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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  Luxury without the obvious luxury name - 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By rbaker - August 15 - 2:30 pm

  Nice car overall. Cons include difficulty accessing CD changer and understanding how to use the DVD player.

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  Still going at 115,000 miles - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Trish - August 15 - 1:04 pm

  I got the extended warranty which was useful as both front bearings needed replacement at 62K. I thought the navigation system would be helpful but it was out of date almost immediately and the cost to update was $75. It was never as good as the gamin or other popular programs at the time. Seems to me this would be something the dealer could offer as a perk. Soon after I got it cell phone navigation became a thing. Never use it. The voice recognition system was useless too. The drivers seat is not as comfortable as it should be and I wish it would go back just one more inch to accommodate my legs. Back seats are roomy enough for road trips. Easily fits 4 adults and luggage. I follow the usual maintenance schedule and have otherwise had no problems with this car. No problems with rust even where Ive scraped it up. It holds an amazing amount of stuff as the rear seats fold down flat. It will fit a twin size mattress in the back. I plan on keeping this thing for a full 10 years then passing it down to my son when hes old enough to drive. Purchased a set of snow tires and rims. It runs great in the snow.

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  Sweet ride, but needs more luxury for $ - 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By CC Mom - August 15 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle rides like a dream and has great performance too. Reliable and impressive.

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  Not worth it - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By ??? - August 15 - 10:00 am

  This car was said to be in perfect condition by the toyota people. It was but once it reached a 100,000 miles this car became plagued with problems First the cheesy interior pieces started squeakin like crazy especiall the dashboard. Then the radiator began to leak which had to be repalced by thte folks at toyota (i serviced the car at toyota). After the leak my air conditioner simply "went out" needing to be replaced. Then the next thing you know there is a ticking in the top right wheel which the toyota pros cant find. Then it began to burn a little more than 2 quarts of oil a week insanely.

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  Wonderful Experience - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By JMiller - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Since i bought this car close to a year ago it has been nothing but a Fun Ride. Great mileage and a sporty feel. You cant beat it.!

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  Good car overall - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Johnboy - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Very easy to use convertible top. Great handling and responsive tight feel on the road. Feels like a Lexus. Ok, not quite, but darn good. Protective cover that sits on back of convertible sometimes flies off at higher speeds and can be dangerous if you dont pay attention to it. One of its only flaws.

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  Kellys review - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By kcshc - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I just love my Solara and I would recommend it to anyone looking to purchase a new, classy yet still sporty, fuel effecient and reliable vehicle.

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  Love It - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Pooter - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I am a Toyota person and I had some reservation about the RAV4 but I loved the body style. I had 184,000 mile on my Camry and I need a new vehicle I shopped until I dropped and Hatfields gave me the best deal I went on week end trip and I love my new RAV4 it has the all wheel drive. I went from a V6 back to a 4 cyclinder and I love it.I cant say enought good this.

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  Very pleased with the 2003 Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By TKolwicz - August 15 - 10:00 am

  This SUV does everything Ive asked of it with style and comfort. Its powerful yet smooth. Toyotas racing experience has evidently provided many technology improvements which have been incorporated into their street vehicles. I use it for towing as well as heavy pulling jobs. Handles great in the snow and gravel; smooth as butter on the highway. Has a very solid heavy-duty feel which I expect to last for many years. Pretty good mileage for this big V8. We also own a 1999 Camry, which exhibits its own set of fine qualities. I switched from a Sub Forester; would never go back. The Runner is in a class above the Subaru in all ways.

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  Built like a truck - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By KH - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I have had many SUVs over the last 10 years and this one is by far the best. The V8 is silky smooth and the ride is excellent for being built on a truck platform.