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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  Best XUV I could find - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By PonyBoy - December 18 - 10:26 am

  If youre looking for a combination of cargo room, gas mileage, styling and performance this is the logical choice. More sporty looking than the Vibe in my opinion. If you want to look good while saving at the pump its this or a mini-cooper. You can probably fit the mini-cooper in the back of your Matrix if you fold down your back seats, but all I need to fit inside is two bicycles, so no problem. If youre like most people and dont really need an SUV, this is the smart mpg alternative. The manual trans is more fun to drive, but I can eat better in traffic with the automatic. This is not a sports car, so dont expect pony car power, its fine especially compared with other 4 bangers.

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  Wake up America - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By perfent - December 18 - 6:10 am

  I owned the 2001 model and now have the 2004. The 2004 is a completely different vehicle - great mileage and built with care. I find the power not an issue. It will easily pass other cars and climb hills with no problem. You cant compare it to a V8. And on city streets and crowded freeways who needs that kind of power? I feel that the average person is not facing reality. Its not the 60s but a world of uncertainty. This car is the future and the future is here. Hydrogen is a long way off and the price of oil is not about to fall.

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  Love our new Solara SE Conv. - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Talmadge - December 18 - 5:53 am

  My wife and I have had a passion for convertibles. We traded in a 2001 Sebring Conv. Lxi for our 2006 Solara SE conv. Man what a difference in the two automobiles. Hands down the Solara is much better. From the extra trunk space to the extra leg room, this car exceeded my expectations. The interior is quiet and the ride is just awesome. There is no doubt that the Solara will surpass our Sebring, due to the fact that the Sebring was in the shop 7 different times for 7 different problems before the warranty was out. Toyota press on good job!

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  Sequoia recommended - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Austin Leigh - December 18 - 4:26 am

  The Sequoia has been great! It was bigger than I thought however drove much smaller very nimble. I did not like how the Tahoe and the GMC products steering felt (too loose), and the entrance to the back seats are much easier than the Navigator. The engine sounds deep when you step, otherwise fairly quiet. Gas mileage is not good but its a V8. No problems with squeaks or rattles of any kind.

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  Decent ride - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By red & sharp - December 18 - 4:13 am

  Performance is good enough for a 4 cylinder car and fuel economy is unbeatable. I have a metallic red Solara with tan interior and I love the colors. JBL system is great, you dont need any aftermarket music system. Car is smooth and quick and the best thing, you get that performance with a very reasonable amount of fuel. Comfortable, roomy, reliable, stylish, economic and fun to drive. Parts are cheap and this is the easiest car to maintain. That was all I needed and thats exactly what I have. You cant go wrong with Solara.

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  Highlander Hybrid A Great Car - 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Alan Allison - December 17 - 10:00 am

  We have owned the H/H for 4 months and love the vehicle. It drives and rides like a dream. We took 4 people, 4 medium suitcases, and 4 sets of golf clubs on a 1300 mile golf and wine buying trip. The back was full to the ceiling but we still had room for two cases of wine to bring home.Overall gas mileage is averaging 25mpg. So far we get better highway mpg 26-27 than city 24-25. Gas mileage was about 2.5 mpg higher before Oregon stuck it to the public with ethanol. Acceleration and passing ability is good, but if you lead foot the car a lot while driving it will cost you in mileage.

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  Best Taco Yet!!!! - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Al - December 17 - 6:40 am

  I have owned both a 1st and 2nd generation Tacoma and Toyota has saved the best for last! As the proud owner of a new TRD Off Road DC SB, I cN honestly say this is my fav vehicle Ive ever owned. Not only does it look sexy in Magnetic Grey, but the ride is also awesome for daily commuting (20.4 mpg avg.) Slight mods coming soon are tint, toneuu cover, side steps, and blackout grill. Buy one! You will not regret it.

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  I love my Toyota - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By EV - December 17 - 2:33 am

  I have 165000 and the only problem I had was the ac relay went out at 75000 ($200 at the dealer ). Everything on the car still works. I would not hesitate to purchase a Corolla..... FYI 5 spd

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  120,000 miles is nothing to these trucks - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By J.Z. - December 17 - 2:00 am

  My 95 Tacoma v6 has 120k on it and the engine body and interior are still great. Runs perfectly for such an old vehicle its amazing.

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  Corolla, the no-headache car - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By Alok Sharma - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Buy a Corolla and just do scheduled oil- changes, and the usual maintenance. It is truly a no-problem vehicle.Drives beautifully and is extremely reliable.