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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  Avalon XLS is the best! - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Landlocked - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Traveling TX and LA, I wanted a car that would give me a big car feel without the floating of the full size luxury cars. I wanted at least 3,000 lbs, 107" wheelbase, to stay under $30,000. There were only 11 cars TOTAL that qualified! Right at $30,000 the Avalon XLS is the best ride / feel / power / luxury / safety for the money. The performance of the standard 6 cyl is more than adequate! Sure, I could have spent a thousand or two less, but for the extra features and luxury, this Avalon XLS is da bomb!

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  2004 Solara Review - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Fergy1020 - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Great car. 2nd Solara I have owned (1999) and the quality continues. Ordered with optioinal Nav system which is impressive and works very well. Also ordered with Satellite radion option which dealer thought would come with the Nav system. Was quite a project to get Satellite radio installed after the car was delivered without it!! Car rides well and is very quiet.

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  Traveling FL guy - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Jay - December 16 - 5:10 pm

  I traded my car in while traveling to Maryland. After all the dealer tried to pick pocket me, I ended up pick pocketing them. I got the car for right at the TMV price and its awesome! The car seems to drift to the left a little not sure if its the crown in the roads or what. I am now in Maryland and nothing is flat here so hard to tell if the alignment is off or tire low. Great car, mileage is close to what sticker says. I averaged 80mph and got 35-36 mpg. I love the fuel economy.

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  Tundra is my best vehicle eve - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Sadius_Dread - December 16 - 10:00 am

  Without a doubt, my Tundra has been the best truck so far. The only issue is the relative poor gas mileage that it has. It rides well and easily meets my needs. If I would change anything is some more leg room in extended cab since only small children could be comfortable in back.

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  i love this car - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By bigatony - December 16 - 10:00 am

  i have had the pleasure of driving lexus, toyota, honda, and other types of cars and after very careful consideration to buying my first new car im 100% positive that i made the perfect choice in buying my 2002 solara

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  My tundra - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Tundrafan - December 16 - 10:00 am

  ive had it for 2 years very good truck but need more horsepower i like how it looks love the looks on the front love the tires

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  AWESOME SUV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By ToyotaRules - December 16 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is totally awesome. Everything about it is brilliant. Its got tonnes of space and very roomy. It could definitely be an alternative to a minivan. I recommend it very much! ...by the way...why the heck would you want GM to build toyotas engine?? American engines are crap and they fall apart unless u dont drive it at all.

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  My avalon - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By sparky - December 15 - 10:06 pm

  It is one of the nicest driving, and riding cars I have ever owned. I am more than pleased with it.

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  This car is amazing! - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By rodnygil - December 15 - 3:16 pm

  I bought this Corolla for 500 dollars with 60,000 from someone who hit a tree and left the car to sit in an alley. I purchased a new front bumper, headlights and windshield and fixed the car. I am still driving the car 3 years later and have put 70,000 miles later. The car runs strong, I have only bought tires, oil changes and a battery. This car is amazing and is great on gas. The car is a bit slow especially when merging on the freeway but what does a person expect from a Corolla. I will buy another Corolla without hesitation. Thank You Toyota. I love my cheap little car.

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  Absolutely Terrific! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By hcrook - December 15 - 1:56 pm

  Ive owned 4 Pathfinders, two Blazers, two Tahoes, and a Jeep Wrangler--there is absolutely no comparing these SUVs with my new 4Runner. This vehicle tracks better, rides better, and gets better fuel economy (21.1 avg for first 2,900 miles) than any sport utilty Ive driven. I also own a 2003 Honda S-2000 and a 2004 BMW 330ci, but I find myself driving the 4Runner every chance I get!!!