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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  Shouldve got the V6 - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By RossP - April 6 - 3:46 pm

  Been a Toyo Man since 84. Bought this Solara as soon as it came out. Int/Ext styling sets this car apart. I just went to buy a new Camry for the wife and she said shell keep her Solara. Im 64" so the headroom is a litte tight w/the sunroof, so I have to recline the seat a little more than I want to which makes driving not as enjoyable. Great value for the money, handles well, the 4s nice but go for the V6. Even after 12K miles car rides like new, no rattles and very quiet.

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  Solid - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By ResQ198 - April 5 - 5:30 am

  I have had 3 Toyota pickups, an 89, 99 (my all time favorite) and now an 01. The 01 is great in the snow, reliable as can be, and easy to drive. The four cylinder is underpowered, and as some people have mentioned, the gears need some adjustment. I would never discourage anyone from buying anything Toyota, but like everything out there, if you take care of it, it will take care of you.

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  Like Riding a Lexus - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Geeeyejo - April 4 - 6:22 pm

  Purchased my 2005 Limited 4x4 with 135k for $6800. Immediately had timing belt, water pump, radiator hoses and serpentine belt changed. Then put all new Denso coils and plugs, air filter, oil change. Have had several issues with a transmission sensor needing replacement, gas cap throwing codes - both easy and inexpensive fixes. Be aware almost all of these trucks will eventually have issues with the SAIS pollution pump system - throwing CEL light and sometimes limp mode. Previous owner had the bypass system installed - I had to add a pressure sensor kit wired to the ECM harness to finally address the issues. Thankfully I was able to do much of this work myself that would have been a fortune in the repair shop. Hence only 4 stars. All great now and should run for another 200k miles. I concur with others that the big tree drives like a large luxury car, has great fit and finish. I invested in an Android head unit to bring the tech to the 21st century. I can ask Siri to play anything on my IPhone through the head unit and make calls, etc. Interior space is huge for this class - all three rows comfortable. Sunroof a plus too. Last truck was a V10 Ford Excursion so about 15 mpg average and up to 18+ highway is not bad at all . Mine is black with grey leather interior and looks like a big vintage Land Cruiser. Also Toyota had a recall on the frames for rusting- had mine inspected - all is fine and getting a free anti- corrosion treatment to the frame - pretty cool. Love this truck!

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  My First Toyota/SUV - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By Andy - April 4 - 3:36 pm

  So far I have enjoyed driving my Highlander, I use it as my everyday car from commuting to running errands. The ride is smooth, and quiet (surprising for an SUV). Have not run into any problems, so far. Still need to test it in the snow! Seems to me that the Highlander is more of a family vehicle than a single persons ride, but it was in my price range, and had all the features I was looking for. I should have waited a few more months for the release of the new 2008 model, it looks sweet.

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  Great Second Car - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By D.B. Ginther - April 3 - 11:00 am

  I have owned my Yaris for a year. Its a great second car with all the features necessary to get around town.

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  Good Vehicle - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By taddie - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed driving my 4 Runner. I had a Toyota Camry before I purchased the 4 Runner. I like how it handles in all weather conditions.

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  Schools still out... - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By bart - April 2 - 5:26 pm

  Having owned fords, chevys and everything in between, and using them professionally I can tell you that I havent made up my mind on this truck. You cant beat the power of the 5.7, but the oil changes are murder. Why Toyota decided to go with cartridge filter and have to pull the skid plate, and use special tools and 5w20 synthetic, who knows??? Tires only lasted 28000 miles. Bad pavement and you get the roller coaster effect. Ive already had the torque converter replaced (under warranty). Makes a roaring sound when starting it after not running for four days and I still havent figure that one out. All the black pieces on the exterior of the truck are beginning to suffer uv damage.

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  Great car - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By fishera - April 2 - 12:28 am

  Bought it in 2008 with around 180k miles and drove the heck out of it. I could always count on it to start and get me where I needed to go, and easily hit highway cruising speeds. It was a very smooth and quiet ride. Previous owner told me about the abuse he heaped on car, driving it off road and through standing water, but that didnt affect its performance for me. Clutch burned out at 210k, was the only major repair I had to make. Leaked oil, but thats not bad if you keep up on it. Eventually sold it to a coworker last spring, at around 220k miles. Its still going strong, and I expect it to continue so. Sometimes I regret selling it.

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  love my convertible - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Dallasgal - April 1 - 11:26 pm

  The car is so much fun. It has been a very dependable car. I was tboned in a bad wreck. I walked away without a scratch. The car is very solid. The service at my dealership is outstanding. The rear window is hard to see out of when looking for traffic. My right convertible side is hard to lock when putting the top up. But would I buy this car again? Yes

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  Smooth and Very Quiet - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By RJW - April 1 - 11:06 pm

  The Sport AWD glides down the road. The 270 HP power on the V6 is incredible. Handling is very good and the traction control system is better than found on other similar SUV crossover vehicles. With the premium JBL sound system is very good. The backup camera is a nice safety feature. Our model came with heated outside mirrors which will help during the long Indiana winters. Overall impression is very good for the price. We plan on keeping this vehicle for many years to come.