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:

• 

  Bonnies Lean, Green, Clean Machine! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Bonnie C - January 13 - 7:10 pm

  I love my lean, green, clean machine so much that I racked on over 64,000 miles in 3 yrs. I live in ski resort mountains and travel with my 5 person family. I really put this car to the test! I usually get 45 mpg in the winter, 50 in spring/fall, and 55-65 all summer. These numbers are a packed car (500+ lbs of psgrs) and mountain travel. The numbers depend on the driver. If my lead-footed husband takes my car, he only gets 42-45 mpg. The only problem that I had in 3 yrs is that the gas door started to stick, but my husband lubricated it and bent something and it is fixed. Gas prices being what they are, my Prius literally makes its own loan pmt in gas savings each mo! What a pleasure!

• 

  Great Car! - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By doran - January 13 - 6:10 pm

  We bought our Solara new. We have the 4 cylinder engine with automatic transmission. We now have about 116,000 miles on it, and the only problem, the water pump had to be replaced at 69,000. What a great car, best weve owned. Uses no oil and we get from 23-26 around town and up to 34 on the highway. Its a dream to drive whether in town or highway, smooth and quiet. Still feels like a new car. Plenty of power for highway cruising and acceleration. Weve considered getting a new car, but why? Wouldnt be afraid to drive this cross country tomorrow.

• 

  Pretty car - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Valery Oldfield - January 13 - 3:33 pm

  Two owner and I have owned since 2000 and it is a 2000

• 

  just a couple of leaks - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By nucklbone - January 13 - 10:00 am

  90000 miles now, no major problems. A couple of oil leaks at the oil pan and valve cover, a steering leak in the rack and pinion. Steering very responsive, excellent gas mileage. 21 city, usually 30+ hwy even at an average of 80 mph! Fairly cheap insurance, very cold a/c even on the lowest setting. Just put on new brakes and rotors at a cost of $180. Only mechanical problem is the parking brake light on the instrument panel stays on sometimes. Front wheel drive makes it easy through the snow too.

• 

  Great SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By jba1185 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Toyota did a great job of building this SUV. My 17 year old son is the "primamy" driver of this and it is still in great condition. If he hasent destroyed it by now I really dont think anyone can. I would highly recomend to anyone that wants a comfortabe ride on short or long drives.

• 

  redkarr - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By syzygy - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Great looking, fun car to drive. Very nice features inside ie; stereo, panel layout.

• 

  GOING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By SDRIFLEMAN - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I AM THE OWNER OF TWO MATRIX AND XRS 6SPEED MANUAL AND A XR 4WHEEL DRIVE THE XRS IS A FUN VEHICLE TO DRIVE IT IS VERY QUICK AND HANDLES GREAT IN AND OUT OF TRAFFIC THE XR DRIVES JUST AS GOOD HANDLES THE CORNERS BETTER THAT MOST OTHER CARS THE HEAD AND LEG ROOM IS GREAT I AM HOPING THAT TOUOYA COMES OUT WITH A TWO DOOR MODEL THIS CAR WOULD MAKE A GOOD RALLY CAR TOYOTA HAS DONE IT AGAIN

• 

  Vibration, bad brakes, cracked manifolds - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Redbeard - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I have 47,000 miles on the truck. It has had two front brake jobs, two cracked exhaust manifolds ($1800.00!), it vibrates at highway speeds, the paint is poor quality. I would strongly recommend a different truck. I cant wait to get rid of this one.

• 

  Outstanding all-around family sedan - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By hercdrvr - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding all around car. Unless you really need an SUV, the sedans are an even better value than ever. Seems everybody wants an SUV - hell, even I WANT one - they are very nice. Im just not willing to spend 30-40K and get 15-18mpg in the process. Not to mention the cost of tires and increased insurance. Great safety features - mine has front side airbag option. Ratings for crash are top-notch. Comfort - awesome. Power - I have 4 banger so I expect a little less but it is surprisingly nimble.

• 

  Fabulous - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By qtip - January 13 - 10:00 am

  No granted, I have only had this car for three days, but I just love it. Many areas of this car have the quality look and feel of the more expensive Lexus SC cars. The interior design well thought out and built, but it was the handling on the test drive that sold me on this baby. We took this car out on a slightly pitted back road and let it open. The suspension was fantastic and when taking tight turns at high speeds we experienced very little roll. This car hugs the road very well and the automanual shifting makes it very fun to drive. It is by no means a sport coupe, but is far more sporty than the Camry or old Solaras.