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:

• 

  No regrets - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Sen A - September 12 - 11:13 pm

  Very comfortable drive compared to my last car was a 2002 Pathfinder. The balance of the car while taking curves are remarkable due to its wider wheelbase. Some of the interior features could have been improved but overall excellent vehicle.

• 

  Comfortable Convertible - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Former Bmwer owner - September 12 - 8:40 pm

  This is a very comfortable convertible and can actually hold two people in the back seat! The car has enough power for most situations. The trunk is great (roomy) for a convertible. Needs automatic seat adjustment, larger rear window, and a better navigation system. The navigation system will tell you to turn once you are past the turn!

• 

  Could be better - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By chili palmer - September 12 - 1:56 pm

  Just bought the 2WD Limited edition. Took it for a test drive before buying but I didnt notice the poorly designed inside door handles. It seems when you try and use the electric window switches the handle gets in the way. Try it youll see what I mean. I have a 2003 Highlander and it rides better then this 2008. This 2008 rides more like a truck with the 19" wheels. All in all I think its one of the best out there. They just have to twik it a bit. Also, its bigger than my 2003 which I think I like, Ill have to get use to it.

• 

  Corolla CE 5-speed - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Lucian95 - September 12 - 1:36 pm

  I bought a 2005 CE model with a manual transmission with 7k on the odometer for $10500 OTD. It works well and it does well what its supposed to do. The original tires are not the most confidence inspiring. Will replace with new Falkens for more secure wet and dry traction. Overall, I like the car, very frugal -38 mpg highway commute with AC on. Original stereo is very decent, brakes are good and the seating position is fine for the size of the car. Im 6 ft tall and Im comfortable, but I will need an occasional visit to a chiropractic - not a car for long journeys.

• 

  Love My Toyota - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Rick - September 12 - 12:46 pm

  I bought this with 15,000 miles on it and it has 116,000 on it now and never had any problems with it, I guess its time to change the plugs other than that, I will be looking for a newer one soon and getting a nice resale on this one.

• 

  Fun Run - 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By bob - September 12 - 11:33 am

  Long trip, short trip; the Land Cruiser makes just a trip to the store a "Fun Run". We had a Town and Country and look all over for a vehicle that had that ride and comfort with the SUV safety. Most were just built up trucks. Cadilac had a great exterior, but was a chevy truck inside with just more padding. The LC is functional, fun, and the inside is built for the vehicle and the drivers and passengers favor. The problem is the wife took it and I have to drive the T&C to work...

• 

  A fun car - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By ToyRaver - September 12 - 11:23 am

  I have the AWD L edition. Ive had this car for 5 yrs already and have 52k mi. Its a nimble car, pretty good ride and pretty good looking. The only problems I find are the low 17 mpg avg in NYC, very noisy in fast traffic and the brakes. It has very good handling. Worked great in the snow, but then again we rarely get snow here. Weve been using Amsoil synthetic in the engine and the gears. Overall its a great car to have w/ the main exception of the poor mileage. Ive already had the 02 check engine light and the charcoal canister engine light too. For now, I had the comp upgrade, still waiting on my 02/cata conver disaster known for 01s.

• 

  Better than Accord - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Auburn Q - September 12 - 9:26 am

  Ive driven my new 2010 Camry XLE for about 3 weeks. I have an average of 30 MPG of combined city and highway miles, which is very good. I particularly enjoy the smooth, quiet and comfortable ride of this model. Having test-driven the Honda Accord, it was easy for me to make a decision to purchase the XLE even though it cost me ~$2K more. It is well worth it.

• 

  Best car for the money by far! - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By BigJake - September 12 - 7:03 am

  I have owned 158 cars over the past 14 years. I am an expert on honda, toyota, and nissans. I originally bought a 99 camry and I ended up giving it to my mother. She now has 210K on it and it still drives just like mine with 70K. Through all my experience I have decided that the 2000-2001 toyota camry is the best car for your money. The styling is a bit plain-jane shall we say, but after youve driven one for awhile you get attached because it just feels so damn reliable. These cars are extremely quiet and their road manners have a peaceful, serene feeling like no other car Ive owned. If the timing belt breaks, it wont harm the engine. Im in love with these cars.

• 

  New Owner - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Jessica - September 12 - 5:53 am

  I bought my car two weeks ago and so far, I am very satisfied! I love the fact the S model is sporty, but yet "practical" as far as size. It drives very smooth and so quiet. The stereo has excellent sound, although, I would have thought the car would have come with a 6 CD changer. I love the interior! The fabric with colorful "specks" adds a little bit of a different look. I do not agree at all with the vibration when driving. I have not experienced this at all.