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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  Great Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By mahash - November 17 - 4:53 pm

  I bought this car about six months ago and havent stopped loving it ever since. It gets great mileage for a V6, good sound system that comes standard in all Camrys and overall styling looks sporty and aggressive.

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  A great car - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By John Klein - November 17 - 10:53 am

  This is an impressive car in all respects. Exterior design is very attractive with the S package but I prefer it without the spoiler. Build quality is outstanding. Love the ride and handling and fuel mileage seems to meet spec--Ive had my car for a week. Its quieter on the road than I thought it would be. Seats are comfortable but I have to agree with some other reviewers that the driver cushion is a little short ( and I have short legs).I also agree with others who complain about needing a telescoping wheel. Horsepower is adequate. Amazing trunk size for a compact. I recently drove a Caliber and it cannot match the Corolla in any category. Im glad I bought my Corolla.

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  So smooth - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By scarexpert - November 17 - 8:23 am

  Had for 2 weeks. So smooth. Excellent MPG: 31. My is black with gray inside. No problems to report

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  6speedfun - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By man10camry - November 16 - 8:29 pm

  This car is everything as promised. A very comfortable and quiet car. With the 6 speed manual also fun to drive. The suspension is a bit soft but I guess thats why Toyota made the SE. But for a base model its quite good.

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  Great Purchase - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Terry D - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased this car two weeks ago. For a 4 cylinder, this car has excellent pickup. The interior design is outstanding. The car handles perfectly. I was going to purchase the Ford Fusion which I was also very impressed with. However, the fit and finish on the Camry is better.

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  Great Truck - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By ahardrain - November 16 - 1:46 am

  Been an American car buyer all my driving life. Two years ago I opted for a Tundra,I am totally sold on this fine machine.

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  I love my car - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Happy driver - November 15 - 4:33 pm

  I always needed a car that I was able to have my very tall kids fit in to. Up until a couple of years ago. They are now grown and on their way. Although they are still able to sit in back if they need to. This is my dream car. It has been so much fun driving it, both in the winter and the summer. Living in Wisconsin, even those 60 degree days, we take advantage of the convertible (with the seat heated on of course)! I actually have 3 other freinds that also have purchased the same car, different colors and we all absolutely love it. The performance is great and I feel safe no matter where I am driving.

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  Edmunds is wrong! - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By gray mare - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I love this little Echo! I have owned many cars over the years--VWs, Hondas, Fords, small, big and hot cars too. I test drove Saturn, Nissan, Hundai & Civic before choosing the Echo. The seating height, visibility and interior design is ideal for me at 5ft, 2" tall, but my 5 10", 270 lb boyfriend drives it too. It is much more comfortable to get in and out of than the others. The bucket seats are the most comfortable and the gas mileage is great! I paid $11,400 for the car new(4-door) including air conditioning and power steering. Test drive before you rule it out. Read Consumers Reports 2002 Auto Edition. They highly recommended it.

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  I absolutely LOVE my 2000 Toyota Celica - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By utgirl - November 15 - 10:00 am

  This has to be the best little sports car ever. Its comfortable, sporty, fun to drive, handles like a dream, sleek, chic, and perfect for a girl with attitude. Blackie, as I like to call him, has given me everything I would need in a first car. Its the best car ever for the price and model.

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  Almost a Lexus - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By mk86 - November 15 - 10:00 am

  If youre tempted by a Lexus but dont care to spend the extra 10-12K, try the Solara. Dont let the "Camry" moniker fool you. The Solaras look makes it appear far different from the Camry, and the fit, finish and performance are as smooth, quiet and luxurious as upscale nameplates asking half again as much.