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:

• 

  Unique Car! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Laila - November 12 - 12:20 pm

  I walked into the dealership..As I was looking though the car booklet, this car sparked my eyes.I thought the package it came with is one of a kind. I had to have it for myself. I never even test drove the car it was so new that they put in a order to ship the car. The day had came I drove it and damn lemme tell you this is how all cars should be made! This baby is powerful and such a sleek design. The sunroof is awsome! Alot of eyes glance at my car and sumtimes even tell me what a hott car it is. It is what ive always wanted in a car.

• 

  Love this SUV - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By kathigrist - November 12 - 10:00 am

  Love this SUV. Had an old GMC Jimmy that just finally died from hard wear but I loved it dearly. We replaced it with a 1999 Grand Cherokee that I hated. The Toyota Sequoia was the replacement for the Grand Cherokee. We have driven it across the country literally and up and down the East Coast. It is a very smooth riding vehicle and excellent for long trips. It will hold and amazing amount especially if the back back seats are removed. Easy to do. Everybody loves it.

• 

  It Cant Be a Corolla; It Is!! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Misty Jewel - November 12 - 10:00 am

  This car caught my attention right away on the lot(it was already sold). The styling is great and it took me a while to believe it was a corolla. I did my research and it is definantly a better buy than civic. They are incredibly hard to get though. I waited a month to have one built because there were none available in the southwest. I got my corolla in the color moonshadow and it looks great. Lots of headroom and leg room is great for tall people. Great gas mileage and quality.

• 

  A Much Improved Version! - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Marcia - November 12 - 5:50 am

  Although I just purchased this car yesterday, I already know it is a much improved version of the 2004 model that I traded in. The ride is tighter, smoother and not jarring as it was in my 2004. This may sound trivial, but my 2004 had a "weird" smell in it since the day I bought it. This new one actually smells like a new car!

• 

  The Best car you will own - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Dave - November 12 - 1:13 am

  I have owned a few in my 50 years on the planet. This is undisputedly the finest. Tight, nimble, agile quiet as a mouse, superior build quality that shows! dont look any further if you are in the market for a crossover SUV. The looks are snazzy too! If you live in Washington state, buy from Rodland Toyota for a simple no hassle deal. I love this car! but then again, I love my 2000 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner too! with 83K on it and never a problem and still gets 21 MPG! 3.4L V6. TOYOTA SIMPLY RULES!

• 

  2 X Tundra Owner - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Mark OConnor - November 11 - 7:00 pm

  I really liked my 2004 Toyota SR5 Double CAB but love the 2010 Crewmax. The ride, performance, size and turning radius are all much improved from the 04.

• 

  After a month, so far, so good - 2015 Toyota RAV4
  By John - November 10 - 7:11 pm

  My wife "stole" my RAV4 for a January trip to West Virginia. "Awesome" is her only report.

• 

  2006 Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By inlights - November 10 - 11:36 am

  This is a joy to drive and a fine piece of modern technology. I just am amazed how well the Prius works. I am averaging 50.7 mpg this tank full.

• 

  This thing is a blast! - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Nuanu - November 10 - 11:20 am

  The reviewer said the Echo suffers from cartoon- like styling. I say thats the whole idea. My Echo is like driving a cartoon. Never have I had a vehicle with absolutely *no* features--mine doesnt even have power steering--that is so delightful. Its so impressive, its a joy to drive. Just bought it last week with 16k miles. I [a designer] am quite impressed with all the thought that went into making this car, at its most stripped-down level, really neat. The driving environment is wonderful, its plenty big inside, it floats down the road effortlessly and with a smile. And the best thing: with a basic, used car my expectations were low. So I am overjoyed. Hope that helps.

• 

  Excellent truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By David - November 10 - 3:40 am

  Ive owned many trucks over the years, but I have never been as happy as I am with my Tundra. When I haul my fifth-wheel, I occasionally check my mirrors to make sure its still attached because the truck doesnt even feel like its working any harder than usual. Im totally pleased.