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:

• 

  Solara SE Convertible - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By sazaman - January 30 - 10:00 am

  This is a very good value for money, if you have to have a convertible. The interior is quiet with the top up. The optional sound system is not upto the mark. The car rattles moderately when hits rough roads or a pothole. Overall, a good convertible, probably the best value, can be used as a family sedan too. Luggage boot is adequate for most travels. For general day to day traveling, I liked my Honda Accord much much better. Even the acceleration of the 3.3L is not much better than a 4-cyl Accord. Road handling poorer than Accord 4-cyl. The cluth-less manual shift is good but even Kia has a better system.

• 

  My convertible - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By R. Christianson - January 30 - 10:00 am

  My review is stated in the following two items. I dont like the way the top folds. The boot is clumsy. One cannot see out the back clearly thanks to the headrests which I have been told do not remove.

• 

  MY TOY - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Proud Owner - January 30 - 10:00 am

  My sister has a 2003 Corolla and has not had any problems. This is my first Toyota purchase, and I have to say it is the best choice of vehicle that I have ever made. The car has a lot of pick-up and go, great gas mileage, all the features that I need in a vehicle and more, but most of all Toyota reliability. I have never owned a car that I can say I feel as safe as I do in the Corolla. I should have purchased a Toyota years ago!

• 

  Could not be happier - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Tiller - January 30 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased the Toyota after owning a Town and Country for a few years. I am kicking myself for not having looked into a Sienna before. It handles better, rides better, and seems to be a better built van than the Chrysler. If you are looking at purhasing a van, do yourself a favor and test drive the Toyota, I am glad we did.

• 

  LOVE IT! LOVE IT!!!!! - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Kym - January 30 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my new Corolla after my Civic drowned. I had been researching cars for over a yr and this was the winner based on history and consumer report trends. Though it was a last minute thing that I HAD to buy a car I am so happy I chose this one. It is cutuer than the Civic and a little more spicey.

• 

  All and More - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By aprzr - January 30 - 9:23 am

  I have not owned any truck or SUV other than a new or used Toyota since the mid-1980s. Not once have any one of them broken down or had to be towed. Each time I buy another one, I like it better than the one before. This Tacoma Sport model is by far superior in looks, comfort, pep, and features than any of the others, which were all good too. Access door/space is the reason I bought this model.

• 

  Luxury w/a Modest Price Tag - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Debra - January 30 - 6:33 am

  I traded in my 2001 XLS Avalon (loaded w/55k mi) for the new 2005 XLS Avalon. It has the distinct look of a luxury car without the $40k-$70k price tag. Its like having a Lexus/BMW/Benz all in one. My spouse drives an S500 and he loves the take off and the drive of this car. The interior is superb.Its great to be able to control the temperature of the heated seats! For family trips, the roominess of the back seat is incredible. Not to mention that the reclining back seats! The trunk space is a little smaller than the previous model,but for the exchange for the comfort in the rear seating, makes it worthwhile. Temp/CD/Radio controls on steering wheel a big+. A great car.Makes heads turn. I love it!

• 

  1997 Toyota Camry CE - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Curt - January 30 - 6:03 am

  The car runs great! I replaced the struts, brakes and timing belt at 60k, and have redone the brakes at 90K, continued with the scheduled oil changes and what a quality car. I purchased my first Camry in 1990 new and have not bought an American car since. Everything works on my 97 and I plan to keep it for 10 more years. A top quality vehicle.

• 

  92K Yari - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Cim Xaneau - January 30 - 5:54 am

  IF you are an xperienced driver who doesnt get into accidents regularly...this is a great car! I WOULD NOT LET MY KIDS DRIVE THIS CAR! Im the original owner of my 07 Yaris with ZERO maintenance issues. I change the oil & oil filters reg using only synthetics. I compressed aired my air filter clean at 90k. I changed the manual trans fluid, also used synthetic. I find the engine responds better over 55 mph using synthetics. I tossed my el crapo-factory spare after leaving the dealership and invested in a real spare tire. It takes more trunk space but gives me piece of mind. I change tires as needed. KEEP the front tires with plenty of tread and properly inflated. The rear tires are just along for the ride! On the hwy I can travel 400 miles on a tank. I did remove the relay for daytime running lights. Negatives: no temp guage to tell me if the engine is on its way $$$ to overheating. It tells me once its achieved overheating-red light!!! You may want to undercoat the bottom and the wheel wells to fight rust. Hope to talk again at 190.

• 

  Most comfortable car I have owned - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jim - January 30 - 5:10 am

  Great ride, comfort, leg room, storage room aplenty, pickup great, have received several compliments on car, could not be more pleased with quality, finish and comfort of the 4runner.