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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  Great Package - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By SoCalSurfer - September 15 - 6:56 am

  Looked at the MDX, RX350, FX35, Q5, Pathfinder and the 4Runner was the best all-around package. Initial target was another Lexus crossover but stumbled upon this body on frame SUV that drives just as smooth on new roads (no exaggeration) but you remember that you are in a real SUV on bumpy areas (though very impressed that it doesnt bounce like the SR5 — Limited comes with XREAS). For the price and options this was hands down the winner and also the coolest vehicle in the group. The 4Runner is not perfect but hits a sweet spot.

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  My Corolla - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Pete - September 15 - 4:10 am

  I now have over 6,000 miles on my Corolla, and am still happy with it. Engine performance is more than adequate, in fact it will actually spin the front tires from a stand- still on black top. Shifting is extremely smooth, (automatic trans). Fuel mileage is extremely good. On my second fuel up, but only on highway driving, I achieved 40.3 miles per gallon. I must confess that I was driving "GrandMa style", since the car had very few miles. I was still very impressed. Overall, and typically Toyota, this car is a great value, with Lexus quality. Perfect fit and finish, comfortable seating for 4 adults, with styling that doesnt lift anyones eyebrow. Its a conservative car looking car. I like.

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  Sex on Wheels - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By toyotasolara - September 13 - 3:00 am

  I have owned this car since it was new and I have never had a moment that I couldnt share about it. I driven far and wide, through North America and I would definitely consider it to be the best car I have ever driven. Its smooth, quiet, luxuriously appointed, yet sporty and great to look at. The drive quality is above average, the performance is great, though over-time its best to use Amsoil Synthetic Motor Oil to retain the original performance of the car. The car handles great after I added a custom 2002 Solara suspension to the car and slightly tuned the new shocks to give it a bit more grip and feel to the road! Overall an amazing car that I recommend to anyone that loves cars!

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  So far so good - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By highlama - September 13 - 2:03 am

  I bought this Matrix about two months ago with 175,000 miles on it for my daily 400 mile courier route and its been great - so far. Since a 200 mile leg allows me to drive at only 55 mph, I net almost 33 mpg across the entire route - which is better than I expected. The car rides great, runs smooth, and shifts easily so its been a pleasure to drive.

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  Gasket Problem... - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4Runer - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Good car but not much power. Head gasket is the biggest problem on this car. Cost me too much money to keep it.

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  Very Nice - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By SeanTh - September 13 - 2:00 am

  We have had our 2K3 Highlander for one month and we have been very pleased. The ride is on par with the Lexus RX300 for $5000 less. It is just the right size for my wife to drive - big enough to carry the baby, a stroller and groceries with room to spare - and small enough to maneuver in the parking garage at work. The biggest problem is that it is so quiet and powerful, you can really get going fast if you dont watch the speedometer.

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  Its Just Awesome - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Sam - September 12 - 10:46 pm

  This vehicle is an upgrade from my 2001 Honda Accord. I purchased my Highlander the day after New Year and i couldnt be more pleased. Bought it in NC and brought it to VA. I put the vehicle to test on Blue Ridge Parkway and gotta say that the Highlander handled the curves and the slopes gracefully. With the exception of the Blue Ridge Parkway, I am impressed with the highway mileage. At one particular stretch of 80 miles, I averaged 29.4 MPG. Unbelievable! The ride though not close to Lexus 350, still feels luxurious and safe. It sure rides like a sedan, but more comfortably.

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  2010 prius - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Ron - September 12 - 10:43 pm

  Coming from a conventional gas auto there is a learning curve but its no big deal, just a couple definite changes in perspective. The car drives just fine. Noticed road noise was quite variable depending on type of road, some rather noisy others not at all. Side winds were more noticeable than expected but this is a light car after all. The CVT transmission is different and quite nice after a little getting used to it. The power delivery is totally linear, especially noticeable on steep roads. No bogging down and shifting down, rather nice just driving up the hill, probably the most notable driving feature. Notable whine on breaking from the energy recapture feature. Great mileage.

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  my high - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By diajam - September 11 - 10:00 am

  compared to honda pilot...this is the CUV to buy.

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  good commute car!!!!!!!! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By mimi1 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  i bought my 2003 corolla two years ago. i already put almost 50,000 miles on it!!! its a great commuter car for the budget-minded. it gets awesome gas mileage and is mechanically refined. the only problems that ive had is that the interior dashboard is flooded with annoying buzzes and rattles. also, mediocre handling. i highly suggest anti-lock breaks. i regret not getting them.