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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  Beautiful Car - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Littlfeather108 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This car is an excellent buy. One of the first things that caught our eye was the amount of room. Better half is 64" and fits very comfortably. The car itself has a classy look. We chose the 2005 Red SLE. I am constantly getting asked how I like my new Lexus. It is very similar in style to a Lexus. It has an amazing amount of "get up and go" for a 4 cylinder. This one has the moon roof which we like very much. The car is so quiet it is hard to tell if it is running or not. The sound system is very adequate and the dash design is very sporty. It has a roomy trunk, and the back seat boasts plenty of room for long legged passengers. This is an excellent car for the money.

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  Great - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Mikie77 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I picked up this car 5 days ago. I love the handling the pick up AND I drove 262 miles and needed 4.6 gallons of gas. I might kep this one 2 years.

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  THE BEST OR NOTHING - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Jon Ranoa - November 10 - 10:00 am

  big sedan, superb ride and handling roomy interior and aerodynamic

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  15K Miles already - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By SRife - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 04 Camry in 11/03 and have put 15,000 trouble free miles on it. I average 26 mpg in mixed city and highway driving. The car is quiet, smooth and comfortable. My only complaint is that it is so refined that its a little boring to drive. My wifes minivan is more fun to drive. Based on what dealers are asking for used ones, it seems to have held its resale well.

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  Excellent car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Jo amore - November 10 - 10:00 am

  The best car I have ever owned.

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  I recommend it - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Bob - November 10 - 4:40 am

  A little over a month and 3,000 miles and I have nothing but good things to say. You have to work a little at the mileage - learn how to coast into the most fuel efficient levels. I make several trips a month on the turnpike and get 38 MPG going 70 MPH. I get combined mileage of about 550 miles out of a tank of gas.

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  Big man, little car. - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By mwc115 - November 9 - 9:46 pm

  I like it. Im 67" about 270 lbs, and I truly enjoy it and fit comfortably, if that says anything about the interior. It lacks power but makes up for it in gas mileage. It is also fun to drive, gets around great, and the sedan makes you wonder how there is that much space in such a small car. It is a great little commuter car and I get everything I expected to get out of it. They are hard to find. I had to get the base model and lack of keyless entry is making me nuts, but can be added. Cup holders and speedometer placement are... different and take getting used to. Im picky so I replaced the speakers after 1 day, and it was not an easy processes.

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  A+ All the way!!! - 1996 Toyota Celica
  By Lipweb - November 9 - 1:06 pm

  Since day one this vehicle has been a blast to drive. It rides tight and performs great, although a few minor adds like exhaust and an air intake will go along way - power wise. Ive had nothing but comments on my car and everyone I take for a ride in it almost instantly wants one. I owned a Z-28 t-top Camaro before my Celica and now own a newer convertible Camaro pushing over 300HP as well as an Eclipse GT pushing over 240HP and my favorite of the 3 is still the 4 cylinder Celica GT.

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  08 Sequoia Fit and Finish Excellent - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By galvang - November 9 - 11:43 am

  I usually do not acquire first year mfg. vehicle unless its from a top tier car mfgs. Toyota did a fine job, this beast, and I mean beast, drives very smooth and taught with tremendous power, room, and accessories that very much fits my taste. Exterior and interior is well appointed while at this same-time it provides a not too "girly" look.

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  Glorious New Avalon - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Suburban Toyota - November 9 - 7:36 am

  The new Avalon is everything youd want out of a Toyota. Its fast, comfortable, and full of fantastic features.