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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  hitek Sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By hitekusc - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Sequoia is great. Interior could be improved with more hideaway seating. Performance, smooth ride suspension and maneuverable are great. Gas mileage is surprisingly high for large SUV. Beware of dealer costs.

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  Looks like a Lexus, feels like a Toyota - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Philipjgcspt - April 19 - 10:00 am

  The Solara is pretty big for a sports coupe. I like it because of its roomy interior for the driver and passenger, but it is a little tight for people in the back. Make sure your friends are 510" or shorter. Nice acceleration for a V4 and gas mileage is good. The design is comparable to a Lexus 430 (which I would have bought if I had the money); the big difference is that the Solara uses a platinum-color plastic mold, whereas the SC430 uses an wood accents on almost everything.

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  Beware of Toyota and Customer Service - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By A Wallace - April 19 - 10:00 am

  If you own a 2004 Toyota and are involved in an accident be prepared to wait on parts needed to repair your car for at least 8 weeks. Only having owned my new car for 22 days,I was involved in an accident on Feb 22, 2004. There were two parts that have delayed the repair of my car...1. Radiator support and 2. Air bag sensors. I have contacted customer service at Toyota headquarters and transfered to the parts delay team and the only answer I get is that the parts "may" ship on Friday and then they dont. Customer Service is just a word at Toyota. Love the car (what little time I have got to drive) but will not purchase anything from Toyota.

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  cool car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By ktm2121 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I have had only good experiences with my corolla. All of my friends think it is a nice car. When the choice comes up for who is going to drive, it is me. It is a really spacious car that has a family car feel with a sporty look.

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  Solid performance with room - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By kbocke - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Toyota dependability and comfortable roominess. Replacement Camary with a sportier look and feel. Handles great and looks great. At first glance most people think its a Lexus.

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  Full family car - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Kin - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I have driven an SUV for 15 years. After I test drove the Sienna I had to have it. It drives like a car and is impressively comfortable. They thought of everything.

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  Not quite up to hype - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Nancy - April 18 - 6:23 pm

  The advertised gas mileage does not match our practical driving experience experience. Still, it is very good for this type of vehicle, and the impact on the enviroment makes it more than worthwhile. Lack of telescoping steering wheel impacts driving comfort. Seats do not provide enough thigh support for the adults. Excellent acceleration. Normally adequately quiet to drive, but VERY noisy when back windows open, or moon roof slid back. Rear seat awkward to get to. The more we drive it, the more we enjoy it. Handling while driving is good. Climate control is good. We will get an income tax deduction to help offset the cost of buying, though that was not the intent of the government.

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  Dont Like the Seats! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By The Olsens - April 18 - 6:10 pm

  The front seats are enough to make me want to sell this car. I cant get comfortable. And the car is much noisier on dirt roads and rough roads here in Iowa than my previous Buick. Im not very impressed. My son told me about this Avalon and said it was an excellent car. I guess he didnt drive it. I have, and I dont like it very much.

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  Cant go wrong! - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Jeff S. - April 18 - 2:23 am

  Excellent everything! After more than 1 year, I still dont have a complaint! Go for the heated leather seats and the navigation!

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  A Great Car - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Sandy Funk - April 18 - 2:16 am

  The car has been operating flawlessly. A real winner... everything I have come to expect from Toyota.