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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  150,000 miles and still strong - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By skday - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Even with the V6 this wagon isnt super strong, but otherwise I have nothing to complain about. My only repairs since purchase at 130,000 have been wear and tear items (brakes, timing belt, a/c). Just test-drove a new Outback wagon, and had a revelation when I got back into my car. It felt more solid and comfortable than the brand new Subaru at 9 years old! Why buy new?

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  If I won the Lotto - 1998 Toyota RAV4
  By boycesd - July 19 - 2:00 am

  If I won the Lotto, I would buy another RAV 4. The 98 that I drive is my second RAV 4. It sits up high but rides like a car. It holds a ton of stuff, including my two big dogs. It can climb a phone pole. Easy to park, fun to drive, a low bed makes it easy to load and convert. Dont bother with an extended warranty, its a Toyota and never needs anything but routine maintenance.

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  So Far So Good - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Jeffry - July 19 - 2:00 am

  I spent over a year trying to replace a 1987 Audi 5000 Quattro for a reaonable cost and this is what I came up with. Most any other car I could afford had low frequency road noise rumbles which I cant stand. Im 40-something but single and work in entertainment, so style is important. The Solara is a not- a-family car with enough room for 3 hotties in the back seat and a good sound system. To be called a "fly ride" by 20-something starlets and still attractive to middle age executive types of both sexes is a neat hat trick. Looks like a Lexus at a fraction of the price. 140 mph speedometers on cars that will never go that fast are truly stupid.

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  4th Generation Evolution Hit - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By jambo726 - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Handling on mountain roads exceptional for a 2 ton SUV. Steering response good. Transmission flawlessly smooth. Cargo area small but still OK. Blind spot when changing lanes(smaller 3rd window). Headlights are much improved. Projector fogs work well. Extra room inside is great. Ride much improved, especially body roll. V8 with plenty of power/torque right off the line and pulls strong throughout power band. Computer overestimates mileage. Brakes feel like overboosted but stops quickly w/4wheel disc brakes. Body design much more aero than prior models. Interior instrumentation a negative. All in all an advancement and the cladding will have to grow on you.

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  Atlanta Trekker - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By smith and jones - July 19 - 2:00 am

  The more I drive it, the more I like it. Handling is good, It is much smoother than my daughters Explorer.

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  2005 Toyotal Corolla CE - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Steve Rice - July 18 - 10:26 pm

  This is the 3rd Toyota Corolla that i have owned and probably wont be the last. This is a durable and dependable vehicle. Excellent gas mileage and looks great for the price!! Aluminum wheel package makes for a sportier look.

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  Love It! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By J Kelley - July 18 - 9:00 pm

  I drove a Lexus RX300 previously (company car) but was unwilling to pay the Lexus price when it came time to buy. This car is built on the same platform. It rides and handles like a car, not a truck. The only thing missing when compared to the Lexus is the "luxury" look of the interior. I have only two minor complaints with the vehicle: 1. the lifters (fuel injectors) make noise which is not noticeable when driving/idling unless it is completely quiet in the car (no talking, music, etc.) It is not noticeable to most people but was not present til after break-in period; 2. the paint on bumper & hood chips easily from normal road dirt.

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  JAPANESE BUILT - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By car shopper - July 18 - 6:13 pm

  This is probably one of the best light truck/SUV buys. You cannot beat this. Bought mine used 2 months ago and have not been dissapointed. Almost identical layout as the lexus rx300 and gx470. Its got the reliability of an ES300. If you want to spend more money on the car and not worry about the repairs - this is your car/truck.

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  Awesome car - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By pokeweed - July 18 - 2:53 pm

  I updated from a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Having driven older 4Runners, my expectations were low - I actually went to the dealer to look at the Highlander. I ended up with a loaded V8 4Runner and have never been happier. Great power, ride, handling, fit, and finish. Best cup holders in its class! Lots of cool touches. Feels like a Lexus. Drive is incredible - my wife is afraid of SUVs, and even she loves it! Unlike car-based SUVs, this car feels rugged and has an element of go-anywhere toughness and fun the others lack. Our first drive was from Denver to Vail - plenty of power for the passes. Handled great off-road to the hiking trails too. We LOVE it!

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  Great car - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Bruce - July 18 - 1:23 pm

  This car was brand new on a three yr rental by me in 2000, then purchased at the end of the rental in 2003. What better way to buy when you like the car and know the exact maintenance history? It is now 2009 and the vehicle has 117,000 and the engine is still purring along and the body is still in great shape, rides/handles great and has been very reliable. Only negative is the factory radio. It is very expensive to replace or repair. Overall it has been a great car and I would buy another Toyota.