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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  Looks fast, Drives slow - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By jcworrel - December 5 - 2:00 am

  This car is really pathetic when it comes to 0-60 speed. It is so slow off the line if feels like you might be in reverse. A 4 cyl just doesnt cut it and while it does pick up after you hit 15mph or so, it is embarrasing because the 96 Geo Metro that was next to you at the light is already down the street hanging a left. Throw a V-6 in this and another 50 horsepower and Toyota might be on to something. For now, save your money for a 300ZX or the new Mazada RX-8 and get a real car.

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  easy going ride - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By torres - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought a Toyata after driving my brother inlaws Toyota. I feel good driving this vehicle. This vehicle model looks better the the latest model.

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  A Poor Choice - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By fourstar - December 5 - 2:00 am

  The Camry is a very comfortable car. For a long trip this car is quiet and it rides wonderfully. The interior controls are excellent. I am dissappointed with the build quality and the overall gas mileage (Average=23.1). There a intermittent rattles that cannot be fixed. The styling is bland. I would not buy this car again.

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  Makes Me Laugh!! - 2012 Toyota 4Runner
  By pipes3 - December 5 - 1:17 am

  I laugh every time I read the reviews about the 2012 4runner because they are all way off!! People, please remember this is not a sports car or a preppy crossover which all of the experts unfairly compare this truck to. What these so called experts do not realize is that there is nothing out there comparable to this burly, reliable, beast of an SUV. Consumer reports with the 4-foot red-head who bashes the 4runner is ridiculous! She has the truck going through a slalom and says there is too much body roll! Really!! This truck is solid as a rock, will run for 300,000 miles and looks tough as nails. Do yourself a favor and test drive this truck and do not listen to the bad reviews....

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  Wonderful Except in Snow - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Bosco - December 4 - 12:13 pm

  Bought this for my wife to replace a van looking to improve snow performance. THE VAN WAS FAR BETTER. Thats right, AWD and horrible in the snow and ice. If this isnt enough you cant buy all season tires that are good in the snow due to the size of the tire!!! Your only option is to purchase one of two snow tires on the market at about $1K and deal with having to change twice annually. Only buy this vehicle where snow and ice is not an issue.

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  Camry is the Car - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By toyotaduude - December 2 - 7:10 pm

  The 1994 XLE Camry is luxury and reliability combined with a cheetah. Ok, not really a cheetah, more like 185 horses. I have purchased my Camry pre-owned in 02 and have put over 130k with 265k and counting. If you want to spend money on other things in life, then I highly recommend buying a Camry and maintain it. The investment will pay dividends.

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  Very pleasantly surprised - 2011 Toyota Venza
  By sberdoc - December 1 - 10:00 pm

  I was going to go with either a VW Tiguan or Ford Edge or the Venza. VW had to deliver, taking 3 months (salesman originally said 4-6 weeks), Edge was over priced and interior not as nice. Drives well, great driving position and comfy seats. Handles nice, 6 cyl has great pick up from standing and passing. Cons: no power mirror turn in (have to roll down window to turn in mirror), no seat memory for a limited trim line, cups in holders make getting to climate control difficult. Some minor fit issues with interior. Touch screen is not flush with console so I have to bend in my long finger to tound an icon at bottom of screen. Fuel econonomy so so, I have only been getting 24 on highway.

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  I wanted to like this Rav4 2013 - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By chungdu - December 1 - 10:06 am

  I owned a 2006 Rav4 (V6, 4-Wheel) and put 135K miles on it before purchasing my new I-4 Rav4 2013. It’s been a love-hate relationship with the new. I loved the old one. I have 3,500 miles on the 2013, which I purchased on 5/21. Today is 7/24/13. I bought the all-wheel drive and have been getting 28 mph, doing mostly highway/thruway driving. I tend to use ECO for long hauls on interstates, Sport for short bursts up hills, and the regular setting for other times. What I dislike is the odd placement of the ECO and Sport buttons, which must be activated way under the radio and NAV system. It’s hidden, inconvenient, and dangerous. The black bumpers streak terribly when washed.

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  Toyota MUST fix the paint! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By J. Stuart - November 30 - 9:50 am

  Mechanically, this car is fine. A great highway car. Comfortable and quiet with excellent gas mileage. But the paint chipping problem on the front end and hood should put Toyota to SHAME! This is 2008! Why are we skimping on the paint? Looks like a single layer was put on! A familiar and intolerable problem of all owners of this vehicle! Do the right thing Toyota and fix it! You should be embarrassed by this!

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  Wait for the 2004 - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Mohammed Saieuertwie - November 29 - 10:00 am

  OOPS. I bought my Solara about 1 month ago, and then I saw what the 2004 Solara will look like. Intro date is in August 2003. Im sorry I didnt wait. Its a great car though