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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  Love it but wish I had the V6 - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By barba311 - November 2 - 9:52 am

  Im 17 and I bought mine 3 months ago with 65,000 miles as my first car I love ALMOST everything about this car. Its in superb condition. The car is comfortable, handles well, reliable because its a Toyota, and is for the most part rattle-free which means its built well. Two things I dont like about this car are the acceleration and the MPG. Even when I accelerate and brake gradually and coast as much as possible, I never get more than 17 MPG city, as opposed to the claimed 23 MPG city. Acceleration is not great, the V6 probably delivers better but overall I am very very happy.

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  Great S.U.V. - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Tony - November 2 - 7:23 am

  The Limited 4 Runner is the best SUV of the three that I have owned.The others were a Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and GMC. Toyota is a much tighter,quieter and better handling vehicle.

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  2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Ltd. - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Tomas Corlette - November 1 - 11:13 pm

  We traded our 2005 Highlander Limited with 65,000 miles for an 08 Highlander Hybrid and went from average 21 mpg to average 26 mpg, more performance, more room and comfort. It wasnt cheap and we expect to keep it past 100,000 miles. We were not impressed that the new Limited didnt include roof rack crossbars ($200) or door side moldings($180). The rear-seat-floor battery vents must not be blocked and that removes some room when we pack the car for long trips.

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  All around outstanding vehicle - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By melisrush - November 1 - 5:06 pm

  I went from a 2004 Pontiac Vibe to the 2007 Prius without thinking twice. This car is amazing. One month after purchasing the car, I took a road trip from Tampa, Fl to Toronto, Ontario. (That is about 3,000 miles there and back.) The cost for fuel both ways was $80.00. It was awesome to stop at gas stations to use the bathroom and not get gas. This car surely gets looks and many questions. I drove up for a family reunion and now many members of my family are in line for purchasing one. Also, when other Prius owners run into you, you have only great things to comment about. (I havent met one with a bad comment!) On average I fill up every 2 weeks for about $25.00 each fill up.

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  Nice car but that darned sun roof - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By Bug-Man - November 1 - 7:46 am

  Other than problems with the sunroof its a great car, 36 mpg on the interstate, plenty of room and a huge trunk, smooth ride, handles great..

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  I love my Solara !!! - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By traysea - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my car. Ive had no mechanical problems thus far and have driven it hard on business trips. The only complaint I have is that the tires are very very expensive and I wore out my first set quicker then I expected, but thats life right! I highly recommend buying this car used b/c the depreciation on it sucks. I also have a stick shift which I hear is hard to come by in the v6. One more thing.. my old colleage races his Solara against Porsces, BMWs etc and it performs good (of course not better then the fancy cars but it holds it own)

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  I love it! - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By jstew - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I love it. Ive always wanted one, and now that I have had one for the past year, my opinion hasnt changed. I still want it and love driving it. It serves both the desire of luxury and ruggedness. Have compared it to friends Explorer, Durango, Jeep, Bravado, and love the 4runner so much more. It just seems much more "tight" than others.

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  My Tundra - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By J Esandrio - November 1 - 2:00 am

  This truck is great after years with a GM Model Iam very impressed now 27000k no problems and a smooth rider

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  Excellent wheels! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By tappy - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I love everything about this car except for two things. I was disappointed that it did not have a cassette deck in it. I guess if youre over 21 youre supposed to have only CDs! Additionally, since it is a very sporty and performance minded automobile, it should have dual exhausts!

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  Best in the market - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By JamesQ - November 1 - 2:00 am

  The van is fun to drive. Quiet, comfortable, powerful and the build quality is, well like other Toyotas, top notch. The interior design looks a bit more refined than the Honda Oddessy. The overhead computer (part of pkg 6 I purchased) displays information about the fuel millage, driving direction, outside temperature. It also includes 2 Homelink bottoms for your garage doors etc.