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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  EXCELLENT - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Matrix XR Owner - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome. It has everything you would want to have a fun and safe drive. You get excellent gas mileage and it is awesome and extremely quiet to drive. Not to mention the little 4 cyl engine puts up all it has and this car is great to rely on!

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  Best 4seater convertable yet - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Pamela Neirinckx - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Very sharp looking car, turns many heads, I love/owned the toyota camery and had to have the Solara. just traded in the 2001 Solara and would have kept it for longer had not the new style that resembles the Lexus come out. its a smooth luxury ride and very quick, reliable, safe, enjoyabe car that fits my five year old in the back, has lots of space and can be driven in winter

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  Toyota Solara is fun to drive - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By NRenick - May 4 - 10:00 am

  The Solara is very smooth to drive. I get a lot of compliments on the style of the car. I feel very safe because of the 5 star front and side crash ratings. I appreciate the fact that Toyota makes a moderately priced car with 3 airbags (front, side, and side curtain).

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  My 2nd and not my lastÂ… - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By MK ULTRABLIZZARD - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd 4runner which replaced a 2000 SR5 Sport and will certainly not be my last. Bigger, quieter, more comfortable and tons of standard features makes it stand out from the rest. The price helps too. I got mine for a little over $29k. Simply put: this is one of the best SUVs on the market. Great price, features and Toyota build quality and reliability.

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  Perfect SUV - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By uwp74 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely incredible in the snow - better than my 4WD truck. So solid, so well built. A real marvel of workmanship.

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  A Great Driving Experience - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By go blue - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my Highlander for a few months, however, from the time I took it for a test drive I fell in love with its handling ability and quiet ride. It has been through a New England winter and the automatic 4 wheel drive was a blessing. Also, the interior is user friendly and very comfortable to drive. If you are looking at SUVs this is definitly a must buy.

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  2010 4Runner - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Yuri - May 3 - 10:46 am

  I switched from a Ford Explorer to 4Runner and I must admit I love my new toy. Its comfy, looks nice, sits high off the ground has awesome options and the leather heated seats in a 4RunnerÂ…I mean tough and comfyÂ… I love it! Initially I wanted to go with a black exterior and cloth 3 row interior, but after some more thought, I decided to do the dark gray (magnetic gray metallic) exterior and black leather interior with light gray paneling. It looks very sharpÂ… I am glad I chose the combination over my initial one.

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  `03 4WD Sequoia Ltd. - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By hemiden - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I researched many SUVs over a 4 month period. Although I wasnt looking for a full size SUV initially, I finally decided on the Sequoia for its hi-tech V8 engine, (which runs on regular gas), reliability and its decent towing capacity. The handling of such a large vehicle is very impressive and even better than my 2000 V8 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which I traded for the Seqouia (no regrets there). Of course, the added bonus of having the room for up to 8 passengers, and the quality fit and finish helps too. I have yet to find (any) quality or mechanical issues with this vehicle.

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  Rare: 5 speed v6 - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By edos - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car with 96,000 miles on it. Now has 104,000. Runs like new. I love the V6 power and 5 speed transmission. It is very quiet and comfortable on long trips. Good gas mileage. The only thing I noticed is the lower quality of small, unimportant parts inside the cabin such as loose air vents, weather strips on doors, etc. The mechanical and engine parts are fine. Great car.

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  Too many little things - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By tcj20202000 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Sequoia is great to drive. Engine/transmission MUCH smoother than in my 98 Navigator. Big inside yet feels smaller to drive. Very quiet. Have had problems with rear window, interior plastic pieces, terrible design for rear controlled AC. Averall a great SUV, but without modifications would not repurchase.