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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  Venza or Camry - Easy Decision, Venza! - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By dave - March 24 - 11:53 pm

  Needed the ease of entering and exiting vehicle that a SUV offers rather then sitting down into a sedan. This was the perfect choice. In between a sedan and SUV. Picked it up last week, first one sold at dealer. Impressed with design and performance. The base model comes with all the features you would expect to pay more for in Camry LE. Dual A/C, fog lights, power driver seat, instrument display for temp, time, trip, lighted vanity mirrors, built in satellite radio, nice rims, tinted glass. Far more value and features then Camry LE sedan model offered let alone roomier.

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  This is the CAR to BUY! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Mary Johnsen - March 24 - 8:13 pm

  Once this car comes out with a fixed boot for the convertible top then I will trade up. Using the boot is a nuisance with taking it off and on when you want to secure the vehicle. In the meanwhile I plan on driving this vehicle for the next 7 years. Spacious, comfortable, stylish. Just a great vehicle and a real head turner. As with most larger convertibles, there is noticable body quiver going over bumps, but no big deal. Toyota reliability, excellent gas mileage, well into the 30s on the highway in a 225HP V6. I simply can not say enough positive things about this wonderful car. A great buy for the money.

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  Impulse buy - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By Marla - March 24 - 7:36 pm

  We spent 3 hours looking at and test driving a Camry Hybrid...and then saw a Venza sitting in front of the showroom. It was love at first sight with both the exterior and interior. After sitting in it and test driving it, we were sold. The interior is roomy, upscale, and has lots of storage. Ride and handling excellent.

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  My first convertible - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By thebug - March 24 - 11:56 am

  I purchased my Solara convertible, black with dark gray leather, 9/5/05. I didnt realize it, but nicely equiped and priced convertibles are hard to find. It was truly worth the wait. I looked at all the other available convertibles in this price range, and this one is by far the best. Just reached 1000 miles (mostly open top), and I have absolutely no complaints. The ride is smooth, quiet (for a convertible), and responsive. A true head turner, and many have stopped to talk and take a look. Some have mentioned the poor rear view, but its not an issue for me, my other cars have high rear ends also, so Ive become accustomed to side mirror driving. I really love this car.

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  So happy with the Highlander - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By Paul D. - March 24 - 9:40 am

  This car is loaded with technology. Sometimes it seems it is smarter than we are.

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  The next generation will be even better - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By bud - March 24 - 3:43 am

  A surprising pleasure to drive. Very fun and REALLY fun at the gas pump. I was surprised at the acceleration the car has. I expected it to be anemic but its quite nimble in daily driving. A perfect car for city dwellers. Super easy to park and navigate in tight spots.

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  I love this car - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By klbvxf - March 23 - 8:56 am

  I love love love this car. Bought it used with 113k on it and after 2 years shes at 143k. Gets 32 mpg combined. In 2 years the only thing Ive had to do is replace the tires and get the oil changed. It has been going through a lot of brake fluid lately due to a small leak, but nothing worth worrying about. The trunk is huge and I love the fold down back seat. Mine does vibrate a lot at higher speeds and when you first start it, but not enough to be a problem. I thank this car on a regular basis for being so good to me.

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  Impressed - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By JOE - March 23 - 1:50 am

  Recently bought my first pick-up ever. I took a lot of test drives in all kind of pick-ups, including the Tacoma but when I jumped into my 07 Tundra it was love at first site. Im 6,4 and was impressed by the legroom and the overall ride. This truck handles the steep hills and mountains of Puerto Rico very well. And with its bold, sleek look its kinda fun to drive. The wide hood takes awhile to get used to, though. Overall, it handles pretty well. Ill give you a better rating in about 10 yrs. Thats how long I plan on keeping it. Im glad I got this, instead of the F150. Im happy.

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  Horrible transmission - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By camry problem - March 22 - 10:53 pm

  Bought my 2007 Camry after working for a company who rents them. Excellent performance until 28000 mi. Transmission sticks in fourth gear and rpm surge while using the cruise control. Hesitation during acceleration.

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  Great car! - 2015 Toyota Corolla
  By CJ Lewis - March 22 - 10:46 pm

  This is my second Corolla that Ive owned, my first was a 2011 LE Corolla. There are many improvements over the last generation car, but none bigger than the new CVT transmission they switched to. CVT transmissions aremt known for their power or insane amount of performance, but it has the right amount of kick to get you where youre going. For a small 4-cylinder with no added turbo, this car is quick and zippy; but dont expect track performance of any kind. My last gen Corolla had a glitch with its transmission that would cause it to hesitate around 45-55 mph; luckily the new transmission gives no such problems and runs like a dream. The style of the car has also been revamped in this new generation, and it has given the car a tad more muscle while also keeping its femininity as well. The interior is also improved in this generation, with the material being more stain resistant and sturdy. The new gen also has an increased wheel base from front to back giving back seat drivers a little more leg room to work with. Even the tallest of guests will find comfort in the back seat, and for its size; there is none better. The steering is more tight than in previous generations and the car does have improved handling and grip. The addition of automatic climate control is very nice, but most cars at this price range offer dual climate control, and this car does not. The Bluetooth works the best it ever has and Toyota has improved their sound systems that come with their base models. Overall, the new Corolla is better than its predecessor; but it can still be improved. You wont find a more reliable car at this price, nor will you get the support Toyota has behind this vehicle. Its definitely a car you can be proud to own.