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 - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By YesMaam - August 30 - 10:50 pm

  I wouldnt be selling it, if I didnt receive a free vehicle from my company. This car is so fun to drive, I just love it. And, you wouldnt believe the looks I get in it! I feel very safe in this car and it handles very well.

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  What a GREAT Car - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Russ - August 30 - 6:20 pm

  The new body and interior are fabulous. The 05 is bigger, roomier, and gutsy beyond simliar model cars. I have a 95 Avalon with 230,000 that has been handed down to my son; car runs like a top. If you know anything about Toyota reliablity you know its second to none. This purchase broke one of my rules of normally buying year old, but when I saw this car, and then drove this car there was no turning back. There are serveral clever creature comforts inside and the 285hp make this a truly fun car to drive.

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  Better than Pilot - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Better Than Honda - August 30 - 5:53 pm

  I love everything about it! Went from a 2006 Honda Pilot EXL and have to say this car is a much better design completely. I have a loaded sport model minus the nav. The captains car make 3rd row usable. Couldnt live w/out power tailgate and back up camera now. I love love love how the extra seats folds away! On average I get 23.8 mpg better than my pilot. Accessories are cheaper than Hondas surprisingly. More bang for the buck than pilot all the way around! Sticker was 37k more than comp. Pilot but after rebate and wheelin and dealn got for 28K. The deals are out there just got to find them! Fun to drive mom car w/out looking like the soccer mom van but still very functional!!

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  total toyota - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Wendy - August 30 - 3:30 pm

  I have wanted a convertable since I was in grade school and have recently found myself living in the ideal state to drive one. I looked around for a vehicle with 4 seats (a requirement of mine) that lost none of the sporty good looks and driving fun. This car is it. It turns heads everywhere and it hugs the road like a dream. I have never had so much fun driving! I have owned many cars, both new and old, and this is far and away the best. Well worth the wait. I would highly recommend this car to anyone, although I love the fact that I do not see it everywhere I go, unlike the Sebring convertable.

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  My Wife Loves It! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Rick S - August 30 - 1:13 pm

  This car is a great little car! We sold her 2004 Prius to get this one. She was not getting to take advantage of the gas mileage on the Prius for the payment we were paying. So I sold it on ebay for $3000 more than we owed and bought the Yaris. What a deal. The payment was half and the mileage is about the same as she was getting. And the insurance is less. Plus, in 48 months the car will be paid for, just in time for our youngest to take it to college! The oldest get my Prius. lol The Yaris is very fun to drive I like to drive it when I get the chance.

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  Solid Vehicle - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Bob in WV - August 30 - 12:03 am

  Solid car with a very nice appearance and fun to drive - very good safety rating.

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  Worth every penny! - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Rose - August 29 - 10:33 am

  We bought this car last month after much contemplation. No matter how we put it this was the best choice for our money in this economy... & yes I used to drive a BMW 525i so it was not an easy decision for me. So far we are very happy with the performance of this car. Mileage is excellent, runs smooth, not so great on the luxury but the money we spent on BMW repairs, I rather go for an okay looking car that is cheaper to maintain and lasts much longer. The feel of steering is amazing like a luxury vehicle. Mileage is unbeatable. I am petite, my husband is 511" and we find the arm rest okay when its slided front but could have been better.

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  Best car I ever had - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By jkellz - August 29 - 10:30 am

  I bought my corolla in 04 with only 9miles on it. As of July 2010 i have 242,000+ miles on it and it still drives great. My first clutch lasted up for about 188,000 miles before it was replaced. but its not something to be driven in the snow.

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  Superb car - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Michio Takahashi - August 29 - 4:13 am

  Very nice smooth and quiet ride with plenty of "muscle". Large trunk space; dash board very well laid out. The audio components and systems are excellent with both CD and tape player. Anticipating the excellent maintenance and service of the Toyota vehicles and so far, I am experiencing it. The "hi-tech" rear view mirror with garage door opener, gate opener and its auto-dimming feature is a nice feature. The gas cap release and trunk opener conveniently placed in this model. A lot of improvements over the 2000 Toyota Avalon that I had and excellent trade in value that it had when I bought the present Avalon.

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  MR2 - 2004 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By hill - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I am 61" tall. The MR2 has plenty of room with the exception the seat is about 6" to close. My right leg gets tired while driving. No cruse contral is offered. This would allow you to strech you leg. The car is fun to drive. Not the fastest car I have owned, but it is the most fun. There is a lot of road noise compaired to the higher priced sports cars, but for the price you cannot beat it.