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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  Sleek & Sexy Solara - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Trae1204 - July 11 - 5:06 am

  This is my first Toyota, and I DO love it! I must say, it wasnt my first choice, but after driving it, and really looking at it, I fell in love. (And it does resemble a Lexus.) I too, get constant looks and remarks from strangers about "what a sharp looking car that is!" Its awesome on gas, I feel safe, and its reliable. (Im a sales rep, so this is all SOOO important.) Only complaints I have are similar to others-not so quick when accelerating, rain drips off doors when you open them, car is long in front so its difficult to judge distance parking etc, and I have a major problem with glare off dash onto windshield when driving in sun. Other than that, Im addicted!! (Want the convert!)

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  I love my camry - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By peachofcake - July 10 - 8:56 pm

  Of all the cars Ive owned, the Camry changed my opinion on what a good car should feel like. I had no idea I could have such a smooth ride, a quiet cabin, and a reliable car all in one. After the first day owning my Camry, I decided I was never going to own another American car. After 2 1/2 years, I have replaced tires, brakes, and the battery, but everything else is still working like fine without any repairs.

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  Love it. - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By osol4now - July 10 - 3:50 pm

  Love it. Drives like a champ. Great gas mileage. I was a little skeptical of hybrids, but I love this car. More room than I thought.

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  Fun, Safe Little SUV - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Bob Alkov - July 10 - 3:36 pm

  The 2005 Toyota automatic 4 dr AWD RAV- 4 is a fun, safe little SUV. It replaced a 1996 Toyota RAV-4 with manual that we drove to 90000 miles. We need it in the winter as we live on the side of a mountain at the 7000 ft level that gets lots of snow in winter. It has a lot of safety features such as side air bags for driver and all passengers, side impact door beams, stability control with traction control and antilock brakes with brake assist and EBD. Also gets 25 mp gallon.

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  Love this car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By hammond2 - July 10 - 5:53 am

  Ive had my 2005 Camry LE since 2004 and I absolutely love it. It has over 160,000 km on it and apart from brakes, tires and oil changes, I have not spent a penny for other repairs. I drive to Florida and back every year and I really push it. This 4 cyl. is very performing and very, very reliable. I even pull by bass boat all summer long!!! My wife loves it too. No rattles, no rust, no problems!!!! What a car!!!

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  The Best of Both Worlds - 2007 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Dale V - July 9 - 9:53 pm

  I have put about 3,000 miles on so far and they have all been fun miles. It rides like a luxury sedan but handles like a sports car.As sporty as this car is though, it is not a small car. It is extremely comfortable up front, has a very fuctional rear seat that two adults can fit in easily and comfortably and a very adequate trunk for a convertible, as large as many sedans of this class. These were all high on my "needs" list. It is quieter than I expected a rag top inside. It has very good acceleration and passing speed and the trans shifts flawlessly and effortlessly. I would recommend this automobile highly to anyone looking for the "topless experience" without sacraficing comfort

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  4runner - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By cpc - July 9 - 1:03 pm

  Great vehicle. Enjoy the ride even with the 4WD package. Feels sturdy like a truck but handles like a car.

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  2008 Toyota Tundra V6 SB - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Maria - July 9 - 9:23 am

  First brand new vehicle Ive ever owned. I bought the v6 for the better gas mileage. I dont need to haul anything so the v6 was the better option. So far everything is great, except the radio seems to have a mind of its own sometimes. The dealer is ordering a new radio. The dealer said there have been problems with the radios. Very smooth ride for a pick up. Drives like a car. Plenty of room. Love the seating for 6.

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  The Dragon Wagon really flies! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Dragon Driver - July 9 - 3:33 am

  I love my Matrix. It is the most reliable station wagon I have owned. I am a Visiting Nurse, so the car must go ANYWHERE and haul a lot of stuff. Plus, its my office. Works well, except no place to type on laptop. Lots of power, great handling, and no worries in bad weather. If you remember to turn off the overdrive, goes up a 17% grade at 60 mph with no strain. Pet peeve - the seat is not made for short people, the headrest shoves your head forward if you are 5 foot. Easily fixed with a back support seat insert. Also would be nice if the steering wheel didnt block the gauges in the low position. Quality made car with no mechanical issues. Sound system ROCKS, great for classical music !

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  Love this SUV!!! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By CrazyGirl - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Very easy to drive, great fuel economy compared to other SUVs, and the fact that its a Toyota says a lot. Engine is quiet and heats up quickly in cold conditions.