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:

• 

  The Best - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Zvlan - May 2 - 6:33 pm

  I have owned many SUVs or what they used to call 4 wheel drives from 1960 Jeeps to all types of Toyotas. This Highlander is by far the best I ever owned. I was going to buy a new one but Im afraid with the new look for the Highlander this new one would never live up to its predecessor. I am probably wrong and I do plan to buy when my payments end.

• 

  2007 Camry Design Flaws - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Sam - May 2 - 4:36 pm

  I own my 2007 Camry SE since April 2006. I have seen the following problems: 1.) Hesitant response of the engine to the gas pedal, it can be a safety issue on highway. 2.) Water on the seat when you open the car door or roll down the window, in a slight rain. 3.) Rattling dashboard when the car is cold. 4.) Uncomfortable head restraint, too close to my head. I hope that Toyota would call me some day to offer a fix to the hesitant engine response, as I am really disappointed with this cars performance. Id like to keep this car for years, but sometimes this hesitation problems bothers me so badly that I think to trade this 6 month old car with something more reliable.

• 

  review - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By nowwhat - May 2 - 10:00 am

  We are very very very very very very very happy with this suv

• 

  Great Family Wagon - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By brianmc - May 2 - 10:00 am

  After exhaustive research and numerous test drives of the competetion I finally bought a Matrix Xr. It is the best in its class beating the PT and Mazda P5 Hands down on comfort and ride. P5 was VERY loud and I felt EVERY bump in the road. I drove over a railroad crosing and I felt like I was in a soapbox derby car. PT felt cheap and was hard to see out of. Matrix is the right mix of a sporty car and family wagon. I think all car editors that do reviews tend to forget that not everyone NEEDS a car that can do 0-60 in 5.0 sec and take a corner at 65mph.. Who cares?!! Just give me an inexpensive, reliable and fun car to drive. Matrix fits that bill.

• 

  great 4runner - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4runner - May 2 - 10:00 am

  i love toyota. the 4runner has excellent handling on and off road. ill never buy anything other than a 4runner.

• 

  Great Quality - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By rolltide - May 2 - 10:00 am

  So far so good! The quality on the Toyota product is top notch! Haven;t had one problem except that the clock is positioned in the wrong place and hard to see. The interior has held up very well especially with kids, animals and the frequent trip to the beach.

• 

  Wow! What a Feeling! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By John Franks - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This is well worth the cash and after driving every thing under the sun before making a decision i am happy with my final choice, its sporty with enough room for friends and family you dont feel cheated on space..so many great features you are spoiled by all the gadgets and saftey precautions that comes with the car...(Love my built in 6cd changer) its a pleasure driving and i find myself counting down the minutes of the day before i can get into my solara again...you cant got wrong with this one..Oh.. I never liked toyotas before this car, its a real show stopper...!

• 

  Great so far - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By rob_not_bob - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This thing is great. Fun to drive with plenty of room and weve been getting about 18mpg on average, 21mpg on the highway per the trip computer. The ride is smooth and very surefooted but has a little body motion to remind you it is a serious SUV. Plenty of power and the steering is light and precise.

• 

  Great Buy - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By anandAmb - May 2 - 10:00 am

  PROS: This is the second SUV I have owned (the first was a Pathfinder) and am very impressed by the smooth and powerful 245hp/V6 engine. If you are not bent on towing a lot, this would be a better choice than the V8. The interior is quiet refined and comfortable. This definitely gives you more value for your money than owning a BMW X5. I rate this as an EXCELLENT BUY!

• 

  4runner, part 2 - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By shsmiller - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my new 2003 4runner limited with navigation. I LOVE THIS CAR! When I got into the new 4runner, I was amazed! It is as/more comfortable than anything I have ever riden in, including top-of- the-line Mercedes/Jags, etc. The touch screen navigation system is simple and fast to use, and the sound system is amazing! The fact that it came standard with towing capacity and roof rails saved me a good $1000 from having to get them installed after-market. I cant say enough about this vehicle!!!