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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  Near perfect, needs a few more items - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Dave Rodham - July 19 - 9:13 am

  Easy driver. Lots of people comforts. I feel safe with airbags everywhere. Stereo should have 100 more watts or my hearing is shot. Wife says her seat has no power controls. My next car will have pass seat controls for wife. Few minor offensive features. Quality is unmatched. Long trips are a breeze. Trunk is sizable but needs dividers. All around good car and our dogs like it as well.

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  Zombie car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By KczKool - July 19 - 7:57 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. Never have had any mechanical issues. My Camry just keeps going, never going to die. The paint/clear coat is peeling badly. Alas it is time to say goodbye. It will cost more to smog with repairs than car is worth.

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  Keeps going, and going, and ... - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By lightningguy - July 19 - 1:53 am

  Bought used @ 116k miles. Rear struts were gone, outer door gaskets crumbled. (but this is common for this model with age.) needed new cat. Converter @ 138k, my fault - didnt change the plug wires! Runs like a gazelle! (amazingly well!) 163k miles now, uses less than 1/8th qt oil in 5,000 miles - unbelievable! Smog chk only slightly higher than new car! With practice, can get 46 mpg highway, with the auto trans! Original starter, water pump, etc. Im 6,4" tall, 240 lbs, its a *bit* cramped, but for the $$, that it will likely run forever; gonna keep it til it falls apart! Change oil / trans fluid religiously, new plugs & wires, etc, should last 400k miles or more. $3.00 for gas, hah!

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  Camry is the Best! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Justin Booher - July 18 - 5:46 pm

  We got mechanics input on the Camry for a year before we actually purchased and they were right on--its a superb vehicle and is all the car we need. We put on many miles and the fuel efficiency is excellent. If I were to buy again I would probably choose the V-6 over the 4 cylinder for get-up-and- go power but I think our 4 cylinder gets better mileage. Wonderful sound system, comfortable ride, and tons of space! I think that is the thing that decided us on the Camry over anything else-- it has a very nice roomy interior -- much more so than most of its competitors. Overall--9.8!

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  Great SUV - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By CMS - July 18 - 12:36 pm

  I have had my car two weeks, already 400 miles, and love it. I have had 4 different SUVs, all from different manufactures and I think I have found what I have been looking for. The seats are comfortable and there is plenty of leg room. It is fun to drive, handling is great even in the snow and the engine is so quiet and there is no wind noise. Mine has manual adjust seats and I actually have the setting more comfortable than the 8 way power seats I have previously had. I always kept adjusting those and never found the right comfort zone. As the newer models come out they are very sleek but also have huge blind spots, this SUV has none.

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  Way more than expected! - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Erik - July 18 - 10:46 am

  First off, I got a truck because I was sick of driving a small sedan and wanted the utility a truck offers. I am amazed at how quiet the ride is and how smooth it drives. Totally unexpected. Fuel economy is just what I expected at about 18.5 to 19.5. Of course I wanted 30, but its a truck! Plenty of power and a very comfortable ride. I now dont mind my commute every day.

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  A lot of car for the money - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By John G - July 18 - 9:46 am

  Fun to drive and seems so far to be reliable. Many favorable comments from friends pertaining to roominess and comfort. We wanted a car that would be as good as our 93 Grand Marquis. I believe we have found it.

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  Great Car - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By TRH - July 18 - 12:33 am

  I traded in my 2004 Volvo S60 for a 2010 Toyota Camry LE and could not be happier with my decision. After having my 2004 Volvo S60 in the shop over 12 times last year for repairs I decided after more research to purchase a Camry. My Volvo was good until I hit 40K and after that it was down hill. I know the Camry will be better and hope to get a good ownership experience. So far I am very pleased with my purchase and would chose simplicity, quality, reliability, dependably, value, and long term durability over any Euro car again.

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  LOVE my Camry! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Erin - July 17 - 9:50 pm

  I purchased my Camry two years ago and am in love with it today as much as when I drove it off the lot. It handles beautifully on dry pavement or snow. It floats on the road, handles like its heavy and substantial, but I get great gas mileage - around 30 mpg. Its also very easy to park; turns on a dime. I do a lot of interstate driving, and its by far the best car Ive owned (prior cars were Jetta, Civic, 2 Accords, Altima and Prelude). If youre considering a Camry, you wont regret getting one!

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  Cant beat em - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By goinpstl - July 17 - 9:12 pm

  This is my second Camry (03) and sorry, but you just cant get a better mid-sized sedan anywhere. Improved styling inside and out.