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 year later and still in love - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By rscott77x - December 31 - 2:10 am

  This car is still a delight to me every weekend when I drive it (I metro to work during the week). It is a real looker. Folks stare! Build quality is a daily joy. This was my first new car in 30 years and worth the wait.

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  From Luxurious Phaeton to TCH - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By CLFRun - December 30 - 11:06 pm

  The TCH has delivered. It took some getting use to, since I previously owned a VW Phaeton with every feature and a 335 HP engine. Thus far, I have been pleasantly surprised by the way it handles in the rain. I had to adjust my driving style to maximize the MPG capability. I have averaged 40+ MPG overall since obtaining the vehicle. It looks like during the cold months, 37-38 MPG. I have a rattle in the dash currently... nuts! One of the things I like best is the TCH looks like other Camrys. If you want to stand out for whatever reason, this car is not for you. If you want to save money, help the environment and reduce dependence on foreign oil, I would suggest consideration of the TCH!

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  Not too bad for the money - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By suishin - December 30 - 5:56 pm

  I was very happy when the first two year. Everything goes downhill when I took it off road once. Bad gas mileage. Used to be combination of local and highway got me 22-24. As now with only 40,000 miles on it gives only 16-17. And cd player went out at 35,999 mile. Not just that, the tire sensor went out too.

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  Best Choice I have made in a vehicle! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By James H. - December 30 - 3:10 pm

  I have been a pickup truck buyer for a long time (20 years or more) and I decided this time to look into an SUV for myself and I fell in love with the looks of the 4runner. I didnt know until after I test drove and then bought this SUV how much I was going to love it! The performance, feel, muscular stance and appearance and quality of build is impressive. I will definitely buy another one if I ever decide to trade this (dont know when that will happen!).

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By John Sharp - December 30 - 10:00 am

  What a great vehicle! The Sequoia is very roomy, very quiet, and has plenty of towing power. It is extremely comfortable and very fun to drive. Along with all of these great features, it also gets suprisingly good fuel mileage for a vehicle this large.

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  Toyota Echo - The easy auto to park - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By Bommarito - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Echos are great at shopping mall parking lots. I fit into any open parking space. I have no problems manveuring through small lanes (usually made small by monster cars trying to park). The tight turning radius makes it easy to zip around as needed. Im particularly fond of the 35 mpg Im getting. Good Toyota quality, nothing fancy, but a great city car.

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  Still Going Strong With NO Engine Work - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By Sean-again - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Heres an update. I am now just short of 250,000 miles and havnt needed ANY engine work. I am even on the original clutch. I have replaced the brake pads a couple times and the front rotors because some dip at Pep Boys turned them down too far (I bought new ones elsewhere). I change the oil at 8-10k mi intervals, there are NO oil leaks. In that time, the oil level drops from the full line to the add line on the stick. I burn a little oil and get a light smoke when downshifting and flooring it when passing, but no loss in power.

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  BEST THING EVER - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Snowman0415 - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE this car! This is the best thing I have ever bought! It is so much fun to drive and gets awesome fuel economy. I deliever pizzas and travel alot and it is still running strong it has never let me down! I recommend this car!

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  Toyota Seqouia 2004, excellent vehicle - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Zombie - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Just bought this vehicle and really love it. It is extremely comfortable and fun to drive. The front visibility is very good and its so quiet you sometimes have to check thats running. It looks rather large from the outside but amazingly doesnt drive like it. I am an avid Toyota fan and have bought many of them. This vehicle doesnt disappoint.

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  2001 tacoma - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By usaf - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Dash rattles BAD,paint peeled on front bumper,poor OEM tires. Now the good-----too many things to list great reliability, handles well , air work great