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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  Solara SLE - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Solara Lover - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car a few months ago. Love it! Its Quick, tight, stylish, and smooth as silk. The previous owner put a trd sway bar and 215/55/16 toyo tires on the factory rims. It handles like a dream! The mirrors should fold though, and the sound is not as crisp as my maxima BOSE was.

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  It Has Surpassed My High Expectations - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Mainstay - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I had a high expectation of quality and performance for this high end Toyota automobile. The car has been a true pleasure to drive and has greatly increased my feeling that I made the right decision. For me it has been a perfect combination of a sporty car, plenty of power, mid-sized room, luxury feel, nice features, quality/reliability, and the fun of a convertible. I have been driving it for about one month now including one long road trip. The only negative that I have found is that the top makes a flutter sound on the interstate when I get behind large trucks. I am sure that it is a wind force thing. It was noticeable without the radio on, but not a real problem. I love the car.

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  Great Minivan! - 2001 Toyota Sienna
  By stkgator - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Great minivan although but a bit on the small size. Fun and comfortable to drive. Would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  The Best SUV - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Bigman4372 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Our Sequoia is everything we could have wished for. It does excellent in the snowy winters of Michigan and through all the ice and slush. Toyota could have put a bit more power into it but all else surpasses that small issue. The third row seat can even seat 3 adults with comfort. This is by far better than a Suburban or Yukon XL Denali. I love this car and I know it will last me 10 years, thanks Toyota.

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  Very Reliable - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Phillip Mcguire - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought a 2000 LE in 2 July of last year. No complaints. Very smooth, comforatble ride.

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  Excellent Family Vehicle - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By bob Hackett - May 22 - 2:00 am

  The Camry is a very reliable car. I find it to be extrememly comfortable vehicle for weekend trips to the shore. Its has plenty of room for a family of five.

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  Fun Purchase - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By joyce Watterson - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Choosing a 4 cylinder gives me extrordinary pleasure: my purchase price was lower and now that gas prices are higher, I continue to save because I use less. I find very little loss of power when passing. The design was of prime importance and the reliability needed to equal its reputation. As a widow these were my top priorities and all have been met.

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  CE Model - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Alex31 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I just recently bought the Toyota CE automatic. The car is great to drive, and it beats buying a Hyundai anyday of the year, however there is one slight problem with the car is that there is not enough legroom in the front seats, especially if you are 6.5ft. Other than that the car is a must for any first time buyers, as nothing can compete with a Corolla!!

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  Tight Car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By lunarmist - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Much more room than the 2002s and has a more appealing exterior. The only complaints are a noisy engine during acceleration and the steering wheel is too close to the dash which causes tall drivers to drive with their arms extended. Overall a very nice car. The Altima is nowhere near the car this one is as far as build quality.

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  The New Class Leader - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By JasonC - May 22 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 Corolla is a top-notch compact sedan - there is no hype! I have the 2002 Civic brochure and can say that the 2002 Civic LX is not at all comparably-equipped to the Corolla LE. In fact, the base Corolla LE is better equipped than a Civic EX without cruise control, ABS, moonroof, and alarm - at LX prices. When faulty comparisons are made between the Civic LX and the Corolla LE, individual reviewers forget that the Corolla has body-color exterior appointments, larger tire/wheel package, remote keyless entry w/panic, CD player, drivers seat height adjustment, outside temperature gauge, daytime running lights with automatic control, and the availability of ABS.