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:

• 

  5 Years 105,000 Miles - Still Love It - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Diana - August 22 - 10:43 pm

  Eight cars to date, this is the first car Ive owned where I put more that 50,000 miles on it. This is my second Toyota. Hasnt had any problems, engine is still quiet and smooth, and parts still fit together like they were new. Mileage has gone down some, from 30 to 28 MPG - still excellent for me. Was not looking for a sport car, just a sporty look, so the performance (or lack thereof) isnt important to me. I never thought I would have a car this long, and I am in no hurry to buy another.

• 

  Great truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tommy - August 22 - 5:46 am

  I put a tool box on the truck but that make very bad road noise. The 6 cyl. will move the truck faster than the Chevrolet Z71 with the small V8 and the milage is somewhat better.

• 

  The best bang for your buck - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Abed - August 22 - 2:26 am

  I bought this car a bout a month ago and I love it, I fight with my wife for who is going to drive it. I came back through a bad snow storm and I could not believe how it handled, it was great and fun. It handles great and I feel very confident having my families in it. I would loved to have a comfy 3rd row seat in it.

• 

  Research resarch, drive it - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Dave - August 22 - 1:46 am

  Bought used with 33,000. Runs great no problem finding tires. Had to search a little but found 10 brands that make that size. Rides and handles like a car. My wife is disabled and has little to no trouble getting in and out. Only real grip is not having a hatch release up front.

• 

  Teaching Me How to Drive - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Connie - August 22 - 12:50 am

  The beauty of the transition from gasoline to hybrid is the relationship between human and machine. Toyota engineers have created an intimate, auto-feedback system that reinforces "listening" to the car and reading the mpg rather than the speedometer. The Camrys gas pedal must be finest tuned gas pedal ever created. This car is designed to float, not drive. Accelerating up to speed as fast as possible and then backing off the gas pedal makes the mpg needle fall below 60 if youre in the 40-45 mph range. This is so satisfying! I love turning off the car and getting my props for having acheived 40 mpg! Camry hybrid is a wonderful ride and drive!

• 

  I love my Solara - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Marty - August 21 - 8:46 pm

  I love this car. It is the best car I have ever had. I have a Mercedes S500 that sits in the garage while I prefer to drive my Solara.

• 

  One Great Automobile - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By rayalon - August 21 - 4:46 pm

  Rides like a dream, quiet, comfort with a safe, sound ensuring drive of quality.

• 

  MR2 Spyder Best for the $$$ - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By DPs-mr2s - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Affordable mid-engine experience. Fun driving to and from work. Poor persons Porsche.. FUN..FUN..

• 

  Small but rugged - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By pgwhite - August 21 - 10:00 am

  85k miles and no mechanical problems so far. Had one instance where engine would not turn over. Towed it to the dealer (100k warranty) and it started up for them. Never a problem since. Cant believe the power of this 2 litre engine, even with the auto transmission!! Traction is excellent, 8 inches of snow was no problem during a bad storm. My wife wants a van now that we are a foursome. She thinks Im going to sell my full size truck...HA...the sad truth is, I hate to part with the RAV4. I just might give up the GMC, especially with todays gas prices.

• 

  Great Car! - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By Mari - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! It has been my dream car since like years ago! I got it for my birthday and it has worked perfect!