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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  Very impressive - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By matt - September 5 - 2:10 pm

  The car is a dream to drive. Just the right amount of luxury and power for the price. Its half the price of a Lexus sc430 but nearly as nice.

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  The best Tundra ever - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Iqbaldhillon2 - September 5 - 10:16 am

  I am a huge fan of Toyota trucks especially the Tundra. I bought a brand new 2007 Tundra recently and it is a great truck with space power and reliability. I love my TRD package it gives the truck a rugged , yet sporty look. The drive quality is also great, smooth and quiet just how I like it.

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  Keep it in your lineup - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By gotcha - September 5 - 1:53 am

  Having had 4 BMWs, 3 Porsches, and numerous other cars in my lifetime; I must say this Toyota is the best of them all. Build quality and dependability is unmatched, and the comfort and economy is excellent. Keep building it!

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  OUT-FREAKING-STANDING - 2006 Toyota Sienna
  By t - September 4 - 7:20 pm

  I love this van. I have never been one to drive a van, but this sucker is GREAT!!! It has accommodated me and my family to the fullest extent. Dependable and long lasting. Buy yours today!!!

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  Simply The Best - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By budzkie - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Toyota reliability is top notch. This SUV is better than its more expensive cousins. The style is timeless. Handling is as good as a car. I get 18MPG on this, better than its lower priced cousins.

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  I love what you do for me - TOYOTA - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Joyce Camardo - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my spyder yesterday- and love it. I am 54- and finally have the sports car of my dreams!!!!!!!!

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  My Celica - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By Leopardchik18 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  This car is perfect for the people that love sporty cars. By adding the action package, youll increase the stares that you get from other drivers. Its a great Car!

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  the 2003 1.8 liter gts celica - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By tony/jyz125s - September 4 - 10:00 am

  fast great proformance good shift time and clutch ,got the stock cd player and the factory speakers really sound good for being factory

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  Identity Crisis - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By redpill - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Basically I love my new Matrix, will you? Who knows! I can say that you will at least love a few things that it does, and maybe even hate a few. It does almost everything you would like a car to do and more. Not a bad deal for 20,000!

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  Sporty, economical and FUN! - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By DAVESQWIKTOY - September 4 - 10:00 am

  The Solara SE-V6 is a great vehicle. It has crisp power and acceleration, responsive handling through tight curves, minimal roll and good braking. The Solara is fun and easy to drive and the controls are easy to access and operate. There is plenty of room for four and it is a great road car. I get lots of complements on its looks, comfort, power and smooth ride. The only downfall I can think of is the amount of road and wind noise you hear when the rear seats are folded down.