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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  Good car for the money - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By nlambert182 - August 3 - 9:45 am

  Bought this car in 2011 for my wife. Its a red Camry SE Sport edition with the 4 cylinder. Overall its a good little car. We typically get 25mpg+ city driving. We bought it with 99k miles on it and it currently has 128k on it now. The only mechanical issue weve ever had was the left front wheel bearing failing and it cost less than $100 to repair at the dealership. The interior finish is a little disappointing, as the silver painted trim wears easily so we can see black plastic through some areas but overall held up well and its comfortable to drive and extremely reliable. The 4 cylinders idle rough which we dont like, but confirmed this is normal on these cars and it runs fine.

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  Great Car - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By kptak17 - August 3 - 8:40 am

  I recently switched from driving a truck, so my opinions are skewed a bit. I personally dont like being low to the pavement or the small mirrors compared to what my truck used to be, but the gas milage is awesome! Its a sharp looking car with a comfortable ride. The positives far outweigh the two negatives I mentioned earlier, but those are due to the change in vehicle type, I would be saying that about any car that I would have chosen. I recommend this car.

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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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  Very Average - 2010 Toyota Matrix
  By speedycommute - August 2 - 11:03 am

  I bought a 2010 Matrix 5 speed manual base model at the beginning of 2010. This is a functional car that is very average. I found a few significant drawbacks too, primarily in poor design and build but also in very poor visibility. I think there are better cars available in this category and wouldnt buy the Matrix again. PROS: roomy interior, great fuel economy, reasonable cost CONS: very poor visibility(huge pillars, small raised rear window), water drips from roof onto seats when doors open, cheap interior feel, doors sound tinny, matte finish dashboard collects scuffs when you touch it and has rough seams, clunky manual transmission and hard to shift into reverse

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  Not perfect, but best of the field - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By JMcE - August 2 - 9:56 am

  I have 15,000 km on this vehicle and it is used for open road travel (little commuting) and some gravel roads. Overall, this is an excellent performing vehicle. The 5-speed auto is seamless and shifts when it should. The V6 really smokes when you need it. I dont need a fast vehicle, but the power is a safety advantage when passing on congested 2-lane highways. Ample room in the interior and the fold-down rear seats are essential for persons carrying camping gear, sports equipment (diving), or toting boxes from place-to- place. Sports model seems v. secure, even when buffeted by strong cross winds on a hwy. It is roomier than a Honda CRV, Subaru and Jeep Liberty. Test drive one!

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  Love it - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mike - August 2 - 6:06 am

  Its a smooth ride for such a strong SUV. The v6 version is the one I bought. In comparison to the ford and the chevy it had about the same power but more pick up and go in the 4runner. Size wise its about the same.