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:

• 

  Too Much Fun - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Lue - December 8 - 5:56 am

  I have enjoyed every minute in my Solara. The ease with which the top and windows all go down simultaneously is great! The problem I have are that the back windows cannot be controlled independently. They cannot be opened or closed from the back seat. They are controlled only from the front drivers side and only while opening or closing the front windows simultaneously.

• 

  2001 Sequoia Quality - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By Ray - December 8 - 4:40 am

  My 2001 4WD Sequoia has 110K miles and is driven in town by a soccer mom who does not go off road. So far these parts have failed: both front wheel bearings, the rear differential, rear window motor, LF window motor, A/C (compressor, evaporator, and something else- been to dealer 5 times for a/c problems). Engine has had oil replaced every 4K miles and has a knock in it. All failures due to faulty parts. I am thankful I invested in the platnum 0 ded bumper-bumper 100K mile warranty. The driver side seat is designed to wear a hole in the side (90K miles) from getting in/out. Gas mileage avg 12-18 mpg. Toyota Corp customer service not helpful. No problems since last major repair ~80K mi

• 

  The best vehicle Ive ever owned!! - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Melvin - December 7 - 7:53 pm

  Greetings everyone. First of all I would say that the new Toyota Avalon meets all of my familys needs. It has limousine-like leg room. The reclining rear seat sold my wife for transporting our kids and their grandparents across country comfortably. The rear seat entertainment center is a life saver! The car is extremely quiet as to be expected. The horsepower ratings and fuel mileage combination was a deciding factor as well. Its surprisingly nimble for a large, powerful people mover. The styling was very much appreciated and long over due by loyal Toyota owners! The price compared to the value is offset in favor of the value. Plenty of bang for my bucks! This is the best car ive owned!

• 

  Proud Driver - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Shannon Cloin - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I love my Sequoia. I feel like Im on top of the world while driving it, especially after driving with a friend in a small car. It has wonderful features with tons of space. Everything inside and out are great quality made. Im proud of my Sequoia seeing that it is made in my hometown and my father makes them.

• 

  Still Grining - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By ginner - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Brought my Spyder used (2001). Have owned many sports cars and love the handling of this car. Engine is OK for the weight. Just a fun car to drive aggressively.

• 

  I love my baby - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By Bambi7830 - December 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is my baby!!! I knew this would be my last sporty car before having children and being confined to a min-van or SUV and Im glad this is the one I chose. The exterior design is so neat. It attracts a lot of attention. Even stock, this car cruises!! It is a sports car though, so there are problems. I need to crack the sun room so my husbands head doesnt hit the roof, and it has the worst blind spots (next to my friends MR2).

• 

  Not so great - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Charles Hanson - December 7 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is designed to appeal to a market segment rather than to actually be a decent automobile. Its too tall, underpowered and doesnt live up to the Toyota reliability reputation. In short, "suck."

• 

  Typical Toyota - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Solarian - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Nothing bad to say. A fun car to drive.

• 

  Love My Solara - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By dollydodah - December 7 - 10:00 am

  My solara is fantastic. Its sporty on the outside and classy on the inside. Very comfortable for four adults. Its a keeper!

• 

  I love it so far - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By junkdepot - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car as a commuter and was glad when the only one left on the lot was the S model. This is my first Toyota and I will definitely buy another one in the future. I highly recommend the S model for the sportier feel and added amenities. This is a daily driver that I put 100 miles per day on.