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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  More leg and foot room - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By shipper50 - August 9 - 1:50 pm

  I am 61 and when I am sitting my heels are only a few inches apart. I would like to have more room at the pedals.

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  Prius - Why wouldnt you?? - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By wcarmn - August 8 - 6:36 am

  My wife was tired of the cost of fueling up her Escalade. So after some research, we bought the Prius. We bought the upgraded level because it was closest to the features we normally get in a vehicle. We live in a rural area, so most of our driving is at speeds of 55 or higher. Great economy--average of 44-46 after 13,000miles. Comfortable, surprising cabin size. OK, it is not as comfortable as the Escalade. Nor is it a roadster like my Z4. But, it is typically the car the family takes when we go somewhere. Plenty of room, low cost of operation and maintenance. When you own this car, the price of fuel does not bother you. If you are thinking of buying a Prius - why wouldnt you???

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  Great little car!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By TSABOMBDOG - August 8 - 5:53 am

  After buying old cars that I can fix my own, (old VW,and fords) until major jobs (transmission, etc.), I have gotten tired and bought this car. The first thing I looked for was fuel consumption. I wanted a hybrid, but at my federal wages it was out of my sight. Then I found 07 yaris 2 dr, 5sp M. It has the feel of my old bug, but more room for storage, great fuel consumtion and great price range.

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  My aching back and shoulders - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By Nicki - August 7 - 7:16 am

  I wanted a matrix for so long! I was so excited to finally get one! Unfortunately that excitement is turning into misery. First off, Im not terribly picky. Ive never considered a little road noise to be an issue or felt the need to drive a car with the high end comfort. Comfort was something I completely took for granted, until now, The steering position is so awkward! I have the seat all the way forward, but still I must reach for the wheel. This puts a lot of strain on my shoulders. And something is not right about the head rests, they push my head FOREWARD! The passenger seat and back seats arent bad, just the drivers seat. As for road/wind noise, Its really bad.

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  steering - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By michellett - August 7 - 6:59 am

  Overall I like the car, but feel my 2013 Camry was "easier to drive" and more comfortable. The main problem Im having with this car is the steering feels too tight, like it has too much resistance. My 2013 Camry was so easy to steer, barely any resistance, and could almost turn it with only my finger. Now I feel like I have to always be gripping the wheel tightly, and actually put effort into turning it. The pedals feel stiff as well, especially the brake. Im hoping after it gets broken in it will loosen up somewhat.

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  Spyder - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By 290boy - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Id buy again, definetly used not new. Way overpriced for a new car (26k) Buy it 1 or 2 years old

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  Its a Lexus Jr.! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By KC Houston, TX - August 6 - 10:00 am

  It is meant to be a larger family car that is more refined in nature and has a long, long, history of auto reliability. That Camrys nature is reflected in smoothness and comfort. Its a Lexus ES300 Jr! The Camry is a great car for the price. It has a wonderfully quiet cabin (minus the crisp tire/road response) and looks and feels like a much more expensive car. Handling could be improved, as well as the horsepower, but my wife and I are quite pleased with the 2003 Camry.

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  Wouldve been good. Shouldve. - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By LostRealist - August 5 - 4:00 am

  Good car, but it does have problems. I dont know if we got a lemon, or if this is just the way this car is. We bought this car new, and since then have only put 45,000 miles on it. The engine is very noisy now, which cant be due to a bad driver. The family member that drives this is very gentle with it, making no use of the 200-some hp engine. Gas mileage is pretty poor for a Toyota, even if it is an SUV. Had to replace the blower fan and motor for the a/c 3 times already. Its starting to go out again. Original brakes are still on it and even though they dont need to be replaced anytime soon, they still emit a soft high-pitched sqeal.

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  bad a/c - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By daisy - August 4 - 2:06 pm

  This is my 2nd Camry. I have had major problems with A/C. The compressor, motor, and other components had to be replaced. Getting parts was a real hassle. Also, the intermittent wipers did not work when I bought it. I have had to replace tires at less than 30,000 miles which is rediculous. I dont know if I have a lemon or what.I am aprehensive about the A/C.

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  Love my 05 Sienna XLE - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Lee - August 4 - 12:26 pm

  No problems at all. Totally rattle and squeak free. A little more wind and road noise than Id like, but my last car was a Lexus LS400. Ride is a little firmer than Id like too. Gas mileage is only 13, but its all very short in- city trips. No highway. It is a very fine minivan.