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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  One of the Very Best - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Mcus02 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This is a true drivers car, the second you sit down, you feel right at home, everything is where it should be and the seats are comfortable. The car handles smoothly and there is a bit of understeer, which is a good thing in a front wheel drive car. A interesting character of the car is the size, it is considerd a midsize coupe, and feels just like one. I give the car almost a 10/10 in every catagory, please do yourself a favor and seriosly suggest getting one. P.S. Please E-Mail me if you have any questoins.

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  2004 Tacoma 4Dr. 4X2 TRD Limited. - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By TrackerDan - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This trucks only 300 miles old; but it is a pleasure to drive, quiet, and well prepared to do business. The 3.4 V6 will be running like new long after it is paid off. A big improvent in the automatic transmission. Cabin noise is whisper quiet. You will want the limited package for sure. A big difference in the seating comfort with the limited upgrade. The stereo is nice. The truck halls you know what. Im saving up for the turbocharger.

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  Sound and Reliable, a real joy. - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By skokie - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This Highlander rides and performs like a dream. Owned 2 Honda CRV`s and the Highlander rides much smoother.The exterior and interior are very finely crafted and a real joy to admire. The engine is a 6 cyl and the full time 4 wheel drive will be a pleasure to drive with confidence this winter. A truly beautiful vechicle!!

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  Love it, just needs a few tweaks - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By aquila - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I could not be more pleased with the smooth drive, "wood" trim, sound system, etc. The drivers seat can get a bit uncomfortable, and the blind spot on the left is especially hard to see. I get great gas mileage, and I love my cruise control. Great car to own.

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  Love Our Corolla - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By smokejumper1967 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  We had had our Corolla now for 3 months and have used it for three long trips of over 400 miles. The mileage was great at about 36+ miles per gallon at upward average speeds of between 70-80 mph. It is very zippy and has a good burst of energy to pass slower vehicles. A true value and worth the money.

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  great reliability - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By chasmarti - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Great car to drive

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  Best car ever! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Makrus - November 9 - 10:50 pm

  We absolutely love this car so much that we only use our other car about once a month. This car is so SMOOTH and easy to drive that the great gas mileage (50mpg in summer and 46 in winter) is just a bonus. Plus it has way more space inside than you would think just by looking at it. We can fit 2 people, 2 mountain bikes, a cooler, and lots of camping gear in the back and still see out of the back window. Another great feature is the keyless entry and start button (see below). Also, both my wife and I agree that driving a PRIUS reduces your stress level while driving (its quiet and variable transmission is SMOOTH) and at the pump. All other cars now seem primitive compared to the Prius.

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  Great on fuel - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By convair580 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I just took a trip from Spokane to Glacier and setting the cruise control at 60 mph to 70 mph with the AC I got 48 miles per gallon with an automatic transmission! On the way back I got 42 miles per gallon. On the average we get between 35-40 miles per gallon. So why buy a Prius and save money a guy a Yaris.

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  Trust Toyota - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Steve-O - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Highlander SE. My only complaint is the leather on the driver seat appears to have an odd wrinkling spot but other than that a great car.

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  Best Hybrid I have ever owned or driven! - 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By djmontierth - November 9 - 5:03 am

  I have been driving Hybrids since 2004. I owned a Prius, and Insight. I have driven the Fusion and was seriously considering the new Fusion to come ... someday... I have driven the Volt and the techno wizardry is way cool but the numbers and economy for my long commute dont make sense. I drove the Priuc C and it is cool and efficient to be sure.. Easily averaged 57mpg but it seemed small like my Honda Insight. I drove the 3rd Gen Prius and thought it a major improvement over my 2nd Gen in ride and economy. Then I drove the Camery and practiced my hyper-milage skills I learned just to see what I could do around town. I got 63 in town and 53 on the hwy. Driving normal I got 47 mpg