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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  Must Buy Car! - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By TOYOTA DRIVER - December 20 - 1:56 pm

  Drive smoothly, no major problem after 80K miles. Only down size was the price, but everything else is perfect.

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  Extremely reliable car - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Maz - December 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car when it was 6 years old. Its now 14 years old and I have had no problem with it at all. It has been a very smooth, quiet and reliable car since the beginning. It does not lose any oil and even the paint finish is in good shape. I would have upgraded to a newer version had I not heard all the bad feedback about the build quality of the newer Camry models.

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  Toytoa Highlander Hybrid - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By DrLarry - December 20 - 8:03 am

  I am very pleased with the way the Highlander Hybrid performs. It is a smooth ride, with the best of both worlds: comfort of a large vehicle with the gas mileage of a small car. The only problem I had was during the first two weeks of owning the car, the AWD-rear brakes failed, causing a loud grinding and rubbing noise and requiring a complicated two day repair at the dealership. This was fixed under the warranty. Overall, I would recommend the Highlander Hybrid to anyone who inquires.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By onlytoyotas - December 20 - 2:20 am

  I have owned my Corolla for two months. It is an excellent vehicle for driving around town. I havent taken it on a long trip yet, but 30 miles on the highway felt fine. Seating and steering wheel positioning is a bit tricky, but I found a position Im happy with. I definitely like the feel of driving it, it handles nicely, and feels secure. The seats on the LE have a nice soft feel. The heating and A/C work great. The gas mileage so far has been similar to rated mileage - about 30 in overall driving (drive up hills a lot). I got the LE for invoice which I was happy about. A couple of small things - car dings pretty easily, and a very annoying seat belt ding. Otherwise very happy.

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  Gotta luv it - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By ML - December 20 - 12:06 am

  SUV room with a great car ride (did not want a truck ride like the Honda Pilot. Well built, quiet, V6 power and room for a tall (63) guy to spare. Like the easy rear fold down seats for cargo (unlike my old Chrysler mini (yuk)). Sits high enough for great visibility but also easy to get into for the shorter person (wife). We end up taking this on long trips rather than our luxury Avalon. Just more comfortable and versatile. Best car owned in 20 years! Would get another in a heart beat.

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  Tough to beat - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Don Megby - December 19 - 11:06 pm

  I purchased this truck for a work vehicle, I pull trailers, tow tractors, and in general work it like a big dog. It is tough to beat, and I practically have moved my office into the truck, the elec outlet in the bed has been a blessing. Toyota outdid themselves on this!

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  My 05 Avalon XLS - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By B Edmondson - December 19 - 10:50 pm

  Outstanding peformance and still great gas mileage--Lots of fun to drive--Just as nice as a Lexus-- This car is loaded with features--I Looooooove it!!!

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  It is so much fun to drive! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Back9 - December 19 - 5:30 pm

  It is fun to look at and drive. On and off road! It is my everyday vehicle and I would estimate 20 miles to gallon on my TRD FJ with Automatic. I have driven everything from a pinto to a lexus and for me this is the best vehicle I have ever owned. I am hard to please these days and Toyota did a good job building the FJ just for me. I guess its ok if they sell one to you too. :)

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  Absolutely love my Absolutely Red Solara - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Ali - December 19 - 2:00 pm

  Toyota knows how to build a fun-to- drive 4 cylinder car. Not only that, but this one looks hot, and rides smooth as well. After determining that an Infiniti G35 was a little out of the price bracket this year, I decided to trade in my wonderfully reliable, but well-worn Ford Escort for something more...stylish and grown-up. The engine compression is fantastic, even at lower RPMs, so I dont miss the control of the manual transmission. The seats are extremely comfortable, and the power adjustments on the drivers seat are worth every penny. But dont take my word for it!

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  Great Truck! - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jynxie - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck because I thought it was a great looking "buff little truck" and it has certainly lived up to the name! Would definitely recommend it to anybody!