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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  Toys! Gotta havem - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By MR2oyota - July 19 - 10:00 am

  To date, a really inexpensive toy. Nice car for the money but look out when the Pontiac Solstice arrives!

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  Fun Car - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Casey Green - July 19 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a small convertible, this is the car to get. I test dove S2000 and Miata and overall, this is the best..

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  stupenda - 2005 Toyota Celica
  By badman - July 19 - 10:00 am

  many bystanders continually make remarks that said vehicle looks outstanding and how much.........other than all that hoopla i really enjoy the car and its super design!hope that toyota does not make 2005 the last year of manufactoring the celica because it would be a terrible mistake.......rd the badman-

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  1997 Toyota 4 Runner - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Toyota - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I am the original owner and I am extremely pleased with my 4Runner and now have 101,000 miles on it. I do have regular maintenance performed and change the oil every 3,000 miles. The only things have had replaced are the starter, antana two times and the front cup holder in the seven years that I have owned my Toyota.

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  owner - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Debster - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car - good mileage - has all the comforts of home. Im short so the only uncomfortable part is the seat belt. I wish they would lower it so it does come across my neck. Otherwise its perfect in every way. Easy to get in and out of and lots of cargo space. The fold down rear seats make it so you can fit almost everything.

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  Mostly excellent - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By AlderMcGregor - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Another typically efficient Corolla from Toyota - with the glaring exception of the 3-speed autobox. Its good for shuttling around town, but venture out onto your local Interstate and the car gets way too noisy and thirsty. A compact car such as this should average far better than 25mpg. So go for the 4-speed auto every time. Youll save yourself a lot of fuel and possibly your sanity too.

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  Ragdoll - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Ragdoll Kitty - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I have had 2 RAV4s and this one is just as good as the last.

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  GREAT CAR - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By bbullets - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE MY AVALON FOR 3 MONTHS NOW. THE QUIETNESS, THE OVERALL QUALITY, THE ATTENTION TO DETAIL, EVERY THING ABOUT THIS CAR IS EXCELLENT. MY PREVIOUS CAR WAS A CADILLAC ELDORADO. THAT IS WHAT I AM COMPARING IT TO. THE ONLY IMPROVEMENT THAT I WOULD RECOMMEND IS TO MAKE THE SEATS A LITTLE SOFTER. I FEEL THAT IM SITTING ON THE SEAT RATHER THAN IN THE SEAT.

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  Jeffs review - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By fertdawg - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This car looks great on the outside as well as the insdie but the performance is sub-par. Pick up is sluggish compared to other v-6s in the market. The transmittion also has its own problems as it tends to rush into third gear, abd the driver gets the feeling of anticipation as the transmittion down shifts. While slowing down at a red light, and it turns green, pressing on the accelerater will make the transmittion jump awkardly. After market parts are hard to get. For example, to get a aftermarket head unit you would have to get a new kit for that section of the dashboard, becuase the current dash board theme is samll.

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  Ridcockulous ride! - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Dingleberry - July 19 - 10:00 am

  this car is so hot everywhere i go people stare. of course mines souped up but nonetheless its hot and it gets the attention it rightfully deserves