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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  0-60 of 9 seconds - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By PiNa - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I think this truck is fun to drive, all though a little small on the inside, but its fun to take on the highway, and smoke all the kids with there beaters, and civics.....in my opinion the truck is fast, out of the slow car category (weighing 3360)

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  PERFECT CAR - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By ERIC - December 4 - 10:00 am

  WORTH YOUR MONEY, SMOOTH AND SLEEK, GORGEOUS OUTLOOKING,PERFECT INTERIO. CANT WAIT TO DRIVE IT EVERYDAY TO WORK AND FUN

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  My Toyota - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By cheryle - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about my Toyota. Gas mileage could be better, I get 19 to 25, but a small price to pay for the looks, styling and comfort. I really do love my Toyota!!

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  HAPPY - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By mrs go ahead - December 4 - 10:00 am

  My 2001 Highlander is one year old this month. I cant think of any complaints other than the minor problem of the lousy cup holder placement for driver, drivers seat doesnt go back far enough, and the console area is wasted when the cup holder is in use, therefore my purse has to go in the back seat if the passenger seat is occupied. Oh, gas mileage could be a bit better in city. I really love the ride, look, and the fact that I have not had to return to the dealer for any problems, other than oil change. Highly reconmend the vehicle.

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  Wrong Vehicle - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Coxie - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I went from a Northstar engine to a 4- cylinder. What a mistake. Nice vehicle, but not what I had hoped it would be. Also too small.

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  4runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By alias@aol.cm - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Great overall big improvement in handling , and power, fun to drive.

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  Functional, but with major problems - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By David Hull - December 4 - 9:06 am

  Ive always owned Ford products until this Toyota, and was expecting great things. Bought it with just over 35,000 miles on it. At 55,000 miles, had to replace the engine after a broken push rod destroyed the lower half. Thankfully, the local dealer was able to arrange "good will" coverage, as the warranty had just expired. Ive never been able to keep an alignment on the car for more than a few months, and have major vibration through the steering column at highway speeds. It handles well but lacks any power, as you might imagine with a 4-cylinder. Im sorely disappointed with my first Toyota.

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  Reliability combined with great economy - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Buhler - December 4 - 9:00 am

  I bought this car 4 years ago, now at 144000 miles - I have a long commute. The car is by far the best car I have owned, hands down. I have the 5-speed manual transmission, and get great handling and performance. I get anywhere between 40 and 42 mpg since I am mostly driving freeway. On my third set of tires, other than that, no defects or repairs needed - still on factory brakes and clutch. Change oil and rotate tires religiously. I did not buy any options with the car and find the LE basic model quite complete and comfortable.

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  Love the Yaris! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Brittany - December 4 - 8:10 am

  I love this car. I got a brand new car with great gas mileage! Its a cute car. A lot of space. Tough little cookie. The gauges are easy to get used to. Dont be fooled. Awesome buy!

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  A great alternative to compact SUV - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By umichioe - December 4 - 8:02 am

  I just bought a Prius v Five and it is a great car. We have 2 kids and their stuff to carry. It has the size of a SUV (like CR-V) but the fuel economy beats any SUV by a wide margin. We got 40 mpg in mostly city without any hypermiling. My wife do a lot of city driving, so hybrid is great. I tested both the regular Prius and v. The v is more comfortable to drive too. It is very quiet and has good ride. But you need to expect it to be slow and there will be some adjustment on driving style. In city, the power is fine as the electric motor has power instantly. But you really need to step a lot of gas to merge to busy highway and pass others.