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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  Affordable Sport Luxury - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Vic Shaw - May 9 - 2:00 am

  A sporty reasonably priced two door sedan. Looks more expensive than sticker price, and worth every penny even for the base model. The quietest sedan Ive ever driven, even on a busy freeway. A true value find if you are looking for two door luxury. Did I say it looks and drives like a Lexus?

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  my truck - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Lacy - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Best car I ever owned.Great to drive. I bought one with upgraded 18 inch wheels-what a gorgeous truck. I can honestly say I am 100 satisfied with my 4Runner!

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  My Runner - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Luke82 - May 8 - 9:50 pm

  Well got my 4Runner back in April 2008 and already have 12,000 miles, this cars runs great so far. Its a V6 Sport Package and it looks mean with that hood scoop! The car does its work how SUV should. The power is great the comfort is great just took it hunting and off road so its a good piece of machine. I would recommend this SUV over any American made SUV!

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  Beautiful luxury - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By rdd - May 7 - 10:40 pm

  Purchased a black loaded 2wd Venza. Pretty much everything is on it. Extremely nice to drive. Replaced a 2007 Camry V6 Limited. Navigation is much improved. JBL stereo is also much better then previous model. Handles pretty well for a tall vehicle, Automatic high beams is kind of unusual, takes some getting used to. So far we both love it.

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  Great car for the price - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Tony Hardin - May 7 - 5:23 pm

  Very good build quality, especially the dash. Very smooth engine (V-6 3.3L) and tranny; good power and performance with very decent fuel economy. The engine shifts very smoothly and has good acceleration. You would be hard pressed to find a better vehicle at this price.

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  L.C. The King of SUV land. - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By shines - May 7 - 10:00 am

  if you are talking Build Quality and Reliability then throw in excellent ride, comfort and the best damn air conditioner in a vehicle then the L.C. is the best suv on the planet. i have had ford, chevy, gmc, jeep a 2001 E class mercedes and even a montero when i was a kid and no vehicle i have owned is in the same class as the King! Toyota is losing their benchmark if they discontinue this vehicle!

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  love it and miss it - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By Jumboshrip100 - May 7 - 10:00 am

  I always brag about my little corolla (aka Corona the Corolla). She always ran great and I never had to put money into it, except for fluid changes and basic tune-up, which wasnt until recently. Unfortunately my little corolla was severely hit a couple of weeks ago and I may have to put her to sleep. So sad. But she did well. Were all very proud of her.

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  Great Car - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By SLC Punk - May 7 - 10:00 am

  This car has been in my family since it was new. I recently purchased it for my wife, from my parents. There has been no major problems with the car (just maintenance). It passes emissions with no problem. Looks and runs like the day they purchased it new.

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  i like it - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By jone - May 7 - 10:00 am

  excellent, it is a great truck on the road and for long trips, excellent off road the locking rear diff is great

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  Pretty damn good - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By MPH - May 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought mine in september and I still love driving it. People still take a double glance when i roll by. And my new 18 inch rims just inhance the style.