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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  Fun to drive - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By larry - March 6 - 4:46 pm

  We enjoy the way the Rav4 handles and the gas mileage. We needed a vehicle that was easy to get in and out of. It is that! The smart key is a lot more handy. You just have it in your pocket or purse. The door locks on the outside with a button on the handle. We have had it one month and 1200 miles and we are very satisfied with it so far!

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  Awesome truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By jerabaub - March 6 - 10:43 am

  This truck has more than exceeded my expectations. I really enjoy driving this truck on the highway, as well as in town. Its height affords a commanding view of the road. That, along with its phenomenal acceleration and handling, and its great sound system, results in my inventing reasons and excuses just to go for a drive. It is a wonderful truck. Very quiet interior.

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  Head turner - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By arr2 - March 6 - 10:00 am

  Get one of these to turn heads where ever you go. Every one asks, "what is it". It is a blast to drive, corners like on rails, pulls away from a green light in a wink. Cargo space is limited but its not a long tripper. Top is easy to work. Engine revs a little high at speed, could use a 6th gear in the manual tranny, but still gets 30 mpg. These are rare, every ones got a Miata. Overall experiance in a word -- FUN--

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  its fun to drive again - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By steveschell - March 6 - 10:00 am

  after 5 accords and 3 cadillac eldorados and sevilles its fun to drive again.... this is the best $30,0000 convertible on the road... the only problem is the poor design of the cover for the top when it is open.... the cover has blown off 3 times so far while driving so i had to take a piece of wire to wire it on so it doesnt come off when driving.... but its a greatttttttt car and the most fun car to drive (besides my cadillace allante convertible) i have ever driven.... all i can say is i bet the guys that bought a $80,000 lexus 4 seat convertible and then see this same design car for $30,000 are pissed... lol.. i would be !!!

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  My Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By CntryChesneyFan - March 6 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my Toyota Solara on Saturday and I have to say this is the best decision I have ever made. Been getting plenty of compliments about my little red sports car ;) Awesome car, Im glad the dealership still had this one

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  A great head turner - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Dooer - March 6 - 10:00 am

  So far there are not too many of these on the road, I see more Lexus SC. I love the styling, ride, and the quite, even with the top down. I had a old Mercedes SL and I am so happy to be rid of it. My ratings #s arent as high as most because nothing is perfect, but this is close. First, it is not a high performance car, it just looks like one. I love the shiftable transmission. Mileage is good, handling is good, but not great. I live in the mountains, so I notice that. Same with the accelleration. JBL soundsytem is very good, even with the top down. Cons, have been covered. Poor rear visability, useless rear boot, and rear access.

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  Excellent choice! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Blavenia - March 6 - 10:00 am

  Excellent sport utility with towing package as standard equipment! Strong engine, above average acceleration and an excellent reputation as well as resale value.

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  my first 4Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By badler - March 6 - 10:00 am

  WOW... Man this SUV rocks.... i cant tell you how nice this SUV rides.... and the egine.... gobs of power.... if you can afford it go foe the V-8... it makes a world of difference. I got the limited, and it has everything a little boy could want... oh yeah, the stero is great... just needs XM

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  Excellent all round - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Albertj - March 6 - 10:00 am

  Great family car.... Wonderful to drive, great gas, comfort, great sound system

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  Sienna 2004 - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Hnnypooh - March 6 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely Love my new Sienna, I previously owned a 2000 Sienna and loved it and never thought one could get any better! The 2004 is so much better! Toyota Is total quality and comfort. If I had one complaint it would be the driver side seat doesnt sit straight up enough for me. I am sure it has something to do with the Air Bag. I would give my new car a Five Star rating!!