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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  08 Solara SE 4 Hardtop - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Rob from Martinsburg - December 19 - 4:30 am

  I bought this car for a great price towards the end of February. Its not the top of the line model but it has the moonroof, 6 disc, and the alarm system. Yes, there is some tranny lag and no, I havent yet taken it in for the re-flash as I dont think that it will affect it much anyway. Ive found that the slow shifts do not occur when the shifter is in manual shift mode & Im having a blast shifting in manual through town and when merging. Gas MPG has improved @30 MPG combined with 4200 miles which is very acceptable being that my 05 XB gets 33 mpg. The Solara rides very smooth, the front strut tie bar keeps the front end flat and the trunk is huge. Headlights are great & cd display dim.

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  Sublime - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Charlie - December 18 - 11:06 pm

  The Sequoia is very comfortable to travel in, has loads of room, but what really sold me were the comfortable reclining 3rd row seats. BTW, the seats in the Sequoia are not quite as short as most in the Toyota line. Gas mileage is not great - 15-19 mpg, but I cant pull a boat with an Accord. The V8 engine is a real jewel & smooth as butter, but does lack a little torque - not recommended for towing in the mountains - a fine SUV!

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  Solid Reliable Performance - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By DJB - December 18 - 10:00 pm

  Vehicle is extremely versatile for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. From skiing, backpacking, camping, to towing, this vehicle does it all very well and with style. Form, Fit, and Function are all mastered at a level that makes this SUV a true work horse while yet providing a range of performance and comfort that rivals most performance autos. Like the majority of Toyotas, once you buy one you most likely will not need the warranty. They just keep runing and running....

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  Excellent car but... - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By MPD - December 18 - 9:46 pm

  I am extremely happy with the new camry, I forget I am driving a family sedan. The ride is refined, steering is tight, plenty of interior space, the exterior design is refreshing to look at. The only negative is the shifting of the transmission from 40+ mph to 10-15 mph when turning or slowing for traffic, acceleration takes a second or two to kick in after "stepping on the gas". The cruise control flutters and jolts on highway inclines and declines.

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  What a value - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By James Bates - December 18 - 5:13 pm

  I just traded in my 1999 XLE for the 2002 XLE, but this tiem upgraded to the V6. I ahve to say that the 2002 is night and day from the 1999. While the 1999 XLE is a great car, the redesign of the 2002 and the added features are tremendous. I actually paid less for this one than my 1999. I am very excited about having this auto.

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  Top Dog Hybrid - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Dale - December 18 - 4:40 pm

  My first Hybrid was an 07 Prius & loved it. I knew in advance that the 2010 was going to change for the better. Didnt think that was possible but now that I own the 2010, Toyota did it with an even better Prius that was near perfect to start with & no competitor even close. I love this more then I can describe. Its a perfect 10. If I had to post a negative it would be I got the model with the 17 inch wheels & low profile tires. It looks GREAT but the low profiles make it ride a bit rougher then the standard tire. No big deal. The look more then makes up for the rougher ride. Buy one. Youll love it especially at the gas pump.

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  Best XUV I could find - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By PonyBoy - December 18 - 10:26 am

  If youre looking for a combination of cargo room, gas mileage, styling and performance this is the logical choice. More sporty looking than the Vibe in my opinion. If you want to look good while saving at the pump its this or a mini-cooper. You can probably fit the mini-cooper in the back of your Matrix if you fold down your back seats, but all I need to fit inside is two bicycles, so no problem. If youre like most people and dont really need an SUV, this is the smart mpg alternative. The manual trans is more fun to drive, but I can eat better in traffic with the automatic. This is not a sports car, so dont expect pony car power, its fine especially compared with other 4 bangers.

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  Wake up America - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By perfent - December 18 - 6:10 am

  I owned the 2001 model and now have the 2004. The 2004 is a completely different vehicle - great mileage and built with care. I find the power not an issue. It will easily pass other cars and climb hills with no problem. You cant compare it to a V8. And on city streets and crowded freeways who needs that kind of power? I feel that the average person is not facing reality. Its not the 60s but a world of uncertainty. This car is the future and the future is here. Hydrogen is a long way off and the price of oil is not about to fall.

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  Love our new Solara SE Conv. - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Talmadge - December 18 - 5:53 am

  My wife and I have had a passion for convertibles. We traded in a 2001 Sebring Conv. Lxi for our 2006 Solara SE conv. Man what a difference in the two automobiles. Hands down the Solara is much better. From the extra trunk space to the extra leg room, this car exceeded my expectations. The interior is quiet and the ride is just awesome. There is no doubt that the Solara will surpass our Sebring, due to the fact that the Sebring was in the shop 7 different times for 7 different problems before the warranty was out. Toyota press on good job!

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  Sequoia recommended - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Austin Leigh - December 18 - 4:26 am

  The Sequoia has been great! It was bigger than I thought however drove much smaller very nimble. I did not like how the Tahoe and the GMC products steering felt (too loose), and the entrance to the back seats are much easier than the Navigator. The engine sounds deep when you step, otherwise fairly quiet. Gas mileage is not good but its a V8. No problems with squeaks or rattles of any kind.