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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  I love this car!! - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Sherry2431 - January 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2000 model Solara in January and have been driving it for 2 months. No problems so far. This is one of the best purchases Ive ever made.

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  the perfect car - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By avinlove - January 12 - 2:00 am

  This is simply the best car ever built for the money. Ive driven better cars but only at 50-150% higher in price.

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  This car saved my life! - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By Jason McGovern - January 12 - 2:00 am

  I had the stripper model. 3 speed transmission, 33mpg hwy. The performance is fairly good, but I would steer away from the 3 speed trans. This car handles very nicely. Im a nutzoid driver who makes the passengers eat the side windows when I take the curves. The ride is fairly quiet and fairly smooth. Reliability is already spoken for and that is, get your basic service, and it will survive a nuclear blast. Not to mention I rolled this car a few times on the fwy going 60, and it held up VERY well. Definitely a safe car to drive. I came out without a SCRATCH.

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  Just drove 1000 miles - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By joel webster - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Positive: fun to drive. My first new truck. Family loves it, especially daughter.Says this will be her vehicle when she turns 16. Only negatives: No lights on passenger vanity mirror even though I got the light group. No lock on glove box (why???)Very Poor spray on window washer fluid. Comes out like a squirt gun.

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  Loyal Toyota Owner - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By ajkfx16gts - January 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the fifth Corolla Ive owned. Although its the first non-sport model Ive owned, it is still a well-performing car. Fun to drive, great gas mileage, perfect reliability, nice styling. Love this car and would recommend it to anybody else looking for a compact sedan. I would recommend this car over a 2003 Corolla.

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  Loving It! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By fgouge - January 12 - 2:00 am

  I looked at all the SUVs in the $25,000 and this has more than any of them! What a great looking, great handling, versitle car! Its a blast to drive and a joy to ride in! Toyota did it right the first time with the car! The 6 speed and safety features are the tops! This will be my car until I pass it to my daughter in 6 years for her first car! I know it will go the distance and then some!

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  Its the Best - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Garretttt - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV, worth every penny!

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  love it - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By sylvie - January 12 - 2:00 am

  love the vehicle

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  bjwcamry06 - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By bw06camry - January 11 - 9:53 pm

  I traded in my tacoma for the camry due to rising fuel prices, and I got 24+ on first tank and been getting the same since, and in the tacoma got 17- 18, has good acceleration for a 4 cylinder. I am 6 ft tall and fit perfectly in it, I have yet to take it on a long haul but feel I would be comfortable in it for the long trips. Interior is made with good quality material. Rear seat has plenty of room even with front seat all the way back.

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  2008 Camry - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Allen - January 11 - 6:33 pm

  Great commuter car for the wife. Good value for the price, with nice looks and fine (so far) fit and finish.