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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  love being an owner of a Solara - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By k mikkelson - December 5 - 5:40 am

  Solara rides great and is very fun & comfortable to drive, especially on long trips; very quiet; nice car. Mileage on an 800-1000 mile trip average to over 25.

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  Why the following? - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Robert - December 5 - 12:12 am

  Have owned my Tacoma 6 years. Base model. I hope the resale is good that will be the only thing I would like about this truck. I am a full size guy 230lbs and the seat has not held up very well. Lower back and rear end support are no longer there. I don’t know where all the 159 horses are when trying to maintain highway speed on modest uphill grade. I would expect much better fuel economy with this type performance. Pay load capacity is pathetic therefore I cant consider this a truck. 800lbs is dangerous. 5 to 600lbs of gear and dirt bike with a crosswind will make for a white knuckle drive and that’s after the addition of helper spring. Think about it, there are cars that you can put more in the trunk. However the truck has been reliable but I will not buy another. I do believe the following comes from Toyotas past reputation. Still have the truck and will not buy another, Not sure what the payload capacity is but cant be more than few bags of groceries.

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  Beautiful Car - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Cari - December 4 - 7:13 pm

  I love my Convertible Solara. Every where I go I get people turning their heads. The car it self is smooth and comfortable I wouldnt trade it for anything else, its perfect for me.

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  Great Truck But... - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Katzat - December 4 - 2:00 pm

  Picked up the truck a week ago and have put 300 miles on it. The interior comfort is outstanding although I am 62" tall, and my head is almost on the ceiling. Seats are far better than previous models and far more comfortable than the competitors I looked at. The rear seat area is huge and plenty comfortable even for me. Interior quality seems better than previous models and offers a quiet ride. The ride has impressed even my wife, and she loves to drive it. The power is noticeable and I am sure it will tow the boat effortlessly. 15 mpg in burbs, but should improve with break in. I am concerned about the quality of the paint as it does not seem to be nearly as good as our 2004 Sequoia

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  trusty rav - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By natcam - December 4 - 4:33 am

  Great handling for an suv not at all like a truck plus on freeway trips gets 30 mpg. Love the hood scoop on the S model even though husband says its non functional so far 3 years 33000 mile no problems whatsoever then again its a Toyota. Also test drove a Honda CR-V which had more room but at the time the Rav had better safety features like standard ABS, Traction & Stability Control that was not even available on the Honda.

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  Busted Bubble of a 2nd timeToyota Owner - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Betty Rich - December 4 - 3:16 am

  Quality and reliablity: After four days of owning my car and going on a 2 hour trip, one way, I noticed the carpet soaking wet on the drivers side. The service dept. kept asking me if I drove over any huge puddles or if it rained on the car. I replied, "No." They concluded there was a gap in the material used on the fender where water leaked into the car. I replied the only water that was put on the car was when they washed it the day I bought it. Performance: Smooth and quiet ride great pick-up but jerks when I accelerate after applying the brakes when slowing down to turn a corner. Design: Im not crazy about the side view of the car -too sloped toward the back end.

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  Flaw-free - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Herman - December 3 - 10:46 pm

  This car was purchased on line while I was in Connectiicut for delivery to my home in Florida. If one can love an inanimate thing, then I love it.

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  Unbeatable! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Rustler - December 3 - 4:36 pm

  There is no 4x4 sold today or in yesteryear that beats this machine! Even stock it will school most other 4x4s. Add a 3" lift, some larger tires (e.g., 33"), rock rails, an onboard 4x4 equipment, and youre ready to rock the big trails, e.g., Fordyce Creek, Rubicon, Moab. This is THE offroading vehicle of the century! Ive owned many vehicles, driven jeeps, etc., and this is the finest and funnest vehicle Ive ever owned! You can miss with this one!

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  Good Commuter, Off Road, Cruiser - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Leon - December 3 - 4:20 am

  This truck replaced my 04 Highlander Ltd. I was afraid of the gas mileage, but its almost a tie (19 mpg avg.) The cabin is very well appointed. The seats are very comfortable. Fit and finish are impeccable. My 4Runner LTD Edition is not wallowing excessively at all, as some reviews indicate. While the ride is not as carlike as crossovers, the good olÂ’ feel of the body on frame is worth the compromise. On the positive side, it glides over New Englands potholes with aplomb without any sign or sound of the suspension destruction. I hope that this truck will be safe, much more durable than my previous, and last longer with little maintenance."

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  executive car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By rahul - December 3 - 4:16 am

  it is awesome car i have seen in comparison to benz c-class