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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  Still going - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By djcowboy - April 8 - 10:13 pm

  I have had this car since new and the only thing I have had replaced has been the timing belt, water pump and tires. I have 180,000 on the odometer and have not even replaced the clutch. The strut mounts will need to be replaced because I can hear a clunking noise over speed bumps and this seems to be a common problem with the Solara. The tires also seem to be an issue because they wear out pretty quickly. I have no complaints because even after 9 years I still get compliments on the looks and even the way it drives. It also still gets great gas mileage. The original stereo was okay but an upgrade to a Sony made a world of difference, sonically speaking and the speaker are still OEM.

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  What a great truck!!! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Extremely Satisfied - April 8 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this truck in the last week and I am extremely impressed. Although its a big truck, it doesnt feel that big when driven. The ride is unbelievable. It has a firm ride (unlike large vehicles) but handles bumps and corners extremely good as well. Acceleration is very good even though the motor has a 240 HP rating. It feels very strong. This is the 4th Toyota I have owned (second truck, 1st was a 4-Runner) and at this point I would never buy from any other manufacturer. Their build quality is impecable, their prices reasonable, their resale great, and they last forever. What more could an owner want!

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  Motor Happy - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By happymo - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Traded my 95 Celica. Very satisfied with Solaras ride and comfort.

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  Too nice for a truck! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By amcgrath - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Having upgraded from a 95 4Runner to a 03 4Runner, this is a completely different vehicle! Its incredibly comfortable, solid, a joy to drive. It even tells me when it needs an oil change! You will love this car.

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  The Perfect 4-Door Sedan - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Ohendo - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car as a Certified Pre- Owned. No problems whatsoever. Excellent choice.

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  Great van to drive - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Tbag2 - April 8 - 10:00 am

  As a prior Camry owner stepping up to a bigger vehicle, I cant feel any real difference in driving this or my Camry. Love the Sienna.

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  Great Little Car - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By BLC - April 8 - 9:36 am

  Has plenty of headroom. I get about 29 mpg. Vehicle has smooth ride and is very comfortable. I get a lot of compliments on the vehicle. Interior is spacious and controls are easy to access. Stereo/CD system is awesome. It is just a great all around vehicle.

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  Amazing Ride comfort! - 2010 Toyota Avalon
  By Q - April 8 - 6:50 am

  The Avalon is the most comfortable car Ive ever driven and its the best car for the buck.Its not a sport sedan but it is fun to drive and the ambiance inside the cabin is amazing.Paired with the JBL 12 speaker with subwoofer at 1/3 volume and i can easily forget the 2 hour trip i make every week.The rear legroom is huge and the rear seats recline and its very comfortable.Front leather seats trim with vent cooler and warmer up front is great for all year long season temperature changes.I love this car!

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  Really? A Camry? - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By richberk - April 8 - 5:43 am

  My girlfriend purchased her SE in spring of 08. Since then I have racked almost 25,000 miles on it when we drive from Pennsylvania to our cottage in Canada. The seats are so comfortable Im not even sore when i get out after sitting for 10 hours. The car handles great in all conditions, highways, back roads, dirt roads, snow and ice. It actually handles better in the snow than my Jeep Grand Cherokee dose. I drive 110 miles a day in my jeep V8 and am ready to sign for a 09 se like hers. Im so impressed!

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  The Best SUV Ever - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By My Sequoia - April 8 - 3:23 am

  I got this Sequoia for almost a year now and everytime I used it, it put a smile on my face because I know that I made the right decision on buying this car . The safety and reliability you cant ask for more.Two thumbs up...