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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  2nd time Camry buyer - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By greeneyes51 - September 30 - 1:39 pm

  I bought a new 2012 XLE several days ago. I came back to a Camry because it has the best value for the $. My last Camry had 220,000 + miles on it and was still a great little car. This one appears to be as good, if not better. Nice fit and finish. Quite and roomier than my previous Camry. The chrome trim at the bottom of the door panel sets the look off just right. The new tail lights make the back distinctive. I had only gone about 5 miles from the dealership on the day I picked it up and someone from behind came to the side of the car, rolled down his window and said, "Is that the new Camry, sweet...". Made my smile really big!!

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  A Pleasant Surprise - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Saleem - September 30 - 7:13 am

  After buying a car, its a great feeling when you realize that the car is a lot better than what you had expected. I brought it as cheap car for my long daily commute and I am extremely happy with it. Its a little weak on power, but besides that, it is great. I am getting an "average" of 39 mpg. Great for single person commuting. I would recommend Camry if there will be more than two passenger.

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  Great purchase - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By cd1791 - September 30 - 3:10 am

  I owned an 01 Pathfinder and was very happy with the car, but it was time to trade up. After reading as many reviews and going to as many sites as possible the only logical choice was a 4Runner. Well, after nearly two months of ownership I must say that I could not be happier. The 4Runner definitely has a better overall feel than my 01 Pathfinder and the 05 Pathfinder I looked at. The fit/finish is excellent. The material quality is high. It drives very well for a SUV (quite interior). Bumps on the road are absorbed like a sponge. I purchased the V8 and it is very quick. If you are looking into purchasing an SUV in this category the 4Runner requires serious consideration.

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  5000 mile review - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By George Szpak - September 30 - 12:16 am

  Comfortable drive, however small steering wheel is cause for sensitive steering. Loss of trunk space I had in previous Saturn cars.

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  My new Corolla - 2017 Toyota Corolla
  By Arthur Dobrin - September 29 - 8:42 pm

  Really happy with my new Corolla. I replaced my 10 year-old Matrix with this fully-loaded version. So far Im more than happy. If it serves me as well as did my Matrix, I couldnt recommend it too highly.

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  My new Corolla - 2017 Toyota Corolla
  By Arthur Dobrin - September 29 - 8:42 pm

  Really happy with my new Corolla. I replaced my 10 year-old Matrix with this fully-loaded version. So far Im more than happy. If it serves me as well as did my Matrix, I couldnt recommend it too highly.

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  Another winner - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Buyer from Michigan - September 29 - 6:03 pm

  This is our fourth new Camry. Previously we a 1992, 1997 and 2002. As usual, our Camry has a solid finish, is very quiet, has a powerful engine and a very nice interior.

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  New Toyota Owner - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By KS - September 29 - 4:22 pm

  I just recently purchased my Highlander and I absolutely love it! In the past I have owned an Infinity car, a Lexus car and a Cadillac SUV. None of those has even come close to being what the Highlander is. Recommend this for families that are looking for reliable SUV

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  Exactly what I expected - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By michael - September 29 - 10:50 am

  The prius is incredibly economical and the advanced powertrain engineering is very clear. The interior space is exceptionally good, although at 511" it would be nice if the driver seat could be moved and additional inch rearward. I have owned SUVs as well as sports cars and sedans, but this is one of the easiest cars Ive driven yet. In town this Prius gets 53 MPG and for day to day commuting it handles well. It is not a car that I enjoy driving fast, since at the limit of handling it is a little unsettled. The turn radius is fantastic though, and it understeers predictably through tight fast corners. The acceleration is similar to a mid 70s American sedan - it wont win any races.

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  Love at first sight - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Romeo A - September 29 - 10:26 am

  I have almost 2,500 miles on this car now and thank goodness it doesnt have the tranny problem. Shifting is very smooth at all speeds. I love the new design especially the headlights, the rounded back (old Camrys are so straight) and bumpers. Im getting 28 mpg average in 75% highway (carpool) and I drive fast mostly. I love the power available when going uphill. The handling is great, too. I like the gradual slowdown when you take your foot off the gas.