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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  2005 Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By M Ward - December 25 - 6:06 pm

  Current gas milage: city 46, highway 51. Surprisingly comfortable. Easy drive and maneuverability. Good interior storage & glove boxes. Too much road noise unless all windows closed. Looking forward to seeing how hybrid evolve. Would buy this vehicle again (even tho is ugly). This is a one or two person car, 3 or 4 OK persons for short trips. Rear visibility poor. Would like more luggage room for long trips. Cruise, light and wiper controls need impovements--awkward to use. *Please note: reliability of vehicle unknown to me now. Will make judgement after longer ownership. Marked survey with a 5 because of unknowns.

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  A little Disappointed - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Blossom - December 25 - 5:43 pm

  This is my 2nd Camry. I got almost 300K on my previous model before I had any major problems at all. The transmission had trouble. Unfortunately this one is not fairing as well. The vehicle is well maintained and serviced, but at 188,000 Ive had to replace transmission seals, gaskets,and there is an engine oil leak the continues to come back and now the power steering rack is leaking. Its starting to get very sluggish, too. I would still purchase another Camry, but this one has been disappointing.

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  Family hauler for 13 years, still going strong - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By bond_fanatic18 - December 25 - 9:26 am

  My parents third Camry and our family hauler for 12 years until my dad bought a Honda CR-V last July. Our Camry has been all over Eastern North America including the Maritimes (PEI, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia). I learned how to drive on this car and my mother drove it to work for several years. Never any problems, except a small rattle that started 2 years ago, goes away when the engine warms up. This thing is a tank! It has 144K (about 89,000 American miles I think) and still has tons of life left in it, barely any rust. I drove it to high school and as a high school (university now) student I love it, fantastic first car, will last forever, is a beast in the snow, and reliable as hell.

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  My first Toyota...Love It - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Jenni - December 25 - 6:20 am

  After my Honda was totaled and only ever driving an Accord I decided to look at the Camry and was quite surprised. It drives and rides like a luxury car, very smooth and quiet. The features that come standard are great: auto lights, passenger airbag sensor, radio controls on steering wheel, auto locks when in gear, and keyless entry. The back seat is very roomy for adults with the headrests and the truck is the biggest Ive ever seen. Theres also tons of storage so the car never looks cluttered. Ive only had the car for a few days, but think I made the best purchase ever. I love driving this car.

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  Love my Solara - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By its_mepat - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had this car for a little over a month but its awesome. Its so quiet and rides smoother than anything Ive ever owned, and Ive owned some pretty nice cars. It has plenty of room for my husband and I and If we want to take a couple of grandkids along we can. I have not found anything against this car at this time.

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  2010 Prius is superb! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By norther4ests - December 24 - 9:23 am

  The fuel economy is better than advertised, at least this summer during the first 3000 miles. I have been averaging 56.2 mpg, and this car makes you really think and re-learn better driving habits. The interior is roomy; headroom is fantastic! I have no regrets. It is a fun car to drive. When given the choice of driving our Camry or the Prius, I always take the Prius.

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  Solid design - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By mrscot - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a durable vehicle with plenty of interior space for the average user. It has the famous Toyota reliability, but unfortunately not the efficiency Toyota is also known for. I average 16 mpg, but with a tailwind you can get 20 mpg on the highway. Power is adequate with the V6/5spd, but I would be concerned about any other engine/transmission combination for this vehicle. I purchased it with 93,000 miles and have put another 30,000 on it and the only problem I have had is with the power tailgate window.

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  Even Used - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By BarryT - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought mine with 170,000+ miles from a friend. Never a minute of trouble. Still a reliable and fun vehicle.

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  Not as good as expected - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By S A Holt - December 24 - 2:00 am

  After five Camaros and reading Toyotas reviews, I decided to get one. The Toyota was more expensive, but I thought I would keep it longer due to reliabily claims. I really like overall look and handling of the car, but my experience has been less than great. The car has been in the shop more than my Camaro. I have had the Emissions Canister, Service Computer, Sun Visor, door panel and light in glove box replaced and I still have a rattle. This Toyota has had more rattles. The ride is very rough for a car this size (worse than Camaro). I can feel every bump in the road. I like the car, but I dont know if I would ever purchase one again.

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  Mixed Feeling - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By kgb41 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Nothing major complaints but lots of minor defects.AC problems, rear window rattling, plastic parts falling off,tires replaced at 24000,poor paint match on exterior, not thrilled with noise from brakes. But the dealer has been great thus far.Too small for family of 5 on vacations. Dont know if I would buy another one. Expected more from toyota.