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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  Wow! What a Feeling! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By John Franks - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This is well worth the cash and after driving every thing under the sun before making a decision i am happy with my final choice, its sporty with enough room for friends and family you dont feel cheated on space..so many great features you are spoiled by all the gadgets and saftey precautions that comes with the car...(Love my built in 6cd changer) its a pleasure driving and i find myself counting down the minutes of the day before i can get into my solara again...you cant got wrong with this one..Oh.. I never liked toyotas before this car, its a real show stopper...!

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  Great so far - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By rob_not_bob - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This thing is great. Fun to drive with plenty of room and weve been getting about 18mpg on average, 21mpg on the highway per the trip computer. The ride is smooth and very surefooted but has a little body motion to remind you it is a serious SUV. Plenty of power and the steering is light and precise.

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  Great Buy - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By anandAmb - May 2 - 10:00 am

  PROS: This is the second SUV I have owned (the first was a Pathfinder) and am very impressed by the smooth and powerful 245hp/V6 engine. If you are not bent on towing a lot, this would be a better choice than the V8. The interior is quiet refined and comfortable. This definitely gives you more value for your money than owning a BMW X5. I rate this as an EXCELLENT BUY!

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  4runner, part 2 - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By shsmiller - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my new 2003 4runner limited with navigation. I LOVE THIS CAR! When I got into the new 4runner, I was amazed! It is as/more comfortable than anything I have ever riden in, including top-of- the-line Mercedes/Jags, etc. The touch screen navigation system is simple and fast to use, and the sound system is amazing! The fact that it came standard with towing capacity and roof rails saved me a good $1000 from having to get them installed after-market. I cant say enough about this vehicle!!!

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  I am enjoying my Camry - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By WheelHappy - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Very quiet & powerful, but, some lag upon acceleration. Yet no problem in quickly reaching high speed. Ride is cushy, comfortable & quiet. You will feel some sway if you hit a bump turning. Overall design is very smart. Big controls for the sound system and A/C make them easy to operate. The JBL system (6 CD in dash + Cassette)sounds awesome! Ample leg and headroom in front and the back. The trunk is very spacious and has a storage net. Leather interior and the Faux Maple dash rival higher priced luxury cars. One-touch power windows and moon roof. It is a solid car with a very luxurious presence.

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  great decision - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By DAN - May 2 - 6:46 am

  I recently purchased a SLE V6. Great decision! Interior fit and finish is fantastic, the engine is barely audible, and the ride is smooth and controlled. Love all the options for the price-V6, leather, heated seats, sunroof. The 2006s are out and I got a great deal on my 2005 model. Several dealers were willing to negotiate, I think they are trying to move the 2005 models off the lots. I compared it with the Honda Accord coupe (nicer inside, classier styling, manumatic instead of auto or 6 speed), the Infiniti G35 (much quieter, nicer inside!), and the Merecedes 230 sedan and coupe (more horses, much quieter, huge price advantage). I highly recommend this vehicle!

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  Vehicle is simply a marvel in all respects - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By anthony C. Sokoly - May 2 - 5:56 am

  Simply a phenomenon. All aspects of the vehicle are satisfactory and exceed my expectations, I am proud to drive this sexy vehicle.

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  Happy with my Research and Choice - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Mary - May 2 - 1:06 am

  I am very happy with my choice of vehicle, and would suggest the car purchase to anyone.

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  A lot of features from a trusted brand - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By DY - May 2 - 1:00 am

  Ive had the chance to own several new cars in the past 4 yrs ranging from a luxurious sport sedan to a crossover. The engine didnt start to feel "powerful" until about 300 miles. I test drove the LE trim w/ std wheels and it felt like it would tip over in turns, but the S I bought has wider 16" alloy wheels and feels much steadier; XRS w/ wider 17" should handle better yet. Steering is very soft & seems to have a mind of its own. Ride is nicely isolated, and road surface noises are muted well compared to my crossover. Interior looks much nicer than the Civic IMO, but several interior areas like the dash and center console are made of hard "cheap" feeling plastic.

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  Best buying experiance ever - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By B - May 1 - 10:23 pm

  I have had several other import cars in the past mostly Hondas. This was my first Toyota. I am sure glad I went to the dealer to look. I went in and they had the car pulled up. The car was warm inside and it was like the seat just grabbed on to me. It could adjust several different ways and with the telescoping wheel it felt perfect. We took it around the block and it handle like it was a sports car. I could not believe how quiet it was compared to my other cars I have had in the past. The white outside with the dark leather set it off just right. I have had the car almost a year and I like sometimes to just hop in and drive it still. I would recommend this car to anyone.