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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  Same car. Why buy new? - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Alexander - April 1 - 11:43 am

  Shoppers should know about... Camry has no power. Take it to the highway and you will see. I didnt... Transmission shifts too fast and... there is no power. Lost between the gears. My combined MPG is showing 13.5 MPG. Not sure how to reset it. Interior: old dash from the European version. Hate transmission sifter.

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  *BEWARE* - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By JASON - April 1 - 8:44 am

  With a known recall for the differential locking up for the 16s and 17s my diff locked up on the freeway with 68,000 miles 8,000 miles past the warranty. Let me tell you it was a scary ride, luckily I was able to regain control of the vehicle without rolling the truck at 65 mph and thank god my kids were not with me. I took the vehicle to Toyota to see if they would do a good wheel warranty. Even if they would have taking care of some of the financial damage would have been ok for me. Especially, knowing this is a issue for there newer trucks. They did nothing. This is how Toyota keeps there customers happy. I will never buy a Toyota again!

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  Toyota man for life - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By mike - March 31 - 6:00 pm

  I bought this truck in 2001 and wanted the double cab for the room. The interior could use a little more comfort but it has held up. This truck now has 135,000 on it and it has been the most reliable truck that I have ever owned. Just do the normal preventative maintenance and I think this truck will last forever. I have had to replace the front headlights and signal lights because they became fogged out. This truck has the TRD package on it and people think it is a 4WD. Take care of this truck and it will take care of you.

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  Very impressed! - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By rebmo1 - March 31 - 4:58 pm

  I’m going on 1000mi and so far fantastic car. First looked at the L4 but the hybrid got my attention. I was never too interested in hybrids, either too small or not enough mileage difference between the regular gas versions, but thats all changed on the Camry. It has great power and incredible gas mileage for a mid size sedan. Other than the spaceship sound (kind of cool) when you brake (regenerative power transfer) you can hardly tell it’s a hybrid. Wow! The looks have been sharpened and the interior is very comfortable for me. Traded my reliable 2005 Camry LE and am very pleased with the new Camry and first hybrid for me. Im getting low to mid 40mph consistently with about 80% rural highway and 20% 25-35mph rural roads near home and work.

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  Why a mechanical fan - 2017 Toyota 4Runner
  By RobCash - March 31 - 1:55 pm

  I love this truck. comfirble ride on and off the road my only gripe is the stock mechanical radiator fan which robes you horsepower , mpg , sluggish take off and cooling at a stop. there is a reason 95% of new vehicles come with electric fan. it is a easy fix to swap the fan out and i suggest you do so if you want a better ride all around.

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  Great Car!! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By morris0607 - March 31 - 10:16 am

  I have only had this car for a few weeks and my wife and I love it! We were on the waiting list for almost 2 months but it was worth the wait. The instant MPG feedback is great and we really like the keyless start. Now my wife doesnt have to take the key out of her pocketbook in order to start the car. The bluetooth phone system is also great. With a touch of a button we can call or answer a phone call. Our model is fully loaded so it came with the NAV. We are finding the NAV to be a little temperamental and the maps are not up to date. I was surprised it did not come with fog lights and seat position memory would have been nice. The mirrors also do not fold. Overall - we love it.

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  Best Car I ever owned! - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By eeyore54 - March 31 - 2:59 am

  I bought this car when it had 23.000, now it has 230.000 on it and the only thing went wrong with it is I had to replace the power window motor on the drivers side after 10 yrs..

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  The Best Truck I have had!!!! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jason - March 30 - 9:23 pm

  I absolutely love this truck! I had no idea what a great truck it was, I mean, I knew it was good just because of the Toyota name, but, IT IS AWESOME!!! I did all my research at Edmunds, and then I went to buy it. It has more power than my 01 Tacoma, and it handles much better now. The ride is comforting, almost like you are in a Camry. My wife is short, and she can drive it comfortably also. Great buy, and a good price too! Congrats Toyota, you have hit the spot!

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  Wish I wasnt getting rid of mine - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By calimama - March 30 - 3:13 pm

  I bought this car with 92,000 miles on it several years ago, using it for commercial (livery) use and then driving from Massachusetts to California in it. I now have over 152,000 miles on it. I had to replace brakes/rotors as well as the shocks (which I didnt bother fixing for 4 years, actually), but absolutely trusted this car all the way (no major repairs, just routine stuff). Unfortunately, my husband crashed it recently, and would rather spend $7k on a Honda rather than $3k to fix the Avalon. Im heartbroken, but well still hold on to it in our garage and perhaps fix it later.

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  Another Camry - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By high_speed_chase - March 30 - 7:50 am

  This is our fourth Camry, but the first with a V6. We traded a 2007 Camry SE I4, and I am not disappointed. The 3.5 V6 is very smooth and powerful. It runs 0-60 and quarter mile times of the infamous 5.0 Mustang from the early 1990s, (in stock form of course). Gas mileage is within 1-2 MPG of the I4. 600 miles already racked up since Friday night.