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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  Hate the Transmission - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By HRM - September 10 - 6:40 am

  My transmission on my 05 Touring is AWFUL! Hunts for gear and sometimes doesnt work (it just shuts down). The problem seems to be random -- dont know what is causing it and neither does dealer. Mechanics cant replicate it. The only fix it to stop, shut the engine off, and restart the car. Its happened FIVE times so far in 2,000 miles! Bummer.

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  2015 Toyota Camry SE 2.5 (6-speed auto) - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By The guy who will never drives a Camry again - August 31 - 12:41 pm

  I am eventually giving up loyalty with Toyota Camry after 20 years of driving on 4 generation of Camry. I made a big mistake to buy the 2015 Camry SE instead of researching more on a Honda Accord or Nissan Altima. The Camry was way under power and it made so much road noise on highway as though you were driving a 10 year old car. Braking system is pretty bad that you have to press hard on brake for a stop. The seats are rough and pain in the butt after an hour drive (not comfort at all). The only good thing on this car is having more space and leg room and a back up camera as a standard compare to the previous model. So as you read this, do try to give yourself a good test drive on highway if you really want a Camry. My guess you better off with the LE model since the struts are not stiff and you have a normal tires. Anyway, regardless of what model of Camry you buy (4 or 6 cylinders) they are all under power and it will make you very frustrated for the money you paid. I later try a test drive on a Nissan Altima and the Honda Accord and what I would say both the Nissan and the Accord are excellent drive and comfort. If in the scale 1-10 of rating I would rate the Camry 5 and the Altima/Accord would be 9. One more thing to note, The Nissan Altima is the best for the comfort, space, and gas mileage.

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  too much difference between trims - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Roger - August 28 - 1:43 am

  Outdated look, very basic standard trim at an unattractive price

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  Poor cvt trans, poor paint,change maintenance terms - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By satx59male - August 26 - 5:56 am

  Switched from Altima and Malibu-2nd Camry since Nov 09/2010 model, 2nd recall, same problems- paint scratches easily, "bad glare" from plastic around clock, lots of sun in Texas; Need "keyless" entry in "base" model. Have to pay $1000 more for le. no, no! Trans.searches for gear especially between 40-45 mph. Still doesnt ride smooth even with Michelin tires. But, better than Altima and Malibu as they are"sport" sedans. Toyota needs to change/adjust service warranty as low mileage tires were rotated due to 6 mns main. terms. Caused me to schedule unnecessary service. Sent Toyota customer service complaint last week.

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  Oil Consumption Problems are in my 2009 Toyota Cam - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By walterfisher - August 19 - 6:22 am

  Oil consumption problem is in my 2009 toyota camry.

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  Yugo in Toyota Cloths - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By RichieGil - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Kids are older; didnt need minivan anymore. Went out looking at Camrys and Accords but wife likes being up high. Looked at RAV4s and CRVs. Wish weÂ’d bought the CRV. Infamous RAV4 rattle. Been back 3 times; still not fixed. Driver side wiper broke in snow this weekend. Trip #4 to dealer. Just developed a new rattle on roof rack. Car has less than 2000 miles and havent even made 1st payment yet! Auto. doesnÂ’t shift smoothly into high. Not enough storage compartments and ones it has too small. Bought new Plymouth Horizon in 1980; biggest piece of blank I ever bought until now. Thought Yugo of business but Toyota must be outsourcing RAV4 production to them.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Rick Samuels - August 13 - 8:46 pm

  I purchased this vehicle to replace my Toyota Echo. I wanted a competent vehicle that gets good mileage. My Echo got well over 40 mpg. This car is slow in acceleration. The battery makes it heavy, so handling is diappointing. People and cargo room is lacking. I knew the styling was ugly. But, this is not a fun vehicle to drive. Interior is typical Toyota cheap. On the highway, mileage suffers. I dont know if I can recoup the higher sales price in fuel savings. What was I thinking?

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  Bad venza - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By jim - August 12 - 7:33 pm

  I have steering problems with 09 venza Toyota can not repair and I have been told tough! I was told to keep calling the dealer back monthly and if they eventually get the parts they will address it at that time. Toyota has cheated me just like thousands of others. Do not buy Toyota venza unless you want to get cheated.

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  Nother sub-par car. - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By prodigit - August 8 - 2:56 am

  Probably the WORST car Ive ever driven, and not worth the $10k compared to the Yaris! The Yaris is both faster, snappier, and costs way less. Calculated, youd have to drive the Prius C 20 years over 10K miles, to gain back your money on gasoline (@$4/GAL), add a mandatory $4000 battery change every 8 years, and youll never get out of the cost! Dont buy!

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  Stay away from the Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By wilson - July 31 - 4:16 pm

  I bought the Camry because of Toyota reliability and quality. I have two Toyotas (a 2007 Tacoma that is ok, and a 1993 mr2 that is great) but so far Im satisfied with them. But then came the Camry, what a junky car. Fuel economy is not that great (24mpg mostly highway on cruise control). Rattles from the dashboard that causes you to pump up the volume on the radio. That Camry has a severe lack of power that is not even funny. It feels like a three cylinder car without the fuel economy!!!! And trust me I am not exaggerating. The transmission, I dont know what to tell you, but good luck if you dont learn from my mistake. Just dont do it. I wish I would have read these reviews.