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 truck!! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By AHS - July 30 - 2:30 pm

  Overall the vehicle is great, however, with the 4.7 watch out for the worst MPG to date! Imagine the 5.7L. Aside from that it is comfortable and great capabilities for smooth towing of a boat with no challenges. Too bad about the gas consumption. Otherwise, go for it, enjoyable and definitely well finished.

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  I love my car - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By laura giglio - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Its a great car. It was worth the wait. It looks Great, Drives like a Lexus, and I just love it. Ill never not have a toyota!

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  Great Choice - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By deenie - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This is the third Toyota I have purchased. They are stylish, yet built like tanks. Thus far my Sequoia has not disappointed. Its a well built vehicle, great power for a large SUV, it handles very well, great for climbing steep grades. My only complaint is the turning radius. Ive recommended it to everone who inqures about it.

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  LUV THIS TRUCK - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By SPRELL1 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  LUV THIS VEHICLE IN EVERY RESPECT

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  In agreement with patomacdude - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Yolove - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car Ive ever had. Ive gotten so many complements on this car, theres not a big difference in the 00,01,02 or 03 except for the lights in the rear. I love this car.

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  Nice but not reliable - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By AlK - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Room & comfort front & back great. Great acceleration if air off. Too many mechanical problems. Defective valve spring - took dealer 3 days to ID & fix engine when car was less than a month old. Front struts replaced @22,000 miles. Front brakes and rotors replaced & 22,000 and 35,000 for rust problems ($360). Anti-lock brakes extend stopping distance on rough surfaces and sometimes kick in for no reason.Car will be paid off soon & will be history before the brakes go again.

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  Awesome car for the price - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By DJPK - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my car for all its 71000. I love it. Ive never had any problems except for a few things (two accidents, broken into). I had the check engine light come on once, but that was because a repair shop forgot to put radiator fluid back in my new radiator. The paint is TERRIBLE. Mine is red and is speckled white on the hood. Also, at a long stop (like a drive-thru) I get kind of a whistle from my back brakes. This is just a quirk I suppose and no one has ever heard of this before. Other than that, its holding up wonderfully. Im just now having to replace my front brakes.

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  Solara is Great (except in snow) - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By EmCrocker - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Bought used with 11k at 1 year old. Good pickup; handles well at high speeds. Not great in snow.

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  Awesome ride! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Chris A. - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Awesome vehicle. Lousy gas mileage but a sacrifice for comfort and power. Great pick-up and braking. Superb sound system. Great ride w/ firm suspension. 10 speakers and 10 cup holders. PARTY!! $42,000 and Toyota still makes you buy the floor mats.

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  XLS Avalon bucket seats - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By marred - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Great car for its price, comes with all the perks for the top of the line including a navigator, drives like a Mercedes!