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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  Traded a Volvo S-80 T-6 for the Avalon - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Patrick G - August 25 - 3:26 am

  My wife and I absolutly love this car. We traded a top of the line Volvo S-80 T-6 and do not regret it a bit. I/we cant say enough about the car. It rides great, handles well and is ALMOST as quick/fast as the twin-turboed S-80. the 12-speaker sound system is far better than that of the Volvo. Simply a great car!

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  Cannot beat a Toyota - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Navy Vet - August 25 - 1:14 am

  What is up with some of the negative reviews I do not get it. I am a 6f tall, big boned American military veteran and I love these cars. I owned a 2003, 2009 and a few years ago, I upgraded to a 2015 and got a good deal, $22,000 out the door. What I LOVE about the 2015 Camry LE. The body has grown by 1.8 inches in length and .04 inches in width and I feel comfortable driving the car for long distances. I have the 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 178 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. I am averaging 25 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, for a combined 28 mpg, which is just fantastic! I am also basing these ratings on the fact that the mid level LE trim is under $25,000 new. The steering, handling and driving is great and cracking the 200,000 mile barrier should not be a problem. There is plenty of front space, as for the passengers in the back seat, it is not bad. Toyota gives a decent trunk size and I can fit all of my groceries. Here is what Toyota could improve on. It does not have the sexiest interior and exterior design but then again if you wanted that, you would be researching sports cars. Toyota charges a premium for upgrades. The XLE package costs around $35,000 new and that is Lexus prices. Other rivals might offer a few more bells and whistles but overall I will take reliability, safety, fuel economy and maintenance cost over anything else.

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  Cannot beat a Toyota - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Navy Vet - August 25 - 1:14 am

  What is up with some of the negative reviews I do not get it. I am a 6f tall, big boned American military veteran and I love these cars. I owned a 2003, 2009 and a few years ago, I upgraded to a 2015 and got a good deal, $22,000 out the door. What I LOVE about the 2015 Camry LE. The body has grown by 1.8 inches in length and .04 inches in width and I feel comfortable driving the car for long distances. I have the 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 178 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. I am averaging 25 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, for a combined 28 mpg, which is just fantastic! I am also basing these ratings on the fact that the mid level LE trim is under $25,000 new. The steering, handling and driving is great and cracking the 200,000 mile barrier should not be a problem. There is plenty of front space, as for the passengers in the back seat, it is not bad. Toyota gives a decent trunk size and I can fit all of my groceries. Here is what Toyota could improve on. It does not have the sexiest interior and exterior design but then again if you wanted that, you would be researching sports cars. Toyota charges a premium for upgrades. The XLE package costs around $35,000 new and that is Lexus prices. Other rivals might offer a few more bells and whistles but overall I will take reliability, safety, fuel economy and maintenance cost over anything else.

• 

  Cannot beat a Toyota - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Navy Vet - August 25 - 1:14 am

  What is up with some of the negative reviews I do not get it. I am a 6f tall, big boned American military veteran and I love these cars. I owned a 2003, 2009 and a few years ago, I upgraded to a 2015 and got a good deal, $22,000 out the door. What I LOVE about the 2015 Camry LE. The body has grown by 1.8 inches in length and .04 inches in width and I feel comfortable driving the car for long distances. I have the 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 178 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. I am averaging 25 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, for a combined 28 mpg, which is just fantastic! I am also basing these ratings on the fact that the mid level LE trim is under $25,000 new. The steering, handling and driving is great and cracking the 200,000 mile barrier should not be a problem. There is plenty of front space, as for the passengers in the back seat, it is not bad. Toyota gives a decent trunk size and I can fit all of my groceries. Here is what Toyota could improve on. It does not have the sexiest interior and exterior design but then again if you wanted that, you would be researching sports cars. Toyota charges a premium for upgrades. The XLE package costs around $35,000 new and that is Lexus prices. Other rivals might offer a few more bells and whistles but overall I will take reliability, safety, fuel economy and maintenance cost over anything else.

• 

  Outstanding - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By Family - August 25 - 1:13 am

  This is a great minivan. I have had minivans for many years and this is the best one I have ever driven. It is beautifully designed and comfortable with great performance.

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  Great fun but also good for small family - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Berta - August 24 - 11:33 pm

  This car is sport and very fun to drive. It is also safe and great for a small family. The Corolla is very reliable and pretty roomy. The paint on the vehicle is not the 5 coats that we were told came on the vehicle, we have a few chips on the front of the car, paint seems to be thin. Also, does not get as good gas mileage as we were told it would get. Overall this is a great car for a teenager or anyone with a small family!! What can I say it is a Toyota, that is all this family will ever drive.

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  Smooth - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Lisa Thomas - August 24 - 11:16 pm

  I have had my car for more than four months yet I get the same feelings I had initially when I first test drove it. It is a comfortable and smooth ride. I have no regrets and look forward to a long and rich driving experience.

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  Love it! - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Kelly - August 24 - 12:36 pm

  I did extensive research prior to purchasing this car. I was wise in my decision to buy the RAV4. 1st, it gets great gas mileage. Very important when youre paying $3 a gallon. I get 20 mpg. 2nd, Its a smaller SUV, but, it is very spacious. I managed to carry an 8 ft. treadmill in it. 3rd, its sporty and SO much fun to drive. And its really CUTE! It really doesnt look like the SUVs out there. Youre higher up than in a car without being in a hulking, gas guzzling SUV. Last, Its a Toyota. Its got a great warranty, and I expect I will be driving it when its 10 years old or older with more than 100,000 miles on it. I highly recommend this car.

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  80k and no problems - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By David - August 23 - 10:20 pm

  Ive put a lot of miles on this car and never had any issues with it. Other than oil changes, it has never needed service of any kind. I will definitely buy another Toyota--either another Corolla or a Lexus. Excellent car.

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  1999 4Runner Limited - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Brian Patterson - August 23 - 7:00 pm

  Bought this gem in October 2015 with 184k on the clock - one owner, all dealer serviced, etc. A rather rare find. After some back and forth with the dealer, I was OTD at $6800 including taxes, registration and a full tank. Came with Michelin LTX M+S in decent shape - still riding on them at 197k with no appreciable wear. Besides new brake pads/rotors, Bosch 27F-size battery, NGK wires and plugs and a Kenwood Excelon radio, Ive done just a little intake and electrical modding to this vehicle. Needs the Tundra brake upgrade - about $300 in parts. Everything works like it should - love the AWD mode for rainy days and have yet to use the 4WD in Low range. Drives beautifully. Fuel mileage varies from 15-19mpg. Comfortable but snuggish, even with my average build and height.