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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  You will never buy another car! - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By roff_5 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I finally got the one I really wanted for a long time. Best car to drive! Quiet, smooth, luxurious, good horses (not best though),its loaded with options I really feel happy driving it to work and to home every day. You can bearly hear noise on a highway, not even your car engine! The only noise would be the L/R turn signal...if you know what i really mean. This baby is like the perfect girl who never raises her voice with you! With a decent "black belt" V6 engine, shes a beauty who is quiet and elegant. What else can you ask?

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  My Race Car - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By THX1138 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Thats what my wife calls it anyway. It handles very well. The higher seat position exaggerates the feeling of lean in a turn. It stops very well. Brakes feel is good. The engine is loud above 3500rpm and pulls strongly from about 3k. It rides quietly in 6th. You can shift early and putter around quietly or you can rev it and hear the roar. This car will move if you want it to. The 6 speed shifts nicely. The throws are short and precise. The dead pedal is a little closer than Id like. The seating position is otherwise fine for me. Visibility is good. Ride is a little stiffer than my wifes 98 Civic, but still good enough for me with 17" wheels.

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  A great little car - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By cindeee - February 24 - 10:00 am

  This little car is fun to drive. It is good on gas milage and with the way the gas prices keep going up.... Its a good thing. I also like how easy it is carry stuff around.The sets are very easy to lay down for road trips or just going around town. Here where I live we can tinit our windows and I have Limo tint on the back 3 windows and a dark tint on the drivers side. The car looks sharpe!!!Great Car....

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  Toyota Matrix 2004 XR - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Kitkat - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy the handling of the car. It is very comfortable to sit in as well as driving it. It has alot of room especially in the cargo area which really suprised me. I really cant think of anything that might be wrong.

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  Highlander Owner - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By BearIt - February 24 - 10:00 am

  The handling capabilities of the Highlander are really awesome. It is quiet and gives a smooth ride even on rough terrain. It has lots of room for even my long legs and is has lots of comfort for passengers front and back.

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  2004 Sienna - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By jfenn - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Great van with many options. We choose less options just to be able to afford the van. We have had it a week and just love it.

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  love my camry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By john stump - February 24 - 10:00 am

  i love this car. best car ever owned

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  Excellent Car and Very Luxurious - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By qwerty1 - February 24 - 2:43 am

  This car is very nice and beautiful. It has 280 Horsepower, which blows away the Nissan Maxima. The interior is very well set up and everything else that comes with the car is great.

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  New owner - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By lawyerchick - February 23 - 9:50 pm

  Just purchased my new car two days ago. So far, extremely happy with my purchase. As econo-cars go, the Yaris seems to be well thought-out and engineered. There is sufficient room for passengers and the seats are plain but supportive. There are enough bells and whistles to make it feel like a more expensive vehicle. It is stable and nimble to drive, even at highway speeds. Fuel efficiency has been absolutely fantastic.

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  Toy 05 - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Dave - February 23 - 9:46 pm

  Best built vehicle ever owned, perfect for many many needs.