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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  Sporty and practical - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Knightrider - February 6 - 6:46 am

  I was finally done with the minivan stage and wanted a convertible, but still needed trunk space, which no convertibles had. Not only does this car look and handle great, but it is so practical. The back seat is completely comfortable and you can not believe what I can get in that trunk - its huge! The only thing you sacrifice for trunk space is the convertible cover. It doesnt have the nice automatic covers like more expensive cars, but space more than makes up for it. The only negative about the car is poor visibility in the rear with the top up. Very difficult to see backing up.

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  Had to replace 2013 Prius - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Maury lyon - February 6 - 2:33 am

  Better than the last one

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  Jeans 2005 Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jean - February 5 - 6:40 pm

  The 2005 Prius is a fun car to drive. Its SO quiet and smooth and handles well. My husband and I prefer the Prius over our second car (a Mercedes convertible). Seats are very comfortable and have good lumbar support. The cup holders are excellent and very convenient (2 in the front, 2 in the doors and 2 for the back seat. Sound system is great. Rear luggage compartment is more than adequate. Back seat leg room is very spacious. Dash has a very simple and elegant design and is user friendly. Very large glove compartment and ample storage in arm rest console between the 2 front seats. Lots of foot space to easily enter and leave from the front and rear. We love it.

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  Best MPG From Toyota for the $ - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Steve - February 5 - 1:53 pm

  I purchased for increased MPG, as my new job now requires me to drive several hundred miles per week. I did close to six months worth of research before deciding on the 09 Corolla. I have had this vehicle for about one month and 1400 miles. I have had a blast tested it in mixed driving, all city driving as well as all highway driving. My resulting MPG are much better than the advertised sticker ratings. Mixed is 35 MPG, city is 33 MPG and highway is 40 MPG. I was a little worried about going from my large SUV to a low riding economy car but the transition was easy based on great styling, ease of driving and of course the increadable MPG. Bottom line, you cant beat the fuel economy.

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  My little Lexus - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By pghtoyotafreak - February 5 - 3:10 am

  Had an 02 Altima - What a mistake. This car is so much better and such a good deal. Dont buy the LE, you dont get that much more for the money. You save $1100 by getting the STD and only lose keyless, full size spare and power seat. I had keyless AND remote start installed for 250 bucks and dont miss the power seat because I am the only driver and I dont need to adjust. The car is so smooth riding an quiet! The instrument panel is great and reminds me everyday that this car is a baby Lexus. Plus, I am getting 30 mpg in mixed driving with the 5spd auto.

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  I should have got this in the 1st place! - 2002 Toyota Corolla
  By JMErbrick1980 - February 5 - 1:40 am

  In the five months that I have had this car, I have finally put away the Advil. My previous car was a 2001 Ford Focus-what a hoot! I have NEVER had to visit the service center once, outside of routine maintainance. With my Ford, I set up camp at least once a month at the local dealer. Good thing they were very helpful. I plan to keep this car for a long time. I know it will last, unlike that "other" car I used to own...

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  The Leader - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Roman - February 5 - 1:26 am

  This is an outstanding vehicle. It is far superior in quality and design than other trucks in its class. I have owned several trucks and Toyota has always been the top in its class.

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  Outstanding vehicle - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Ken Andersen - February 4 - 7:10 pm

  So far its a perfect vehicle, and very enjoyable. Very nice fit and quality of construction.

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  170k miles with only one minor problem - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By prichards621 - February 4 - 5:36 pm

  I have owned this car since 2010 and have been very pleased. It had only 25k miles on it when I bought now it has over 170k with only one minor problem. I drove it back and forth from Toronto to the Metro Detroit area almost every weekend in all types of weather and have only had one minor problem: a few years ago that the dial for the heat/air quit working and some part had to be replaced costing me between $70-$100 (its been a while). It has always been excellent on gas and starts up with no problems every time! I just got in an accident and the car is going to be claimed a total loss (no mechanical damage but too much body damage) I am sad to see it go!

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  Top Down Fun - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By topgear1 - February 4 - 8:10 am

  Simply, this is the nicest four passenger convertible available that is reasonably priced. It is wonderful to drive and to be seen in. It handles very well & takes road bumps with ease. I do love the DVD Navigation! Im not in love with the transmission as it seems to take its time when shifting sometimes. But, the mileage isnt too bad. Bottom line - great car!