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 95 camry - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By mike1948 - January 20 - 1:13 am

  Most dependable car I have ever owned. Great gas mileage (28.73) for 160,000 miles. Tracking is weak and power could be better.

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  Zoom-Zoom - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Matrix Happy - January 19 - 10:46 pm

  I researched for this car configuration for 3 months. This car was just put on the dealership lot and had everything I specd out for this vehicle. The car was for my wife who is tiny and a school teacher as well as loves to drive a good sports car, this one is a great combination of both. We got all the whistles and bells including had leather seats added, beautiful car and extremely well priced for the total package compared to all others in and out of its class, a real upscale but well priced car and it is a Toyota. The best feature is the ease to get in and out of the car, no pulling up just step in and out with ease and convenience.

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  Very Fast, Corner Carver - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Jeff from Pittsburgh - January 19 - 10:43 pm

  This car is awsome, you can do 0-60 in 7.8 seconds, also this thing will go around corners like nothing. After about 3 hours the seats get uncomfortable, and the rear seat cup holder broke, but was fixed by the dealer under warranty. This car only has 42000 miles on it in 2006, and still looks and runs like new.

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  My 2003 Yellow MRII Tension Reliever - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By License Plate (KMA) - January 19 - 4:36 pm

  Tight steering, fast response, smooth short throw shift, excellent cornering, snug seats with excellent side support, I am 6 ft 2 and half and weigh 275 lbs. Easy in .... a bit harder getting out but plenty of space inside once situated. NO ROOM FOR ANY BAGGAGE unless you roll up a pair of jeans with socks and underwear along with a tee shirt and force into the lunch box size compartment under the front hood. All in all though it lifts the spirits just looking at it sitting in the drive ... and when its started up ,,,, watch out ... SMILE This car gets the looks of passerbys!!!!

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  The Ultimate Suv - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By matt085 - January 19 - 10:00 am

  The toyota land cruiser is the best luxury sport ute on the market. the reliability and comfort are surpassed by none. This suv drives like a car and has an incredible turing radius. the interior is beautiful, luxurious, and very versitile. it has a great 3 zone climate control system and the in dash cd player is splended. All around great suv!

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  The Avalon--a Great Car - 1998 Toyota Avalon
  By Pollyclaire - January 19 - 10:00 am

  The only thing I dont like about my Avalon is the seat belts. They cut across my neck and are too tight. The back seat ones are especially bad.

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  Smooth, Sporty Ride - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Tif - January 19 - 10:00 am

  Its a smooth, sporty ride. Nice and quiet on the inside, and I travel bumpy roads at times. Absolutely no road noise, unlike the 2-door Honda Accord I test drove before buying the Solara. The V6 is peppy as well as fuel efficent. The 6 speaker JBL sound system is great, particularly when listening to CDs. Well worth the $$ spent for the "preowned" edition. (if you are lucky enough to find one!) New was a little out of my price range. The leather seats give it a luxurious feel.

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  03 Matrix - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By nm - January 19 - 10:00 am

  great car , handles like a GTS

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  TOYOTA CAMRY = EXCELLENCE - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By tpmedia - January 19 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Camry. It is the best one so far. Amazingly reliable and trouble free. Fun to drive. Comfortable. Roomy. Elegant. Dependable. Not one repair of anything in three years. You cannot find better value.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Great Convertible! - January 19 - 6:56 am

  Beautiful car. Ive had a lot of cars, mostly imports, from Audis to VW and this is my 3rd Toyota and I think this Solara SLE is the best import Ive had yet. A perfect buy for someone looking for a sporty, yet luxurious, front wheel drive (a must for me for winter) convertible with a non-manual top (what a pain the manuals are!), a large non-claustrophobic cabin with luxurious leather and well appointed and ergonomically designed controls, comfortable back seats and surprisingly large trunk. Good gas mileage at 23 mpg and good power for this v6. I looked at lots of convertibles, Audi TTs Saabs, Volvos, etc. but the Solara was the best for the money and I get compliments galore on it too!