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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  Highlander 4 Matrix - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Highlander - August 17 - 10:33 pm

  The best of all is I can make turn on highway while driving 65 mph without braking and need not to worry about flip over. In the snow just hit the snow button and elec control will take over.

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  Awesome - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By ghana - August 17 - 4:03 pm

  Still breaking this car in, have only driven about 250 miles, but am totally impressed with the entire package. Fast, responsive, comfortable, quiet, good visibility, spacious, tight handling, great looking, nice riding, solid car. Cruising at 70 mph, and tach only reads about 2000 rpm. My old car, a v6 also, used to read 3000 rpm. I live in the U.K. where sometimes its better/safer to drive on the freeways fast (80mph+). I used to be a little concerned about motor wear in my old car. I dont think Ill have to be concerned about it anymore. I dont think that the 5 speed auto trans has any big issues. The V6 version is the best.

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  My husband wants a Matrix too. - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By M.J.DRAHL - August 17 - 2:10 pm

  Searched far and wide for a vehicle that I could manage back and forth comfortably to my professional job. Driving included highway and stop-go city traffic. My husband and I tested several vehicles to learn about interior, outward view all around safety and its road manners. The Matrix far exceeded all competing manufacturers. Toyota - always moving forward.

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  2nd generation Prius - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By GBRACH - August 16 - 3:06 pm

  Have owned 04, 05, 06, 08, 09 Prius. No other car is even close. Very quiet, tracks perfectly, extremely fast. CVT is only transmission to have. Shift by wire is magnificent. Trunk space is incredible. Comfortable. If gas was 20 cents a gallon I would still buy Prius. Will get 2010 next. We have an 08 and 09 at present. Excellent brakes and build quality.

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  2007 hybrid camry - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By steve - August 16 - 4:30 am

  In the heat of phoenix averaging between 31 to 36 mpg in town. On the highway getting 40. car is one month old & is by far the funnest to drive Ive ever had.

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  Fuel savings vs Ford Escape traded in - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Jim in Wimberley, Tx - August 15 - 11:30 pm

  My Ford Escape averaged 20mpg. I prepared a spreadsheet to compare fuel and cost savings with my new Prius. Everytime I fill up I write down the price per gallon, no. of gallons purchased, total cost of fuel, and no of miles traveled. So far, weve driven the Prius 3,500 miles and averaged 45 mpg, with a total cost savings of $365.00 and 97 gallons of fuel. Just think of the fuel and money we can save if those of us that dont need a truck or larger SUV any longer. Ive hauled loads of potting soil, mulch and pots in the back of the Prius without any problems. Its time to reduce the amount of oil we consume where possible.

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  No longer Toyotas Cheap SUV, good car! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Kentucky - August 15 - 7:06 pm

  Great turning radius, great gas mileage, great room - for its class and fuel ecconomy.

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  I Love this car - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Jeff - August 15 - 8:33 am

  I did a lot of research before buying this car and it helped in my deciding to go with the Prius. I has so many features and is so good on gas, it has good power and very comfortable to drive. I am a 300 lb male and I fit very well in the car and can ggo for long drives with no problem. So far the best car I have ever had.

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  Cant beat it - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By thebigv21 - August 15 - 6:03 am

  I traded a Pilot that got 18 mpg in on this Matrix for the same reason as everyone else. I have only owned it a week so some of the ratings of 9 are minor things, really not worth mentioning in detail. A squeak here and there on the interior but overall a solid vehicle. I was amazed at the room inside. Being 64", I couldnt believe the room. I am looking forward to driving by the gas stations. I am curious to see though how it does in the snow. Overall, a positive experience and I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Power, Looks, and Comfort - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Korben - August 15 - 4:50 am

  I have had this truck for almost 3 months and 2,500 miles with no problems at all. The power and 6 speed transmission are perfect together. You really have to be careful on the highway because it is so quiet and smooth that when youre going 75-80, it feels like 55-60 (1,800 rpm at 70 mph) . The double cab has plenty of room for 2 car seats and the center console is big enough for a cooler. My gas mileage has been about 14-15 in mixed driving and around 18 on the highway. With the power you have, that isnt bad. I used to have a Dakota regular cab with the 4.7 and I get better gas mileage in the Tundra and have almost 150 more horsepower.