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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  Great economy, zero fun - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Kent - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable, great mileage. Very uncomfortable interior design. Toyota cheaped out on the interior. The seats are the worst. Body looks great but feels cheap and looks cheap when you look close. Great truck space. Very zippy for a 4 cylinder. Radio controls on steering wheel are nice but they dont allow you so scan, you can only choose preselected channels??

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  Im a Honda guy, but this car changed the game.. - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By ajhall - December 19 - 6:56 pm

  Had an Accord before the Camry, and gave my Camry to my fiance to buy another Accord, but I have a higher standard after owning it for four years. 4 years and 90k miles later and this car has required two sets of tires and one set of brakes. No other issues or signs of issues to come. A breeze to own and low cost. The drive is comfortable, but a little numb at times--feeling more electronic then mechanical. Great visibility, and mpg (28 city/hwy mixed and I drive hard..used to V6 cars). The overall quality is bar none, and the sound deadning materials used are supreme. Even as we outgrow this car, we plan to keep it as a spare vehicle because weve always been able to count on it.

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  Hard To Let Go Of! - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By AustinCamryOwner - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Weve owned this black coupe since it was a year old, and the reliability has been astounding. Simply put, it has never left my wife stranded and broken down - ever. And maintenence has been just the minimum required. While the 4 cylinder isnt particulary sporty in nature, this car wasnt purchased for that purpose... it was purchased for comfort, decent style and reliability, and it has delivered all 3 exactly as expected along with great fuel mileage.

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  Not a Honda. - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By d20142 - December 19 - 10:00 am

  The quality does not compare to the Hondas I have previously owned. The car is nice to look at but the 5A trans. refuses to down shift except for flooring it and even then you have to wonder if its going too. The interior rattles more than it should. The steering is very "numb" and should be more like a Honda.

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  Love that TRUCK ! - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By William Dollison - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I have been very Happy with my new Toyota Tacoma. I would purchase another in a New York Minute !

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  Popular Mechanics Meets Popular Science - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Jonathan Quick - December 19 - 6:03 am

  For the most part, I have been very impressed with this vehicle. Gas mileage is 3x better than my previous vehicle, with no noticeable loss of power. For the price, the number of features and new technologies packed into this vehicle is simply astounding. The list of cool features goes on an on. Where else can you get hybrid synergy drive, CVT, regenerative braking, stability control, ABS, electric AC, steering wheel AC / radio controls, automatic climate control, SmartKey keyless entry, rear camera, tire pressure monitoring system, 9 speaker MP3 stereo, etc. for less than $25k? Everything about this car suggests efficiency, reliability, and value. Wish Toyota had a hybrid minivan!

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  my review - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By r23m - December 19 - 2:00 am

  rides very much like a car excellent handling and acceleration. int and ext appearance is a plus very pleased with this suv.

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  ok car with very poor gas mileage - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Donna Sue - December 19 - 2:00 am

  average car but terrible gas mileage around 20 highway and thats terrible for a 4 cylinder

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  Toyota Lexus - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By BINKY - December 19 - 12:26 am

  A very nicely crafted, refined, and roomy, comfortable sedan. I have driven and/or ridden in several late model Luxury brands, and this vehicle equals and usually exceeds the standards of those vehicles!

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  Buyers Remorse - Wind Noise - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By coreyd1 - December 18 - 8:41 pm

  Traded 2004 Camry SE i4 for 2012 Camry SE i4. Noticed some wind noise during test drive, but bought it anyway. Bad choice. The wind noise at interstate speeds is loud and annoying. Roof line is also closer to the head which makes it difficult for my 6ft plus body to lean out when trying to use an ATM machine or similar. Transmission braking likes to grab when slowing. Makes for some weird stopping sometimes. Power delivery from start is not very smooth. Steering as reported is vague. Visually appealing inside and out. Really like the new interior design.