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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  05 Camry XLE 4 CYL - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By starlakebeer - April 30 - 10:13 am

  I purchased this car new in 2005 w/all the bells and whistles avail at that time. It has been a wonderful car and handles well in all environments. It has carried us over Cascade Mountain passes with deep snow and safely across the deserts of Nevada, California and Arizona in the summer. The fastest I have ever driven the car is 95. From 65 to 95 stability seemed to improve. Solid and predictable. It handles corners extremely well, generally 15/20 mph over posted limits. Perhaps the tires help. They are Bridgestone V rated. Very comfortable on long 8-10 hrs driving days. Not as quiet as I would like but!! Will probably buy Toyota again.

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  love it - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By snoop - April 30 - 8:43 am

  Love this car. Cant tell it is 4 years old. I did buy the supercharger and i have never regretted it. The power and torque make an amazing difference. It is also stick shift which makes it even more responsive. The steering and suspension is still tight. Off roading in the sand, dirt snow, it has no problems. Great truck

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  <3 - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By lovemytoys - April 30 - 7:50 am

  I bought my Solara over 3 years ago at 50K. Now its at 99.6K and has never left me stranded. Replaced timing belt, brakes, window fell off track once and valve cover gaskets and struts most recently. The car does have a smoking issue still, and has oil changes no more than every 3K (castrol syntec). Just now needing a transmission checkup and probably a flush. The ac compressor makes noise but hasnt died yet. Overall its great, minor maintenance compared to vehicles.

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  Gotta Have It! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Phantom Rollr - April 30 - 5:26 am

  This Corolla is amazing. Im very happy with the experience of owning this vehicle. Toyota definitely has a winner here. My family asked me what I thought and when I had to sum it up my response is simply "What a fun, affordable, sporty smooth car." Its a must have for college students, young married couples and older mature people that just want a no-nonsense kind of vehicle. I rated this vehicle very highly and I meant it!

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  Sequoia forever!! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Loran R. - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I am totally in love with my new Sequoia, I love everything about it, especially the power, ride, torque and transmission. Awesome Vehicle!!!

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  Affordable Luxury - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By CWR - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Extremely quiet, smooth and handles very well on mountain roads. Perfectly adequate power and excellent mileage for a vehicle of this size and weight. Literally service free except for oil and lube since purchase. Nice interior design, especially the dash.

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  The Perfect SUV - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mike Rathburn - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Every time I go to check out the latest and greatest in SUVs, I always come back to my 4Runner and resell myself. This is the mold for which all SUVs should be made from. Absolutely perfect all around. Plenty of power for its mid-size, loads of comfort features, and it simply doesnt break down. Over 140,000 miles on it already, and confident itll go another 140,000.

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  TOYOTA CELICA BEATS THE COMPETITION - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By Leonard Mazerov - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I have given this car 9s and 10s in the survey. The only design items I find poor are: 1. The location of the drivers seat belt. 2. The rear spoiler interferes with drivers ability see out the back window.

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  Die hard Toyota owner - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By Laufromsp - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I require three things out of a car-- 100% reliability, ice cold A/C, and a decent cup-holder. The Corolla turns out to be a bit cheaper than the Altima for basically the same features, so there you go. My Corolla LE is a class act, comfy, quiet, peppy, and I thought I was miscalculating when I consistently got between 32-38 mpg, during the Dallas summer WITH THE A/C ON! I wasnt miscalculating--this car gets better mileage than my friends gas-electric hybrid (28-32 mpg)! I did have to do a brake job at 22,000 miles. But Ive forgiven and forgotten--one mechanical problem in 3 Toyotas isnt a bad record.

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By chendogg - April 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my first car and it has been great. There is adaquate power and the handling is great, considering a 16 year old driver owns it. This vehicle could use an optional subwoffer, otherwise it is an excellent vehicle.