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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  Mechanically excellent "but" - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Sisu - July 8 - 10:00 am

  4runners have an excellent rep. If you buy one and dont need 4wd, whats the purpose? We drive this car on the beach and in snow. Absolutely no problem, never. == (Cont). to get out of 4wd low. I have the six cylinder and it is a good engine around town or down the road. In my opinion it lacks a little power. If you have 4 men and bags and you want to engage highway traffic you need to stomp on it. I would not trailer anything heavy unless it is very local travel. The V8 maybe be a better option you be the judge. The seat is good if you are a normal size man, for me it doesnt provide enough support in the right places for a LONG trip. The AM radio is terrible - static.

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  This car is my baby - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By jesse arzola - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car 4 years ago and ever since its still running. It cost me $1000 and I put over a grand into it. Im thinking of painting it. It drives better than my neighbors cheap Nissan altima 97 fo sho in yo face manny (my neighbor) Toyota beat your Nissan again

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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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  2011 Toyota Venza " What will be offerin - 2011 Toyota Venza
  By stacey wilford - July 8 - 10:00 am

  - No mirror integrated turn signals - No blind spot information system - No mirror with ground lighting - No Interior cabin light delay - No HD Radio 4 Cylinder drive good around the city ,feels compose and stable , intrusive road noise noticeable on back seat, a lot of compartments, love power tailgate, I wish they would offer simulated wood trim on 4 cyl package. Good Voice-activated navigation system.

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  Six months and still HAPPY - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By John - July 8 - 10:00 am

  After six months and the first 5K service (rotation and fluid checks) I still find this Camry a pleasure to both look at and drive. No problems to report, and although the city MPG is a little disappointing (20) I have squeezed 37 out of it on one road trip! Tons of others just like mine (other than the wheels) so you get lost in the crowd, but the quality build and feel is amazing. The local dealership has been very good, too. I can certainly continue to recommend this as an above average daily driver with enough room for most trips and ample power with the 4. Ill get back with another update after one year.

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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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  Great car! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By absolutgator - July 8 - 4:06 am

  This is the first Toyota I have ever owned and based on its performance so far, I would buy another one. The new looks are what attracted it to me initially, but its relatively smooth drive, comfort and reliability sold me on it. I added leather seats (softer than the cloth seats!), wheels and Homelink mirror to upgrade w/o having to pay for the price bump in the higher models. Took it on a road trip up the coast and it got the posted MPG of 33 w/ the A/C going the entire way. Overall, this is a great car that I plan on driving for a long time!

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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.