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 Solara - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Angela74 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  The Solara is responsive car. Handles well in any condition. The interior of the car is nice with the "wood" grain. Gives you a bit of luxury without the price. Road noise is not a problem in this car despite its low profile.

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  Great car but cant get options we want - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Jackeroo - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I really liked the Matrix at first. A hatchback with folddown seats, great for hauling bikes, for camping trips & it has good gas mileage (unlike most SUVs), plus potential safety features. However, have been frustrated as dealers say cant get ABS brakes without other option packages such as spoilers & fog lights etc. Also none available with side airbags except for XRS, but then you compromise the good mpg and get the spoilers. Takes 120 days to get custom car. So may buy Standard rather than XR, & forgo safety features so we dont have to get stupid spoilers. May look at the Vibe to see their options (they look better too).

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  Nothing less the outstanding - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By artiefishill - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned ONLY Camrys since 1992. My 1990 still runs, little rusty, 141k, but runs like a champ, reliable car. My 1998, which this review is about is the same. 46k on it. Just bought a new 2002 5speed. Camrys have proven to be very dependable, good value for your money. Out of all three, only non- normal maint I ever did was replace steering column in the 90 at about 110k, and the power window in the 98 had track problems that have since be corrected. Other then that, never a worry.

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  fun to drive if only.... - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By soverdi - December 1 - 10:00 am

  ....they offered it with a third seat.

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  Great..but.. - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Samsun79 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Love the car, was going to get Civic, but I am so glad I didnt. Only thing is mine had/has a few issues. Air recirculation was broken from the start. My brakess slip slightly when I am at a comlete stop, and makes clink sound when going into reverse. Dealer cant duplicate so they wont look at it. Its minor but it bugs me. All in all, I love the car. And if you try to replace the rear speakers, get a pro to do it or get ready to do some major work.

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  takes a licking...keeps on going! - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By debbie - December 1 - 8:36 am

  Wonderful ride- great gas milage- was involved in fender bender and the other car faired much worse.Great vehicle for long distance trips. This car would benifit from Bose stereo as standard equip.All in all very dependable ride for the money.

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  Good Car, but Not Great - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Steve in Houston - December 1 - 5:36 am

  Overall, my 2008 Camry Hybrid is a good car, but it has been in the shop three times for minor issues. First, it was a defective gas cap, then it was a defective seat belt latch, next it was a defective power window button. The dealer needed to keep the car over night once and I was expected to rent a car! I was not happy.

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  Avalon = Pain - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Uncomfortable car - November 30 - 10:53 pm

  I was duped by its performance. Once the honeymoon was over, the pain started. This car is large in every dimension except one: the room for the driver!! The console restricts the available leg room. The pedals are oddly spaced causing you to have to twist your foot at an odd angle in order to depress the accelerator. The driver’s seating position is terrible. The seat cushion is like sitting on a 2 by 4: No comfort whatsoever!! There is no lateral support for your thighs. I have driven this vehicle for over 13000 miles to date and have yet to find a comfortable driving position. Save yourself the pain. Buy a different car.

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  Last of a dying breed - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By Scotty - November 30 - 6:23 pm

  2004 Celica GT-S with action package is an incredibly stylish and fun ride. The only downsides are that it requires 93 octane Premium gas and has a fairly utilitarian interior. As far as 4 cylinder nonturbo coupes go, you cant beat a Celica for fun driving and quick thrills. The prices that Toyotas go for always reflect their longer lifespan and higher resale value. GT-S models feature Lift, similar to Honda V-Tec system -- with a second head kicking in at 6800 rpm for a quick turbo like boost to redline.

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  Innovative 2007 Camry-Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By waldobernal - November 30 - 5:43 pm

  I am 71 years of age & have driven more cars than I can remember. This car is the most phenomenal car I have ever driven. Not only does it nearly eliminate all wind noise, on the freeway, it is so quiet that it makes listening to music a sheer joy. The mpg indicator have even prompted me to decrease interstate speed to decrease the mpg indicator (as it decreases it show greater mpg). The control panel is a joy, not only to view how many miles Ive traveled since starting the car, but also to view the actual mpg being recorded since last fill up, even thought I continue to zero the odometer & do the mental calculations. The riding comfort is exceptional, smooth, bumps are hardly noticeable.