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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  Great4 seat ragtop! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Indasun - August 9 - 10:00 am

  I didnt want to give up my back seat and bought the Solara instead of a Nissan 350Z. Glad I did. I love using reg gas and having affordable tires.

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  I love this car! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By dr jim - August 9 - 10:00 am

  I have always expected Toyota reliability to be excellent while wrapped up in plain old vanilla package. However, the Solara convertible is a joy to drive, great to just look at, and is getting over 30 miles per gallon during a mostly interstate comute. LOVE the car.

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  Very Pleased when I get to Drive it! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Dan R - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Best Quality car I have ever owned! Handling and cornering is great. Slight hesitation noticed when demanding power. Rear visability poor due to roll bars built into rear seat rests. Fun to drive and gets many compliments when I manage to get the keys away from wy wife.

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  Design Flaws in my Toyota Convertible - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Nancy Yanes Hoffman - August 9 - 10:00 am

  1.NO TAPE DECK! Tape deck removed and replaced with useless map guide. 2. Passenger front seat is not electric. 3. Neither trunk nor passenger door can be opened with a KEY. Can only be opened from INSIDE the car. 4. Huge pillowed blocks bar rear-view visibility. Even with cushions removed, rear bar hinders visibility. 5. Only one electronic key given at purchase. 6. Coffee holders not firm and secure. Coffee always spills over. 7. Clock not brightly back-lit and poorly placed. You cant read the time from the drivers seat. 8. Virtually no room between front and back seats, which make the back seat useless. 9. CD only plays one CD at a time.

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  What an Improvement! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Milwray - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Had a 2001 Solara Convertible that had so many problems with the roof (air/water leaks, creaks, severe shake, etc), that it was in the dealership more than I care to say. Even though Toyota said my complaints were "normal", I believed the car was doomed to be a problem. I had just filed the first step in the lemon law process, when the dealer called me to look at the new 2004 model. After much hesitation on my part, I decided to give Toyota another chance. They gave me a full days test drive before I purchased the car. AM I GLAD I DID! EVERYTHING I COMPLAINED ABOUT THE 2001 MODEL WAS ADDRESSED WITH THIS CAR. IT IS TRULY SUPERB!

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  Bulletproof Ride - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Jopopsy - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Aside from a check engine light that comes on for the gas cap, I have not had ONE problem with this vehicle. Not ONE !!! Im still on my original breaks if you can believe that !!!! The 6 punches like the day I bought it.

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  MY 2001 TACOMA - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By LUCY - August 9 - 10:00 am

  I spoke to dealers and mechanics about this, and I all get is that they all do that, which I find that real b.s. Another thing, the rubber around my windows are much harder to keep clean for the first time in 30 years. I have been a Toyota owner since the 70s and never had that problem-ever.. I spoke to the dealers and the mechanics and all they tell me is that they have to be cleaned with soft scrub and use wax on it.... Since when was I told to use bathroom cleaner on my truck? I know that it is not under warranty-but I would love to hear from you-I can get that replaced for free....

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  My Highlander . . . - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Venice - August 9 - 10:00 am

  I do enjoy my highlander , because it is economical as well as pritty , but I must say that for a few thousand more I could have got the Lexus RX330 , which is like the highlander , but better so that my advice , and do that .

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  First Camry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By stevejohn - August 9 - 10:00 am

  I have always wanted a Camry because all my friends that have them have loved them. I have really enjoyed mine now for 5 months. The ride is very smooth and it holds 4 men comfortably. Gas milage is good. My only complaints are the car seems to have difficulty shifting from 1st to 2nd gear at times. This seems to happen when going medium speed (not a problem when accelerating slowly or rapidly). It also seems to ride a little rough first thing in the morning.

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  good - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By stephi16 - August 9 - 10:00 am

  I love the camry.It is the best car ive ever had.It is very reliable. it drives nicley. youll enjoy it.