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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  Sporty and Reliability Here... - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By ASUMirage15 - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I love my 2002 Toyota 4Runner. It is extremely reliable, comfortable, and great looking. The only problem I have with the vehicle is the power. If you intend on buying one of these vehicles, I urge you to have a TRD Supercharger installed by your local dealer. I will carry the same powertrain warranty as the engine and pumps up horsepower from a dismal 183 bhp to 265 bhp.

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  Good Car - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Kyle Cooney - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased my Camery in May of 2002. It has had no problems what so ever. It has 150000 and still runs and looks new except for the front 3 or 4 inches of the hood has a great deal of rock chips on it. I have since installed a bra to prevent any more damage. My only complaints about this car are nickel and dime things on the inside. The glides for my trash tray have broken so the tray moves in and out on its own and I had to manipulate the trunk mechanism (this may have been from over filling it).

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  An Affordable Luxury Car - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Stefanie - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I love the Solara! When I was looking for cars, I stumbled across the "sporty Camry" and I was sold. What attracted me to the car was its sleek design, but Im constantly impressed by its handling. Its quick and surprisingly quiet. Until I can afford a Lexus or an Audi, this is definitely the car for me.

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  Mama loves this SUV - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Cuz44 - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Looked at the RX300 and MDX but they were either too small or rode too roughly. The Sequoia does neither. Both intown and highway driving are a pleasure and my wife loves the height, visibility and secure feeling she gets. Toyota quality helps, as well. So far, so good; we both are enjoying this vehicle.

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  Buyers Remorse - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By CarNut4UinTx - March 27 - 9:03 am

  Having tested the Imapala, the Accord, the Charger and then the Camry, we opted for the latter. Sadly, we are overcome with SERIOUS buyers remorse. MPG is not better than 24mpg w/the 4CYL, the transmission slips, the throttle by wire has been non- responsive on several occasions, the ergonomics are "off", and the dealership is very proud of their product, too proud. Ohhhh Toyota, what happened? We bought the car for the reliabilty, but the car has been in the shop six times now, in 8 weeks!

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  Exellent ride - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Markus - March 27 - 4:43 am

  Very good vehicle, though after owning 3 4Runners and one FJ Cruiser which were built in Japan, I was really disappointed with the interior plastic materials used in Tundra. Im afraid of being caught in a vehicle fire and my body get molded to a mass of plastic, I guess its to save weight, but sheez what is up with the fake wood? its also made of plastic.

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  Initial Excelleration - Poor & Brakes - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Coupe - March 27 - 4:40 am

  Over all I would give my Solara SE V6 a low grade because of its very much like a turbo engine. A friend of mine is a Toyota mechanic and he explained why there is so much excelleration delay similiar to a turbo lag engine. For this review, Im only referring to low speed performance. At highway speeds it is more than adequate. I think it is unsafe, because when you need instant excelleration, its just not there. I have owned a manual turbo engine car before and it was very responsive from low end to high end speeds. Would I buy another Solara? NO! Another problem I found is that the brakes are to spungy. I dont get that positive feedback from the brake pedal.

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  Best Bang for Buck on The Market - 2011 Toyota Avalon
  By Hugh James - March 27 - 12:18 am

  Gives great power, reliability, comfort, interior space, fuel economy what else can you ask for in a large sedan. Plus with Limited Trim I have wood grain interior, Navigation, push button start, rear sun shade, and more.

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  Good choice - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By dericy - March 26 - 11:46 pm

  This was what I was looking for. Good looks, good mileage, Toyota is its name. The 1989 Civic hatchback almost made it to 300k and you will certainly hear about it if this doesnt. I got a great basic car. No radio, 14" wheels, roll up windows, exactly like I am used to. I threw in an aftermarket Pioneer 6900ub with direct usb link to the iPod and I have a great commuter, even for those times when I have to sit in Seattle area traffic.

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  2010 Camry LE - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Dom - March 26 - 6:33 pm

  Cant go wrong with this car. Quiet, ride is great, gas mileage is outstanding (29 mpg first tank), all latest safety features (knee airbag, ESC, Traction Control, ABS). The new 2.5 liter engine and 6 speed transmission is a significant improvement. It behaves like a V6 and the power doesnt poop out at high speeds. I have a Lexus GS series also and this Camry is not much different (ride, quiet) for thousands less.