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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  my caddy - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By zbraguy - February 25 - 10:50 pm

  Just bought this thing because I finally found it at an affordable place. I LOVE IT !!! Ive test driven them lots but prices stay too high because of their reliability. Okay, so Im nearing 50 ... but as far as Im concerned, Ive now got my "caddy" and Im through buying. Ill fix what goes wrong and keep driving with a smile on my face !!!

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  As good as full size trucks get - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By roundel - February 25 - 3:06 pm

  Overall I dont htink you can do much better. For a full size truck this is a great compromise. It is possible to park is a small parinking garage and yet is great off road and can still haul your family and pull a good size boat. It is a bit expensive, and has some low quality parts, but that is the japanese way. It is also the most reliable vehile I have ever owned. So if you really want a truck ... this is not it, and if you areally need a car.. this is not it. But a really great compromise.

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  I was satisfied until yesterday........ - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Shauna - February 25 - 10:00 am

  I was the proud owner of a 2000 Solara until a 16 year old kid decided to run into the back of me and toss me into another car and another lane of traffic on yesterday. Despite it all, my Solara held up remarkably well according to the SC Highway Patrolman that investigated the accident. This was my dream car, the car that I searched the East Coast to find with all of the options I wanted (even alloy wheels), the color I wanted, it was Toyota Certified AND it was within my budget. I only had it for 4 months and now it is a faded memory....it was a really great car. Im sure Ill never find another one like her.....

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  Not a Shock, the average rating is a 9! - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By yogi22 - February 25 - 10:00 am

  Figures the average rating would be a 9. If I was aked that is what I would say. Top Down a 10, Top up an 8. When its up you have to deal with convertible rattle (nothing when the radio is on). Down, it turns heads and performs well. This is NOT a Sports Car, so stop comparing it to Eclipse, Camaro and Stang. Compared to Cabrio and Sebring this car is the only choice. Toyota Service and Reliablity is priceless and what you pay more for it up front, you will get back when (and if) you trade it in.

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  It is the perfect car for me - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By samy - February 25 - 10:00 am

  it has a good space inside, beside it is preety fast and that what i like the most. it is the perfect car for a college student

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  Smoother than Volvo. - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By tabarr - February 25 - 10:00 am

  After deciding to purchase a Volvo S80, we, on a lark, test drove the Avalon. What a difference! The Avalon is smoother, quieter, has more user-friendly amenities...and cost less. We drove away in the Avalon and have not regretted it. Wonderful car to drive.

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  Excellent Mini SUV - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Monkeysahoy - February 25 - 10:00 am

  At first, I was hesitant about the RAV 4 because of its exterior looks. However, after taking a test drive and reading about it in Consumer Reports, I fell in love with it immediately.

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  Rock and Roll, but Rattles and Shakes - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Maybe - February 25 - 10:00 am

  Great design in and out. Handles like a car with the advantage of sitting high. It puts a smile on my face. Great for around town and gas mileage is surprisingly good. I feel the king of the road (no more threatened by the size of monster SUVs). The inside is so roomy and practical yet so small and cute from the outside. Well this is for the “Rock and Roll” part… let’s talk about the “Rattles and Shakes”. Soon the rattling annoying noises crept up from somewhere in the back. The audio unit also buzz. It drives me crazy.I see that I’m not the only one complaining about it, so I’ll take an appointment with the dealer and raise hell if they do not fix it !

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  Very Happy with My Second Camry - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Toyota Woman - February 25 - 10:00 am

  I have never had a single problem with either of my Camrys, and the ride and interior are so comfortable and capable. Im always astonished when I see someone buy an unreliable car in the same class, and then having to deal with break downs. Stupid is a stupid does! My first Camry is over at 130,000 miles with not even the slightest problem, and Im going to drive it to 250!

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  Love my Highlander - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By katdav - February 25 - 10:00 am

  Excellent comfort and driving control. Enjoy driving it in town and on the highway. Yes there is typical Toyota wind noise on the highway but can talk above it or turn up the sound system.