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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  Unbiased - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Gerald - June 19 - 3:53 am

  Weve had the 4cyl Camry LE for over 2 years. Great car, but a little bland. Ride is floaty, comfortable, and handles reasonably well considering. Interior too light colored to keep clean. Small squeaks under close scrutiny. Brakes without ABS, OK. Opt for ABS for better brake feel and stopping distance. Acceleration light, but buzzy at times. Some interior materials get scratched as do the hubcaps against the curb. Steering is light, but very precise. Stock radio provides good bass. Overall, great car, 9/10. QUIETER than the Accord at highway speeds meaning less fatigue. Reliable. Would purchase again, but with side airbags. If purchasing, go with the alloys and side airbags.

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  A simply reliable ride - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Dain - June 19 - 3:19 am

  We have had great success with this purchase. The dealership was not much help and costly but the vehicle has been very reliable for the past 7 years. No major malfunctions. It does use a little oil. Toyota had a recall on this but with a "Toyota Test" they decided it did not use enough oil to warrant a fix. It uses about a quart over 1500 - 2000 miles.

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  Great used car - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Simon - June 19 - 12:13 am

  I read many of these reviews and I was on the lookout for some of the various issues that owners were concerned about. I paid approx. 10K less for a certified 09. If I had purchased new, I would say the car is not worth the money, as a used car...its a no brainer. I got a "good" car, good panel fit, no rattles, whisper quiet at 70mph,killer fuel mileage and low insurance cost. Im 63" with a bad back...no issues with seat comfort.

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  Over 200,000 Going Strong - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Ward - June 18 - 7:33 pm

  I am the second owner of this car. Have used dealer to maintain according to schedule. Other than 3 small fender dents, looks and shines like new, despite salt and heat of northern Ohio. Still gets 21 city, 26 highway. Runs on Sunoco regular gas! (Needs at least middle premium with other brands.) Original motor, transmission, AC all working fine. Drivers leather seat showing wear. Wish I could drop a hybrid engine into it.

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  WOOOOOOO - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By jacob357 - June 18 - 2:02 am

  Overall it is a great car if you upgrade it a little also dont run it into a mercury like my freind ashton did to his jeep

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  New owner - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Monte521 - June 18 - 1:23 am

  I have had the 2008 Highlander Hybrid for only a short time so there are some items I cannot yet address. The car is very comfortable and quiet. Handling is good, but I have not yet had an opportunity to test it in harder driving (twisting roads, etc.). It is much larger, inside and out, than the 2007 model. The biggest shortcoming is rear visibility. The rear window is so darkly tinted that nothing can be seen when backing in the dark. (Obviously, the rear camera helps a lot in this case.) The second is the ugly color choices. I was able to purchase it for a few hunderd dollars under list.

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  Buy It Now - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By rrobinson60 - June 17 - 5:43 pm

  I had a 2008 Nissan Frontier before I got this truck. The need for a change obvious because I really did not like driving it. Fuel economy poor. I did my research and ran across the 2011 Toyota Tacoma. When I saw that it came in a double cab 4 Cyl. I was ecstatic. The truck drives like a car. I am a pretty big guy and I have plenty of head room and leg room. The stereo system is great and it looks much better than the Frontier. I havent had it long enough to determine the fuel efficiency but I drove it 50 miles the first night and it barely moved off of full. I highly recommend this truck to anyone.

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  another great avalon - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By bernard levine - June 17 - 2:33 pm

  over 10 years this is my 3rd and best avalon yet... amazing comfort in front with all the push buttons needed and easily handled... flat floor in rear with reclining seats and fantastic passenger confort... been getting compliments over the past 2 months of ownership.... just fearful of having it valet parked, because many cant handle the keyless operation with the push button ignition-but its been getting more and more popular... moving up to 20 mpg in the slow city and expect 29-30 on the highways

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  Excellent car except for start battery - 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By hallett1 - June 17 - 2:12 pm

  I use this car for everything including towing a 2,000 lb Casita trailer. I have driven several times the length of Baja California with the trailer. The car tows the trailer very well, and there is plenty of power for towing on steep, prolonged mountain passes or for passing. You hardly know the trailer is there. Towing or not, the car consistently gets several MPG better than my former Honda 2004 Odyssey. However, note that MPG GOES DOWN VERY FAST AS YOU INCREASE HIGHWAY SPEED OVER 65 MPH, as you would expect due to wind/tire resistance. The car handles extremely well, great suspension. The only problem encountered is with the small start battery, which frequently goes dead.

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  Loving My 2014 Toyota Avalon - 2014 Toyota Avalon
  By Linda - June 17 - 1:02 pm

  Its an awesome car that I plan to have around for a long time!