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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  toyota limited double cab - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By danielj - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Roomy, plenty of power, toyota quality

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  Beautiful SUV, with the drive of a car. - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Mary Allen - July 26 - 2:00 am

  The highlander is a beautiful SUV. It is stylish with all the features anyone could want. It rides like a car. Gas mileage is great. I cant wait until the hybrid is available then it would have really out did it self. Toyotas are great vehicles. And I love to drive the highlander.

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  Excellent Car! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By peawiddle - July 26 - 2:00 am

  My biggest issue is the squeeking from the rear of the interior. Driving the car is wonderful and it handles alot better than my old one. It looks great too!

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  New Owner - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By ddsccnp - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my Camry XLE V6. I love it. It rides great, handles great. This car feels like a Lexus for a lot less. The V6 makes a huge difference. The V^ is much quieter and feels much more luxurious.

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  The best car for the money! - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By AnthonyDunn - July 25 - 11:10 pm

  I purchased this Solara in 2002 and it had 75,000 miles on it. It now has 200,000 miles and has been Uber Reliable. I put one timing belt on it and a starter that I got off eBay for 60 bucks. This car has never failed me and is as smooth today with 200k as it was with 75k. I plan to drive it another 200k and I think it will make it just fine.

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  Fun to drive - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By JohnnieK - July 25 - 10:30 pm

  I traded in my 99 Nissan Altima SE L and I am very impressed with this car. I compared the Mazda 3, Kia Forte, Hyundai Elantra and even another Altima and the Corolla S won. I got a super deal, much less than the TMV price. I like the interior, which is spacious and well thought out. It rides much nicer than the Altima. The S presents itself quite well and you cant beat the MPG. Add the discounted Extra Value Package and you have a great upgrade. I didnt need anything else. This car is fun to drive, city or highway and you dont feel guilty because the gas mileage is so good. Go ahead and buy this car. You get much more for your money.

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  Great Car - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By schultzy - July 25 - 9:00 pm

  I test drove a Miata and the MR2 Spyder blows it out of the water. The interior design is pleasing to the eye and functional. I have been told by several people that the car looks like it is in the price range of a Porche. You get the classiness of an expensive vehicle with a price that wont break your bank. Plus the car is a lot of fun to drive. And as far as the space, if you dont have a second passanger you can get quite a bit of things on that side. Put it this way, I fit $250.00 worth of groceries in my MR2.

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  A FINE CAR............ - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By ED GRECO - July 25 - 4:00 pm

  THIS CAR HAS ALL THE COMFORT & RELIABILITY THAT WE DESIRE. WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO THE HYBRID VERSION. WE WILL COMPARE WITH THE ESCAPE HYBRID.

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  Hybrid Happy - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Betty L - July 24 - 9:23 pm

  I still find it hard to believe I am already driving an SUV Hybrid. With the release date being June 2005, the best I hoped for was the end of June, and realistically, I didnt expect to be in one until the end of the year. My only hope was that my Avelon, with 120,000 miles held out until I was able to purchase the Hylander Hybrid. Much to my surprise, I got the call from the dealership the day they got their first Hilander Hybrid, and it was exactly what I wanted, Limited Edition, color, etc. 400 miles later I am very pleased with it. Its getting about 23 miles/gallon with city driving, and its a very quiet and comfortable ride. I highly recommend it!!!

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  Pure pleasure in small size - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Japanese reliability - July 24 - 10:50 am

  An excellent fun to drive automobile, that just happens to get great gas mileage at the same time. Not the fanciest car but a well made solid, well engineered car. Would most definitely purchase another one.