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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  Great for snow - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By bigislandboy99 - November 19 - 7:43 pm

  Ive been waiting to test the AWD and I finally got my wish! Snows and compact ice has been all around the renton are for the past two weeks. This matrix AWD S has had no problems getting around. It is very controllable and predictable, even with a foot of snow with the standard AWD. Car is great in normal weather as well. Its great for hauling people around and lots of room for a "compact" vehicle. Road noise can be pretty bad, especially on the rough free ways in Seattle. The gas mileage could be a little better and/or a little large gas tank. Overall very pleased and glad i got it for this region.

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  Love my 2nd Sequoia - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By MR VAT51 - November 19 - 7:06 pm

  We bought our second Sequoia six months ago and already put in 10,000 miles. We drove it twice to California coming from Texas and once to Illinois. I love driving it and family loves the long drive because of the comfort of the ride.

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  Awesome Truck - 2013 Toyota Tundra
  By john_jt - November 19 - 4:43 pm

  Have only had the truck for a few weeks but so far it is awesome. I use to be a Nissan customer but because of their lack of care for loyal customers and my last Nissan was a Titan that was unreliable I have now switched over to Toyota and couldnt be happier.

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  Great Everyday Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Jill - November 19 - 11:56 am

  Unless you are doing some serious hauling and towing on a daily basis, there is no reason not to own this truck. Initially there was nothing special about the interior, but it has grown on me and now I really like it. Very smooth ride and engine, with great acceleration. Gas mileage has been good, especially for a truck. Its a comfortable easy to drive truck with Toyota reliability. The power rear window is a nice touch, and the 8 cup holders (4dr.) are great for families or just those of us who seem to collect beverages in out vehicles. Superior visibility, and excellent handling make the Tundra a perfect truck for everyday life, and Toyotas reliability.

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  Literally a tank - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By William Adams - November 19 - 7:32 am

  My wife and I had purchased a 1992 Camry 2.2 several years ago and in a 2 year period myself and my mechanic friend had gone over the car end to end and replaced everything that needed routine maintenance. Then came some minor bodywork and a Maaco paintjob. That car was a tank it was reliable and at 180,000 miles was ready for 300,000 more-until some old lady hit it while it was parked on the street and it was totaled by the insurance company and we got less for it than I had put in it. Soooooooo...my truck of 12 years finally died and I saw a 1996 Camry Le 2.2 4 cylinder ,with oil leak, for sale. The guy lowered the price to $600 before I even got to see it. We drove it and bought it on the spot. I told him I wasnt afraid of an oil leak or high mileage-295,000-because it was a Camry and would do fine after we went over this one.So all the rubber on the engine,rear main seal,crank seals,water pump and timing belt(since it was apart anyway) and a front right axel. It is clean,runs great and has no leaks at all. My mechanic said I should get another 200,000 or more out of it. It is my daily driver and work vehicle,but after going over it I would probably take it anywhere.If it is good as our 92 we had,Im set-and this one is green so it is a tank....

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  Awesome vechicle!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Claire Adintori - November 19 - 2:00 am

  The Sequoia is a wonderful vechicle. I absolutely love it. While it doesnt get the best gas milage, it is totally top notch on everything else!!!

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  I will only buy toyotas - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By timboroa - November 19 - 2:00 am

  We bought a 2003 sequoia and love it. weve owned two 4runners and enjoyed them, but the sequoia will be our new family car forever.

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  Perfect Just Perfect - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By fairheartluv - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Got the car for my daughter, I had a two door, and had to toss her in in my old car, and then climb in after her.. Now I have room! It fits a crib, a stroller, as well as many christmas items on top of that. So many nooks and crannies inside.. I love it.

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  Hated the movie, love the car! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By DSTERP - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I was looking to replace my 94 Honda Civic after 209K miles. I liked the look of the Matrix and did a bunch of research on the net. After driving the XR model, I was happy but it wasnt until I found an XRS on the lot that I was sold!

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  excellent - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By keniesha whittaker - November 19 - 2:00 am

  good wonderful love it the bet car out on the market now