convenience. A little louder but you give up a little quiteness for an suv. (road noise)

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  05 Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By USTAZZAF - August 2 - 3:40 am

  I have had the truck for a month and have put about 2400 miles on it. I chose the 4.0 and 6 speed manual. I picked the TRD Off Road 4X4 so I could get the following options I wanted. The 110 volt plug in the back is sweet, but should run off of a seperate battery, allowing the truck to be turned off while using it. The BF Goodrich tires were a requirement. Wanted the rear locker, although I am a bit disappointed (in the sand anyway). Still needed 4x4 to get around. Driving lights were also a desired extra. They add considerably in deer country. The truck overall is everything I wanted. Love the ride, manuverability and everything else aside from the lack of a 6th seat. Recommend.

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  2007 Avalon Touring - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Jeff dezerga - August 2 - 3:05 am

  I purchased my Avalon with 105k paint okay very quick but the transmission is not the best... Fuel mileage around 19 around town and highway.. Very comfy ride just replaced my dash on the recall... (all dash boards are refurbished not new) But love my car!!