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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  midlife fun - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By bert - May 12 - 4:40 pm

  live in the midwest and just became empty nesters. time for us!!! this car handles great good pick up great cornering excellant with stabilizer no problems at all even with $3.50 gas aand a prius in the garage which i drive for work...havent looked forward to the weekend like this in a long time just turn up the beach boys and zoom

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  A great car overall - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Mark Y - May 12 - 1:36 pm

  Combines comfort, value, smooth ride and quality in the best package I have seen in 34 years of driving. Smooth ride, excellent visibility, especially on longer trips. I bought the 4-cyl model since my daily commute is under 5 miles one way, so I feel a bit underpowered on the 1 or 2 days I get on the freeway. However, at higher speeds, it has passing power and feels smooth even on bumpy roads. Did I mention the smooth ride of the car?

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  beating the system by winning at the gas tank - 2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By kdyson - May 12 - 5:49 am

  Smooth ride and very happy saving money on gas!

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  Amazing SUV - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Winston Chia - May 12 - 12:33 am

  SUV, Sports car, Practical Hauler, Amazing snow vehicle all wrapped up in one package. That is what the RAV4 Sport does and does very well. Have not had one single problem since I bought it.

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  I LOVE MY CAR - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Lora Hallberg - May 11 - 10:20 pm

  I love this car. It is wonderfully balanced and is a pleasure to drive mountain roads. I am only sorry leather was not an option when I bought my car. My family borrows it when they have a trip of more than 50 miles to go on. My son liked mine so much he went and bought an 06 model. The GPS is easy to use, the bluetooth option works like a charm so I am now hands free. I work for myself so my car is my office and I couldnt have bought a better car for my lifestyle.

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  Great Car - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Lillie - May 11 - 8:30 am

  I purchased this car in 1996 with 24000 miles. My son was in Kindergarten when purchased and is now in his 2nd year of college. It has been the best car I have ever had. I have owned Fords, etc., but none of them have been reliable. It now has 235000 miles and is finally giving in. Ive driven it to Louisiana, Oregon, Kansas many times and has been thru 2 accidents. I wanted a small SUV so I just purchased a 2006 Honda CRV with very low miles and hope to keep it for a long time too. I would have purchased a newer RAV but dont like the style. I would have kept my Camry longer.

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  Best Car in US for the Price - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By dennis - May 10 - 2:40 pm

  The 2005 Avalon XLS is awesome. It performs best at higher speeds, where it purrs like a cat and seems most at ease. The torque is amazing and can put you out in front of cocky kids in sports cars. You can challenge a Chrysler 300 on long stretches and leave almost all but the big BEAMERS disappearing in your rearview mirror. The only downside is getting used to the computerized shifting program which can seem bizarre and confused. Also the the brake pedal is mushy to the extent you feel you are losing fluid and the pedal is going to the floor... but in reality the pedal is reacting to various pressure intensities -- and it takes getting used to in order to feel confident.

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  love my 4X4 - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Don Ray - May 10 - 2:26 pm

  I bought an 06 Dbl cab TRD sport 4X4, it took me 3 months to get this truck the way I wanted it but I have it now. Nice truck, speedway blue is the bomb. Got 17 mpg on first tank, not bad. Just put a Flowmaster muffler, sounds real good now. I wish the electric plug in the back wood work with the truck not running, useless this way.

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  Waited 11 years - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Rick Pellino - May 10 - 1:27 pm

  I traded in my 2005 Honda CRV which I drove for 11 years and bought a Highlander XLE. I love this car! The ride and comfort are wonderful. I have the two separate seats in the second row which are comfortable and roomy. The technology is easy to set up and use. Love how the audio bluetooth works with my music downloads on my I-phone. Toyota has won me back with this quality vehicle. Great value. Just a pleasure to drive. I havent had it long enough to comment on reliability but I have high expectations for Toyota quality. I am 65years old and looking forward to driving my new Highlander in my retirement years.

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  Comfortable Drive - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Canadian - May 10 - 10:00 am

  My kids are desperate to drive this beauty but this is Dads "chickmobile"! The car runs so quietly I have probably torn a few teeth off the starter thinking it has stalled! The front strut mounts (as I see with others owners) have both had to be replaced. The ABS brakes are way too sensitive and kick in at the least unevenness in the road surface when braking. It is a very comfortable drive for long journeys and has only let me down once with a dead battery. Had an window motor blow up which scared the pants off me but overall I would buy another Solara, providing it has the same quality interior as my 99.