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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  New SLE convertible - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By phred1 - September 1 - 10:00 am

  The power adjustable drivers seat is great. It is very comfortable. I find the car to quiet while driving with top up. The power top and power all windows buttons are convenient and a time saver.

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  Great Gas Milage! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Mike Cassady - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I really love my Solara! I got 36 MPG on a recent trip and get 30 MPG in the city. It has plenty of power with just the four cylinder engine. At my age, I needed comfort, but I still like a two door. The Solara had everything I needed in a car. Stylish and great looking! The gas milage was a real bonus. The salesman told me "no way". So I checked the milage manually and I was getting 31.4 in the city. Maybe it is because my other car is a Prius and I have learned to drive sensibly.....I highly recommend this car!

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  LOVE THOSE TOYOTAS - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By jacar1113 - September 1 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS MY FIFTH TOYOTA. I HAVE A 92 CAMREY, 99 SIENNA, 02 SOLARA, 04 RAV AND 04 CAROLLA. eACH HAS ITS OWN DRIVER. THESE CARS RUN FOREVER. MY 85 CAMREY HAD 205,000 MILES BEFIRE IT WAS SOLD TO A YOUNG MAN WHO IS STILL DRIVING IT!

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  Good dependable minivan - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By jack1619 - September 1 - 10:00 am

  A nice ride, great stereo system with lots of good storage options. I hope to have the luck that most Toyota owners experience with their vehicle.

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  My 2004 Camry SE V6 - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By GLCasazza - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Traded my 98 LE v6 for the SE v6. My wife and I looked at the Lexus ES330 but after driving the SE we purchased it. If your looking for a great V6 go with the SEs 3.3 instead of the LE/XLE.

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  id buy it again - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By smitdog - September 1 - 10:00 am

  great car runs well great on gas could be a little more comftable

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  wonderful car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By babetor - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I love my new black corrola s its so easy to drive and a real eye catcher i recommend this car to anyone who likes to have some fun while they drive

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  The green machine - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By John Glauber - September 1 - 8:37 am

  Because of hail damage the car was repainted in 2015. It was the new light green for 2008. Have had many compliments on the color. Sorry you are way behind I traded this for a new one in 2016

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  My truck - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By Mrs, Magnolia - September 1 - 6:40 am

  Dependable, and fun to drive either in town or across country, I love my truck. Accommodates all the kids and family, for myself or clients when showing houses. And the feeling of a safe & secure ride.

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  All Around Strength - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By cub49er4life - September 1 - 4:06 am

  This truck has been wonderful. I have not had any of the issues some others have complained of. It is very roomy on the interior, and it is absolutely gorgeous. Most people cant believe its a truck when they are inside because it is so nice. There is nice height on the 4x4 doublecab, and the handling is fantastic. Overall, it drives very smooth on the road and is very responsive.