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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  Camry Solara - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Mecca159 - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Camry Solara after having a Camry for 8 years. I havent had any problems with my car. My Solara was vandalized after somebody couldnt get the doors forced opened so I added a shock senser to the factory alarm. Now if you hit my car the horn and lights flash. Other than that my car has been excellent.

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  Roomy, quiet and solid. - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By ljs - October 22 - 10:00 am

  We have the 4 cylinder.Plenty of power. Good gas mileage. Bought when gas prices were threatening to go to $3.00 a gallon in Texas. (Had wanted a 3- seatTahoe.) The Highlander is great. Ive had a 4Runner and a Volvo 960 Wagon. The 4Runner was terribly uncomfortable on trips. The Volvo cost an arm and a leg in repairs once it was out of warranty. I have no complaints big about the Highlander. Kids love the "park bench" back seat. Just wish I could have a streched Highlander with a 3rd seat.

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  Toyota Highlander - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Trudy - October 22 - 10:00 am

  The ride overall is very comfortable due to the drivers electric controls. As a somewhat short woman the adjustments on the seat are extremely important to me. The car handles very well during emergency stops. I have had a few and was pleasently surprised at the amount of control I had.I love those ABS. And I can not forget to put in a good word for the roomy back seats. Better than many other suvs.

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  IM IN HEAVEN! - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By TERRY - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I feel like im floating on a cloud. The ride is so smoothe. There are no "blind" areas. My previous car was a Gran Prix. It had all of the bells and whistles, but had a very hard ride. I get a new car every 5 years...Cant wait to see what Toyota has in store for 2008!

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  corolla review heh original huh? - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By futurecorollaracer - October 22 - 10:00 am

  okay i just got my 2003 corolla about a week ago. i absolutely love driving it!!! it has good pickup as well as it rides very smoothly!!! the interior is pretty cool too. overall, it think it is a good and reliable car

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  Trade Up - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By BillU - October 22 - 8:16 am

  We traded a 2005 Pathfinder with a 4.0L engine. This has more power, drives and handles better and is more comfortable. Even the third row is bigger than the Pathfinder. Overall fit and finish is excellent. We were concerned about going from a full frame truck to the uni-body but after driving it for a month, we made the right choice.

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  Glad I got it - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By alans727 - October 22 - 7:30 am

  Well built, low road noise. Nicely equipped standard features.

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  Cannot go wrong with Highlander! - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Savvy Buyer - October 22 - 6:56 am

  After having researched extensively and test-driven Honda Pilot, Mitsubishi Outlander, Ford Edge, and the new Equinox, I repeatedly returned to Highlander and bought one a few weeks ago. I cannot express how impressed I am with Highlander! The ride is extraordinarily comfortable, quite and smooth. The interior is extremely roomy, well-designed and functional. The second row is exceptional. If you need the third row it is there and not as a joke! If you do not use it just fold it and you have plenty of cargo room! I must also compliment the instant V6 power and above average fuel economy, which is almost the same as 2007 Passat I traded in! It is also very family friendly if you have children

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  Great Ride - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By John Clark - October 22 - 5:50 am

  A real head turner. Has a great feel and comfort to it almost like a luxury car should. Lots of head room for you taller people. More room for travel than meets the eye. Cool suicide doors for the backseats. Option to travel on backroads becuse of a great suspension that only the hardcore could love. Its honestly just a great looking car that is really suited for everyone to drive.

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  Best kept secret on the road today - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Mark G - October 22 - 12:03 am

  If you want a dumb muscle car that is fast off the line then keep looking. If you want a true roadster with phenomenal handling that wont stay in the shop like classic roadsters then stop looking. The Spyder is a very light car matched to a 138 HP engine. It sits low, has rear wheel drive and mid-engine balance. With a convertible top the overall feeling is unmatched exhilaration at any speed. Add beautiful styling, Toyota quality and 27-33 mpg and you cant beat it. I get an honest 28.6 mpg in city driving. The cars responsiveness cant be described. It is a go-kart feel, but with airbags and modern car features. Do NOT buy as an only car. Not enough storage. Treacherous on ice or snow.