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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  Still Lovin It - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Denise - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I wrote a complimentary review of my Camry hybrid soon after buying it, but thought I should update for those who research to see how owners feel after the "honeymoon" period is over. I have had my Camry for nearly 2 years, 19,000 miles, and I can honestly say that it has exceeded my expectations. It handles well, even on ice and snow. Gas mileage ranges from 37 (cold weather) to 41 mpg. Quiet, comfortable, low maintenance. Its the car everyone in the family wants to drive. I have high standards and am tight with a dollar. I get in this car daily and think, "So glad this is mine!" Dont regret a penny of it. Good luck, folks. I hope you end up loving your car as much as I love mine.

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  SE is great. - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By CamryLover - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought the new 2011 SE because of the 0% financing for 5 years and because my other 14 year old Camry was nearing 170K miles. I chose the black SE model with leather and the AUX option so I could attach an MP3 player. This has been great. The leather sport package is amazing. The wheels look great and it is really fun to drive.

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  Best Car I have owned! - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By marioinarp - July 8 - 5:58 am

  Great car bought used in 2007, now 4 years later have only had to replace a/c Compressor at 190,050 miles car has over 220,000 miles now and runs like NEW! Very fuel efficent on the highway. Very low maintanance. I LOVE THIS CAMRY!

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  We love it - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Ann, Cambridge, Md - July 7 - 8:23 pm

  This is my first Toyota and we really do love it. I wish it got a little better gas milage but we needed the extra room. We really enjoy all the bells and whistles. We travel alot and it just makes it that much more enjoyable. We did get 24 mpg on a trip to Fla. but we usually get around 20 mpg.

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  Used 4Runner Review - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Douglas Lemmo - July 7 - 2:43 pm

  In the years I have owned it, it has run perfectly. The only parts that have failed have been the 2 oxygen sensors which were expensive to repair. There was one recall in which they replaced front end parts. Gas mileage is consistently at 20 mpg in mixed driving. It has a slightly rough ride which is characteristic of light pickup trucks.

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  Its a great buggy! - 2014 Toyota Highlander
  By ous - July 7 - 2:29 pm

  It has been a wonderful surprise in almost all areas. We were able to get all the goodies we wanted at 10k less than some of the rivals we compared.

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  Second 4Runner - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Ian - July 7 - 9:06 am

  After 256,000 trouble free miles, it was time to replace our 98 4Runner Ltd 4WD with a slightly used 2008 SR5 4WD model. We are very happy with the 08 4Runners comfort and style. Havent taken it far off-road yet but the South Texas "wet season" is in full force and all of the techy new traction controls, hill assist, and other systems will soon get put through their paces. My only complaint is that the newer Runner seems almost too civilized. Gone are the metal chrome bumpers and the skid plates seem wimpy. Looked at a FJ Cruiser but it had too many blind spots and horrible turning radius.

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  GREAT CAR! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Twink25 - July 7 - 8:40 am

  This is the best Ive owned so far, drive quality and overall fit and finish is superb. The 4cyl. has plenty of zip and I especially like the smooth, quiet ride, its far better than other sport-coupes Ive owned and with much more space. Only thing I dont like is the air-conditioning, it doesnt seem to get very cold. Ive taken it to the dealer to get it looked at and it checks out, it just doesnt run as well as other vehicles Ive had. Otherwise, everything runs perfect. If you want a Lexus-quality car w/ a moderate price-tag, this is it!

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  Excellent condition, reliability, low mileage. - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Sue - July 7 - 6:34 am

  The owner (retired), has driven the car an average of 5,000 miles/year since purchased new in 2008. The owner has kept up proper dealer service requirements, maintained its physical appearance of the interior/exterior as well as keeping it garaged. The explanation to sell it arises out of the owners health issues.

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  Love my Sienna, 75K miles later! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By christine - July 7 - 3:06 am

  As a sworn minivan hater, I finally saw the light in 2004. I spend much of my time toting my two young kids around, and this van is perfect for the job. There is a mirror to view the backseat built into the car! The back windows can go down! The sliding doors can be controlled by me! The rear liftgate is also automatic and can be controlled by the driver! As a mom, these are amazing benefits that I didnt even know I was missing with my old SUV. Other than going through a few sets of tires, I have had NO problems with it. The ultimate Mom-mobile, I highly recommend it to those who spend a lot of time schlepping the kids.