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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  sweet car! - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By bill joe jim bob! - July 3 - 10:00 am

  i love this car!!!

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  Best Truck on the Road! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By white - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a champaign colored Tundra with sports package and added a black leather soft top. I get so many compliments on the look and style of my truck. The truck has been perfectly reliable since I have owned it. The truck is powerful. It looks and sounds like a tough truck but drives and handles like a car.

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  Toyota Avalon - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Charles McWilliams - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Great driving auto. Very comfortable and clean interior lines. Love the gas milage for a large sedan. No problems in 31000 miles. Ive got that Toyota feeling!!!!

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  Great Truck - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Nrsheikh - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I love this thing. Handels any situation great, drives decent, good off road drive, really great.

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  It was love at first sight - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Bigpow - July 3 - 10:00 am

  We did a research on Midsize sedan for close to two years and we finally decided to get a Camry XLE V6. Went to the dealer, test drove an 04 Camry SE V6, an 03 Camry XLE V6 and during negotiation we saw the 04 Solara at the first time (in the dealer hall). We were mesmerized and immediately made an emotional decision, test drove it and bought it instead of the "grandpa" camry. It was a good deal too, SLE V6 fully loaded (non-nav) only $26,000 (1.5% above invoice). It was a steal! It was a showstopper too since everybody in the dealer watch as the car made its way out of the hallway. Salesman was very polite and not pushy at all (unlike next door Honda dealer).

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  TRD Model - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By rhuezo - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Just drove off the lot and I am very happy with the initial performance. The truck feels great, rides high above traffic, and looks good! I brought the car home and my neighbors commented on how stylish it looked. The TRD suspension is pretty rigid, but I realize it is a truck. My previous car was a Jeep Grand Cherokee, which had a smoother ride. On the freeway it can get pretty bumpy..hold on to your morning coffee. The truck has good power accelerating onto the freeway.

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  I love my Corolla S, kinda high though - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Andreia - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Im really happy with my gray Corolla S, for the price, its a really good car and looks good too... I justthink that its a little too high. For a car with a sport package (side spoilers or skirts) id expect it to be a little lower lookig so itd look more sporty.

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  comfortable car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By ANGIE - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Its really comfortable:) I can enjoy the driving when I have to spend many times on highway everyday

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  Absolute Bargin/Brand/Capable Performer - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By artsiiv - July 3 - 10:00 am

  No regrets on this Camry. Build quality is excellent; driver is isolated from everything the City throws at you (esp. the NYC/Metro area). It performs competently when push to the limit, even in heavy rain. I am a 29 year old who pushes every car to the limit; last car owned was a Subaru WRX. In summary, this car performs perfectly for those who drive conservatively or aggressively. This Camry WILL go thru 1_feet of standing water with out a problem.. not a smart thing to do, but trust me, my Camry proofed itself this past summer.

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  Excellent to drive, best car ever. - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Ohno Yuji - July 3 - 10:00 am

  This car is charm. Every feature it has is perfect for family sedan. The price to own, with the quietness and power it has, lean over all competitor.