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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  Very impressed so far! - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By parbri - March 24 - 10:56 am

  Life long full size pickup owner here, but decided to commit to reduced fuel use. I parked my full size pickup and purchased this for a work vehicle. I farm for a living, and I was thinking of a Tacoma, but was not sure the mileage would be good enough to switch, so decided on the Matrix. Fuel mileage is 30-32 so far, on 1000 miles drive, with short distance on and off pavement driving. Loads of fun to drive as well! I couldnt be happier!

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  Ol Trusty - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Steven - March 24 - 3:13 am

  I have been driving vehicles of all makes for years now. This is, BY FAR, the BEST vehicle I have ever owned. It has the most superior build quality ie: no squeaks or rattles, and is great looking too! All of the body lines are perfect too! Its performance is second to none (Even the V-8 Dakota cant out perform this V-6...if you dont believe this, then read all of the reviews.) The ride quality is superb, and the handling is right on the mark. Best of all its a Toyota!

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  Most Reliable Car Ive Ever Owned - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By topspin456 - March 24 - 1:11 am

  I got my Camry when it had 90,000 miles on it and have put 70,000 miles on it in the past 4 years. During this time I have had no expensive issues. I just got new tires last summer and will likely need to replace the brakes soon for the first time. About 5,000 miles ago the drivers side door handle came off, which I guess is pretty common with this year of Camry. Its a pretty simple fix that you can look up on youtube though. My dad had a 95 Camry that he traded in at 290,000 miles and when he drove his new Impala off the lot he missed the smooth ride of his Camry. Toyotas are just well made. #1 in reliability in my opinion.

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  Good to the last drop - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By daf62757 - March 23 - 8:20 am

  I bought this 4Runner new and used it daily for 7.5 years. I cant say enough how much I love this SUV! The paint looks new and the overall look is even better than the new generation 4Rs. I am on the verge of trading it in but since the gas prices are dropping like a rock these days, my 4R may get another year or two first string duty! I am tempted to keep it as a backup car just to see how long it will last.

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  Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By woodman - March 22 - 11:10 pm

  Fun to drive, excellent quality, great fuel economy, the fuel economy has been what is advertised, you just have to learn to drive all over.

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  Daytime Dashboard Lights - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By Puzzled - March 22 - 5:10 pm

  I had a Toyota Corolla LE 2007 and a Honda Civic LX 2010 which had dashboards that lit up as soon as the car started and remained until the car was turned off. I bought a 2010 Toyota Corolla LE two weeks ago only to find that the dashboard lights are controlled by a sensor that begins when the car is started in a darkened garage but fade as soon as the car is in daylight. Even when the car goes through a tunnel or overpass, the lights dont go on. All the mechanics tell me this is the way its made to work. To me, not having dashboard lights is a safety issue, and it should be rectified by Toyota. The salesman suggested that I cover the sensor. Why? Its supposed to work automatically.

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  Great Value - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By benbo - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding car make and model year. Never had a problem, possibly over maintained it, but nothing ever broke in the 9 years we owned it!

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  Satisfaction - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Hornet - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I was the owner of a Chrysler Sebring Convertible (1998) which was purchased new. I would never buy another one. I purchased this Certified 2001 Solara Convertible (SLE V6) and found it to be a superb vehicle. I have owner Audi, Mercedes, Infiniti, Volvo and Toyota automobiles over these many years. This is the best.

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  Great car! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By wfcondon - March 22 - 10:00 am

  The only flaw Ive found, after six months of driving, is that rear visibility isnt as good as Id like. Otherwise, this car is perfect. Its peppy and fun to drive, its economical, its comfortable (even for 66" me), and its a head-turner.

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  Great buy - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Bob Culp - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I gave up a mercedes 500 SL for this car and I am happy I did. I looked at every convertable on the market. I had decided on Lexus sc430 till I test drove it for a day. The Solara has the appearance of the Lexus with twice the room and half the price. This is a fun car that combines the function of a practical car with the the thrill of driving a sporty eye catching car.