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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  Just Commute! - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By Basic Commuter - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Owned the LE three years now, and just change oil and add gas occasionally! My roads are secondary, usually, so I can normally get 40 to 44 MPG (55 MPH). I researched before buying, and know I made the right choice. The ONLY complaint is that the car needs either a six-speed, or more HP. Even a seasoned manual transmission driver (all my life) can still kill the engine at times. It just does not have a low enough first gear! I am 55 years old and this will be my last commuter, it is built that well. Just keep clean oil in it, and pay attention to coolant change-outs. You will not be disappointed.

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  04 RAV4 L Best Choice - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By August11 - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I wasnt sure when I bought my 2004 RAV4L if is it was the truck for me, but now Im convinced! My RAV has a nimble feel, excellent braking and handling, unexpected fuel economy at 30mpg and is fun to drive. With a 5- speed, 4WD & traction control it handles fantastic during the NJ winters. Its has a smooth ride, but also a slight SUV/truck feel, which is why I bought it. (I owned a 1993 Toyota P/U 4x4 and loved it!)It took 8 weeks (the sunroof was put in at port in the U.S,) to get after I placed my order, but well worth the wait !

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  I feel like a princess! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By imalady - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! I waited a long time for a convertible with room in the trunk to carry items. This car handles so easily and is so quiet!

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  Excellent, Fast, Sporty - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By denver_blonde - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Had a 2002 Solara Convertible SLE V6 and this one blows it away in style and performance. I love the new interior - its sporty and classy at the same time. I get compliments on this car EVERY DAY. Opted to not get the navigation system but love the looks of the stereo anyway.

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  not much impressed - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By B4ernrd - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Good but not excellent enough. Good in the back road but scary in the freeway as if its going on a spin and jitters inside. Roll over is imminent. Not so Good. Engine is but not the whole set up, its not too good for safe ride. GAS CONSUMPTION is very greedy. Not so good.

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  Good experience with 1st SUV - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Gore - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I do have no complains over this 2003 Highlander. It has a smooth ride live a sedan with a feeling of security.

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  Highlander high - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By naj - October 7 - 10:00 am

  We just drove our week-old Highlander on a 300 mile trip. Normally I eat Advil to keep my back from hurting on a long drive. This time NO PILLS! The seats are fanastic, the ride comfortable, and the car has a powerful feel on the road. The gas mileage is about 19.1 miles average -- thats highway and city on this trip. I feel a little yuppie-ish in an SUV but, hey. Its really a car, right?

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  sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By jclc - October 7 - 10:00 am

  This is our second sienna, and we will probably buy a third one. We are in love with the van. It is so much easier to get in and out of than a car, and the ride is as smooth. It handles very well. They are more expensive and the packages are not as good as some of the other vans. You pay dearly for all of the gingerbread features.

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  Good - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By FP - October 7 - 10:00 am

  OVER ALL THE CAR IS GOOD AND DEPENDABLE I AM HOWEVER VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE FUEL MILEAGE.

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  Nice car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Ed - October 7 - 7:00 am

  I bought the car for one reason, dependability. I previously owned a Camry for 7 years and the car never gave me a lick of problems. I passed it on to my son who is still driving the car and loving the gas mileage. The 2005 model is loaded with safety features that I hope I never have to use or rely on but its good to know they are there. I bought the 4 cyl xle model and the power is adequate for almost any situation. The ride is very comfortable and smooth. What can I say, I am biased in my opinion about this car however I will tell you this, the Toyota Camry earned it.