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:

• 

  All around great car - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Pasta - August 12 - 2:46 pm

  As the title states... Bought the car for its mileage, dependability, and versatility. Im a handy-man so hauling wood and other building materials is a fairly common occurrence for me. I also MTB ride often and being able to throw the bike and gear in the back or several on a rack for long trips with friends is also common. This car handles ALL of that with grace. The manual transmission is good. Shifting is positive, short throws. Acceleration is more than adequate. Its not a sports car (for 15 years, my previous car). Youre in the wrong price range and class if you are expecting that type of handling and performance. Even still, the Matrix performs very well.

• 

  Great Car - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Saladin - August 12 - 12:33 pm

  I was debating between this corolla, a new Si or a used Nissan Sentra, and I went with the Corolla. I am very happy with my choice. I hated the style of the Civic Si. The car runs very smooth with no problems, and despite what many say, I have had no problems with the steering. The MPG is great. Its a fun little car to drive, great turn angle and super-easy to control. If you are into racing, you wont be beating v6 cars of course, but when youre up against another v4 consumer car, you will most likely come out as the winner thanks to the great engineering of this car.

• 

  quality econo vehicle - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By No1Stunna - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I spotted this little ride at the local dealership and on a whim went and checked it out...a couple hours later I was driving it home. It is designed very well on the interior, lots of little storage spots and plus the center dash is just tight. Rides well and can hold its own easily on the highway---just in case you are wondering. Fuel economy is off the chain but you dont sacrifice much to get it. People keep asking me what kind of car you got? Yo---get your own echo!!!

• 

  WOW! It could not be better... - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Docyit - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I got the first in the state. My LTD 03 is fully loaded minus the GPS. I had a 98 Sr5 Loaded and this is a vast improvement especially in comfort and handling. It rides like a luxury vehicle and yet is strong like the SUV it is. Only thing I miss is memory seating. So many nice features. I also have a 2001 Corvette and although they are in different classes I will have a though time deciding which to drive on sunny days. Toyota got it perfect and the 4Runner is back on top.

• 

  Y llent .. its more than Xlllent - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Srinivas - August 12 - 10:00 am

  The Best car I have ever driven. Very smooth and silent. Good family car. The new model (2002/2003) is spacious.

• 

  50th Anniversary Edition Camry Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Nancy C - August 12 - 7:30 am

  If having second thoughts about buying, go buy it now! Wont regret it. Love the acceleration, has as much kick as my previous Mercedes C-320. Currently doing about 35 mpg in the city, have done as much as 38; on the highway you can get 38+ if cruising, all depends how you drive. I have a heavy foot. Word of advice, had to get the 50th Anniversary Edition to get the elegant interior I wanted. Regular model looks cheap inside, too much plastic trim, shame on you Toyota! Navigation system, bluetooth, audio, voice recognition, smart key, etc., are fabulous. I love my car! If considering a Lexus ES as I was, this Camry edition has it all + gas savings.

• 

  love my car! - 2016 Toyota Corolla
  By Annette Davidson - August 12 - 6:31 am

• 

  Excellent All-Round Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By chichitao - August 12 - 1:26 am

  This has been an excellent truck. Bought it brand new in 3/03 and have not had it in for any kind of repairs what-so-ever. I have used it for all sorts of things...around town, travelling long distances, hauling light and heavy loads. No problems with the paint as others have mentioned...however, I keep mine in the garage when possible and wax it at least twice per year. The gas mileage, while not great compared to a car, is better than any truck or even SUV ive ever had. I avg 16mpg, and that is mostly city driving (range is 13-21). Excellent build quality and ride from a truck. Take care of your vehicle and it will take care of you!

• 

  Liking the 2009 Camry Red Hybrid - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Ronbo - August 12 - 12:33 am

  I looked at this website before ordering a Camry Hybrid. I only have a little over 400 miles on it but am averaging 41.5 mpg so far, mostly mixed country and city driving. In the city I learned to bring it up to speed after stopping for lights, then back off on the gas and it stays in electric mode much of the time up to about about 43 mph. I have a stretch of flat county road 55 mph that I take to town and back and it stays at 50 mpg or just under on that stretch. Fun to drive and sure wont have to worry about speeding trying to get the best mileage out of it.

• 

  Best Truck on the Market - 2013 Toyota Tundra
  By jack12348 - August 11 - 10:38 pm

  Just bought a brand new 2013 Tundra 4X4 Crewmax and I absolutely love it! So much FUN to drive, particularly here in Los Angeles. Given the condition of the streets, you practically need a 4X4 just to get around. The power in the 5.7 V8 is tremendous! The room in the back is awesome. Ive always wanted a really kick-ass truck that had some power and thats exactly what this is. I love this truck.