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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  The perfect blend - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By hknajjar - October 27 - 8:56 pm

  I was told this is a "niche" car, but then again, arent all convertibles are niche cars? The Solara Convertible offers the perfect blend in a 4 seater convertible. While this is may not be a true sports car (touted as a con in articles), for those looking for the drop top experience with room for more than 2, there is no equal. Its exilerating to drive top up or down, it has excellent insulation in the top so road noise is minimal.The luxurious interior makes you feel like youre driving a Lexus.

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  Good family car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By family dude - October 27 - 5:56 pm

  For the price, you cant beat the ride. Taken the car to its limit (about 120, really) and it was as if I was going 70. The handling isnt sporty, but its still precise and very predictable. I dont find that it floats (like a new Buick I recently drove), maybe just too isolated from the road. LE came with horrible Continental tires, which screamed around any turn. Got Michelins and the Camry cornered far better. Had some issues just recently with repairs. At over 95,000 miles, all the engine mounts had to be replaced. Big dollars. But recently had the tires balanced and rotated as well the alignment redone. Car rides great again. A great used car if thats what you are looking for.

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  08 Sport 4x4 - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By PXracer - October 27 - 4:16 pm

  Happy with everything but ergonomics. At 59", one would think I would have plenty of headroom. But in fact, with the seat bottomed out I still only have a couple inches of headroom unless I lay the seat back like Im in a sports car. I worry about this in the event of an accident - I will, for sure, be left permanently wearing the sun visor as a hat. Also, the tilt of the steering wheel needs an additional stop point between the lowest and 1st up position. Again, I am an average build...not sure who Toyota engineers were targeting here.

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  My 03 4runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Corey - October 27 - 11:40 am

  I bought my 2003 4runner in 2005, its one of the best cars Ive every bought. The ride is very comfortable and smooth theirs a lot of room in the front seat same with the back seat, its very roomy. I bought the car with about 50,000 miles on it and now theirs 130,000 miles on it. Im very happy with the gas millage, I get about 18.6 mpg. The only problems Ive had was with the back window, it went down very slowly but has started working fine now, and the driver window makes a cracking noise when i put it down, also the left and right headlights have gone out three times on me since Ive had it, but other then that the car runs perfectly! I hope to have this car another 130,000 miles!

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  05 tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By imabuddha - October 27 - 9:46 am

  Ive only owned this truck for a month but so far its been flawless! Handles very well for a truck, smooth Camry-like ride, quite flat in the corners.

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  The Best Ive Owned - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By John Palazzini - October 27 - 8:56 am

  This is the best economy car that I have ever owned. Its comfortable, sporty looking, handles well and you cant beat the gas mileage at 38 miles per!!!!

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  Our 3rd Toyota - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By mtbenge - October 27 - 7:53 am

  I thought after having this car for three years I would be wanting something different. I love this vehicle. Even for 2002 it looked dated, but we could not have done better for an SUV; got character though! The 4Runner has always stood out in design, ability, and reliabliity. Though it is not the most comfortable for long road trips it cannot be beat for hauling around all my equipment and the occasional off-road excursion. The traction and skid control are great. I can see driving my Runner around for at least three more years; even though I do like the new ones as well. As far as ride is concerned we just put on new tires - Michelin XTSes. I am really amazed how much better the ride

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  I love the Highlander!! - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Alanna Otton - October 27 - 1:30 am

  I have always loved Toyotas, I have had two in the past... they are always reliable! I chose the Highlander for that reason! I was pleasantly surprised with the gas mileage being higher then expected and it handles really well!

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  Cant beat it for the money - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By will45 - October 26 - 6:56 pm

  Having owned a Tahoe, Yukon and Expedition over the past 10 years I can say that the Sequoia is a vastly superior car. Now, I have only owned it for three months, but it is a 2001 4X4 with 125,000 miles and I am the second owner. The first owner gave me an inch of paperwork, 99% of it was oil changes and scheduled maintenance. The CD player was replaced at 95,000 miles along with the passenger power window button. Other than that all has been good. It drives like brand new and I am really impressed by the interior. The seats are still very firm and comfortable with no sign of wear. I am hoping to get another 50,000 or about three years. I paid $9,500.

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  Corolla got it goin on - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Kris - October 26 - 4:43 pm

  Nice Ride...i think its a great car to invest in knowing that reaching 100,000 miles is no prob. Fuel is great..comfortable ride, just a work of art. The only downside to the car is that the steering wheel is hard to adjust to the drivers seat..and there is a huge blind spot in the back. But other than that the car itself is great and has a lot to offer.