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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  Classy, powerful, and very comfortable - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Boston Terrier Mom - January 16 - 11:53 pm

  Drove the fun but very uncomfortable FJ Cruiser for 6 months which wrecked my back. Checked out BMW/Audi/Volvo - quality not there for the $$$. This car has power, a very quiet ride, handles well, power seats with lots of adjustments, an elegant interior, and its incredibly roomy inside. Mileage has been around 20, lower than advertised. Rear view mirror could be larger. Steering wheel should be power. No iPod/aux jack, but the stereo is really good. Keyless entry is addictive. Car should come standard with side molding!! I had mine installed right after purchasing it for around $200. The morning commute is now serene. Great value vs. Lexus, build quality is right there.

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  A True Convertible Driver - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Mary - January 16 - 8:40 pm

  This is my third different manufacturers convertible and it is by far my favorite. The room both inside the car and the trunk is excellent. I can carry 2 golf bags and a golf pull cart in the trunk even with the top down. It doesnt matter how tall the person in the drivers seat is. There is still plenty of leg room in the back. The DENSO navigation system is easy to use and extremely accurate. The drawbacks are 1) The boot is large and takes up alot of room in the trunk and therefore usually I leave it in the garage. 2)The seat heaters only have one setting. 3)The CD player only holds one disc if the car has a navagation system. 4)The passanger seat is not electric.

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  Bilking the Name Brand - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By NJRD - January 16 - 8:26 pm

  It is bothersome to pay such a steep price for the value you get in return. The days of Toyota are numbered if it does not add value to its products as it will not be able to ride on its name for ever. The quality of interior cloth is similar to what they had put in 97 Camry CE. Shabby fixed antenna on a 28K vehicle! Turn signals are not safety friendly as they are hard to read in snow and rain. Ride is noisy to say the least and Toyota lacks dealer commitment who just want to push it as a cheap commodity

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  Best Bang For The Buck - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Brett - January 16 - 12:53 pm

  I have now owned my Solara convertible for all of two days. So far, this car has met or surpassed all of my expectations. I have never looked forward to driving so much. This car is just as luxurious as my Lexus RX300, but costs less and is much more fun to drive. Aside from a few minor quips...such as better rear visibility, more lockable compartments, and better illumination of the center controls, this car is a 10. I test drove the mid-range Saab and BMW convertibles and the Solara is just as nice -- and costs 10K less. If you are looking for a full size convertibe at a reasonable price that doesnt miss a beat (even with the top up) this is the car for you.

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  Further update - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Brant - January 16 - 12:00 pm

  We are now approaching 30,000 miles and the good news is that the car has had nothing but routine maintenance. Mileage is as advertised but dips into the high 20s in winter city driving. The OEM tires were shot at 22K which is not acceptable. The dashboard creaks like Noahs Ark, especially when cold and the interior plastics and fit and finish are below par. The car is a quiet and comfortable cruiser and is as non offensive as you would expect from a Camry. Power is great for a hybrid in this fuel mileage class. The cruise control in un-nerving in the hills - set it at 75 and it will vary between 72 and 78. Overall we are pleased but this is not a great car.

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  Love it and No Looking Back - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By LOLguy - January 16 - 11:13 am

  Moved on from a Subaru Outback and love the 54MPG from 21 with the Subaru. Great style and build, and lots of fun to drive. Much consideration has also been given to safety (side bags, traction control, etc.). Plus, being able to track whats powering the car (battery v. engine), bluetooth capability, navigation and now SIRIUS), its a big geeks dream. A BIG thumbs up!!!

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  Researched Choice - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Joe - January 16 - 8:46 am

  I researched a great deal to find a decent SUV that was reliable, appealing, and attained decent gas mileage. Boy was I thrilled to find the V6 Rav 4. Not only is it a much bigger vehicle than previous models, the performance of the V6 is phenomenal! I average 27 mpg on the interstate driving to work... incredible! The ride quality is wonderful and the increased amount of interior space makes trips so comfortable. Im so happy with my Rav4 V6 and I havent looked back. Do the research yourself, you wont be sorry... besides... its a Toyota.

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  260,000 miles. Amazed it is so strong. - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Dug Less - January 15 - 8:11 pm

  I just purchased a 1999 4Runner Limited with 260K on the odometer. I had driven many Toyotas and Subarus prior to this purchase. The interior shows wear but the drive and the ride are amazing. I live in Florida and this machine has never been in the snow/salt of the cold north. My plan is to fix and repair as needed. I am amazed that this truck feels so new. The only thing that needs fixed/replaced is the climate control module. It is intermittent.

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  21st Century SUV - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By MWB - January 15 - 7:30 pm

  Though Ive only driven a couple hundred miles, I already love this SUV. Im impressed with the quality of the ride and handling. Im not anticipating the 31 mpg promised for city driving. Nevertheless, I can hardly believe what Im already seeing on the fuel computer! 25 mpg is awesome for the power produced in this 4X4! Im also impressed with the quiet, smooth car- like ride. I get all I had before plus a quality, hi-tech machine with a tax break!

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  Best First Car Ever!!!!!!!!! - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Taco16 - January 15 - 7:06 pm

  This is my first car and it has been nothing but great....Buy one you will love it. Very little if any maintance, first real problem was needed new air pump after 75,000 miles but nothing else, except required maintance. All my freinds want to drive it.