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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  Love the Camry! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Brenda - September 1 - 5:46 pm

  I love the Camry. I live in southern Virginia and travel to Pittsburgh, my hometown, several times a year. The trip is about 8 hours and I dont feel the least bit tired after the drive. Its comfortable, has great handling, and looks good too. Every time I stop along the trip, folks compliment me on it being such a good looking car. Toyota is such a reliable car, so Im happy I made this purchase from domestic cars to a Toyota. The domestics dont hold a candle to the Camry.

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  First time buying a Toyota - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Kelly L. - September 1 - 1:42 pm

  Drove multiple Toyotas and was sold quickly after driving the 2018 SE Camry. Handles well, easy to use functions, and looks sharp.

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  Reliable & quiet car - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By th - September 1 - 9:26 am

  I enjoyed to drive my Camry 1997. Just to bring to the shop for regular maintenance, and fix 1x for the steering rod in last year (9 yrs & 5 months). Its is a fine, reliable, & quiet car. If someone ask me which car I will buy, Ill say another Camry!

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  awesome 4Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By AnthonyS - September 1 - 2:56 am

  This vehicle is an awesome vehicle to drive on and off road. It has a Lexus like interior and and Gated shifter.

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  2017 Camry SE Great Car - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Chuck - Ohio - August 31 - 9:23 pm

  Car is very quiet and smooth. SE suspension is a little stiffer which I like. Controls are easy to use - not into all the Tech stuff. 4 cylinder engine is perfect choice for average commuter. Gas mileage is OK - could be better. Like the 6 speed automatic over the CVT in other cars. Love the interior layout and seat comfort. Test drove the others and the Camry was the best value. Overall a great family sedan. Good deals now to make room for the redesigned 2018. Dealership was great - easy to work with and no pressure.

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  Toyota Sienna: Best Van 4 the $$$ - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By Todd - August 31 - 9:03 pm

  The resale, fit and finish, stability, reliability, transmission, engine, dash board views, and rubber/ plastic movement and sound surpass the other minivans. The Sienna is heavy duty family grade. We drove the Honda and it was really nice. But not as heavy duty as the Sienna. The Toyota is much studier and feels better on the road. We love this van and I swore Id never buy one!!

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  238,000 miles and still going strong! - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By DeFoor - August 31 - 8:06 pm

  This is my 2nd 4 runner. I have only replaced the water pump and timing belt. The truck still looks great inside and out. If you want reliability Toyota trucks are the way to go. I expect to get at least another 150k. I dont drive like you mamma either, these are hard miles. The 4 wheel drive is there when you need it, it will climb some steep hills. If you are worried about good dealer service- dont, you will not need it!

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  Very nice ride - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Stewart - August 31 - 7:13 pm

  Very happy with my first hybrid. I get a average 36.9 mpg easily. Quiet and smooth in the city or on the highway.

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  Best bang for your buck - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By Billy Golden - August 31 - 6:17 pm

  Bought this car about half a year ago with 178k miles for $1,550. May have overpaid slightly, but the car was maintained very well. Some say the clutch is on its way out, considering it is still the ORIGINAL, but I believe it shifts great still. Now has 186k with original clutch. Frequent oil changes, tires replaced, other than that, havent had to put a dollar into the car. Besides an air filter. 15 bucks. I use this car to deliver pizzas. Bumpy dirt roads are frequent. The suspension is fantastic. Driving 80+ MPH feels like youre going 50. No drifting left or right, drives straight as an arrow. Fantastic get up for a little 1.8l engine. Cant suggest this car enough to you. If you find one with the 5 speed 1.8l, dont sleep on it. The gas mileage is awesome, reliability is even better. Hope to get it to 250 on the original clutch, but well see how that goes. ;)

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  Van Life - 2015 Toyota Sienna
  By Kurt Horan - August 31 - 6:15 pm

  If you are destined to drive a mini van the Sienna is the way to go. The all wheel drive is great in the snow.