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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  Static on Radio when using Rear Defrost since purchased - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By toyotaowner13 - February 22 - 9:36 pm

  This is our 2nd Toyota Camry, the first being a 2004 with 150k and still running well. The 2013 Toyota Camry has had issues with the radio having lots of static when using the rear defrost. Last winter the dealer looked at this and did not believe it was an issue however you only seem to notice it in the cooler months when using the rear defrost. Have any other 2013 Toyota Camry customers experienced that issue?

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  LOVE IT - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By mreyes6868 - February 22 - 5:07 pm

  It came time to get a new car and we wanted a bigger one but also wanted good mpg. The accord was nice but the 2012 body style was old. Then we saw the new 2012 camry so we went to test drive it and fell in love. We got the SE which makes the car look and feel very sporty but isnt too pricey. It is by far the best vehicle in its class. I am very happy with the decision I made about buying the camry. It now has almost 12k miles and the mpg is great. I took it on a road trip and after several hours of driving i averaged 44mpg!! On my daily commute it averages 27-32 combined. The interior of the camry does not look or feel cheap at all and is very nice with the mid screen and the sporty seats.

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  Excellent Car with Great Technology! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By amerosola - February 22 - 4:36 pm

  I drive 100 miles a day, and I love watching to see what I am getting for MPG as I go. I also love all the high tech features that this car came with. I considered the Audi A3 first (I wanted a hatchback) but to get all the options I have now in the Audi I would have had to have spent $10K more. Not worth it for a little more wow factor and fun driving. I also love feeling so green.

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  Advice - 2017 Toyota Corolla
  By Ahmed - February 22 - 1:05 pm

  I Switch between Hyundai 2017 Elantra and Toyota 2017 Corolla because I thought Corolla was better but after using Corolla Im very upset because for the first month of my use it of Corolla I had three problems in the car 1.I have a very annoying wheezing sound when driving at 40 miles I think in the transmission that it is imagine me driving a very old car and going Twice to Jerry dealer and did not fixe it and sent an E-mail to Toyota America and They did not find a solution I am dissatisfied.

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  Advice - 2017 Toyota Corolla
  By Ahmed - February 22 - 1:05 pm

  I Switch between Hyundai 2017 Elantra and Toyota 2017 Corolla because I thought Corolla was better but after using Corolla Im very upset because for the first month of my use it of Corolla I had three problems in the car 1.I have a very annoying wheezing sound when driving at 40 miles I think in the transmission that it is imagine me driving a very old car and going Twice to Jerry dealer and did not fixe it and sent an E-mail to Toyota America and They did not find a solution I am dissatisfied.

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  New Prius a BIG Winner! - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Jim tuck - February 22 - 11:20 am

  You really want to buy it. The 2016 redesign makes it one of the best looking car on the road. It is a first class improvement over the old style. GAS MILAGE EXCEEDS THEIR ESTIMATES. I get 59/60 without trying. (They rate it at 54.)

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  Its Easy to be Green! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Mikey1951 - February 22 - 9:46 am

  Bought the car just before the hurricanes of 05, so great timing on our part and a stroke of luck. The car immediately did pretty heave road duty ferrying our son to travel soccer tournaments and games...most out-of- state or on the other side of the state. Love it! Rides well, road noise is minimal, has a bigger interior feel than our Mercury Sable, great mileage. Head room is great, cargo capacity is fine, good visibility.

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  2nd Toyota Pickup - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By RuRod - February 22 - 4:20 am

  I sold my first Toy pickup after driving it for 22 years! The 2004 truck is very nice too. Rides good, handles well, nice fuel economy, and no mechanical problems yet after two years and about 26000 miles. Manual tranny is a bit "whiny" in 1-3 gears. Other than chugging up steep hills with the small four, Im pretty happy. About 23 mpg in town, 28 on the freeway.

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  This one I like - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Per - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Intended to buy a Camry from 2001 ended up with Avalon Touring. Already at test driving the car, it had similar features as my Volvo V70. A nice smooth ride. After only one week of driving, I have found the MPG (Vs. listed on websites) much better. So far I have been averaging 28.7 in combined city and highway driving! This is not from the dash-info, but personal log. All features working perfectly. Never thought I would become a Toyota owner, I am happy with this one!!

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  Great Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By agshane - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Have had the Tundra for 18 months. Use it for work, pulling a 12 x 6 covered trailer and for long trips. Bought the truck used with 12000 miles on it and have not had any problems. Performance is good, fuel mileage is good for this size truck (19 on road) and ride is great. Dont disagree about the oil change procedure, it is a pain! The bed is short, but fixed that by putting on a Leer Topper, painted with a matching color. Really nice and provides lots of room. Would I buy it again, yes!