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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  Undenibly the best for me! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By tony9988 - April 3 - 9:50 am

  Cant hear the outside traffic! Rides like the Continental! Superb command of the road! Power is there, just step on it! The truth is... if you test drive one youll buy one!

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  Overall - NOT BAD - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ronnie - April 3 - 7:26 am

  Ive driven 4 dr sedans all of my life and this was my 1st pick-up. I bought a Snug-Top Tonneau cover for it immediately as I wanted to have a huge trunk. Overall, the truck was well-worth the money.

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  car hesitation and drivability - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Ginette - April 3 - 6:00 am

  Great car, very confortable on good roads, while not as great on our poor quality Quebec roads. A/C is fantastic.

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  An Excellent Vehicle - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By herknav - April 3 - 5:13 am

  This is, without a doubt, the nicest and most enjoyable vehicle Ive ever owned. It has everything I look for in a car; comfort, agility, and power. The exterior design is understated, yet stylish. The interior is extremely quiet and the controls are clean and logically laid out. The ride is smooth but not spongy. It has excellent acceleration and power while also providing respectable gas mileage. I enjoy driving this car in town; however, it really shines on the highway. The 12-speaker audio system is outstanding. The Limited comes with some "gee-whiz" features such as the heated/ventilated seats and power rear shade. I may not use them often, but its nice to have when you do.

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  I hate this car more than anything. - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By lspeed1983 - April 3 - 5:02 am

  My fiance just bought this car a few months ago and claims to love it. Despite this she still always finds a reason to take my 2012 Golf TDI rather than her Pruis C. Way to often I get stuck with her loud, annoying, joyless, unrefined, hopelessly slow, dork box of a car. Im a car guy not a Prius guy, so I dont and never will understand.

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  2007 Toyota Camry SE V6 W/ 19" TRD Rims Rules!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By AF - April 3 - 2:33 am

  I have owned a Maxima SE in the past, in my opinion 07 Camry SE-V6 is a much better performance car. Especially with the 19" TRD wheels/Michelin tires package. You will love this car. Superb handling, performance and comfort. Overall, an excellent choice vehicle.

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  wordsmith - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By kent smith - April 2 - 10:43 pm

  The vehicle is very responsive to steering and handling. The variable valve timing addition makes it more responsive than the 2000 year model. The gas mileage needs to be improved. Compared with Chryslers larger 3.8 liter engine, they get about the same mileage on the highway.

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  I will never trade this truck! - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tacoma Lover - April 2 - 5:36 pm

  I purchased this truck with 32k odo and now have 106k. One water pump and normal maintenance is all. The mechanic at dealership wanted to buy on the spot when changing timing belt. I cannot part with this truck. Overall, 20 - 21 mpg combined (v6, 4wd, x-cab). AC is excellent (Tx resident). V6 has plenty of power. Towing is good as long as you use draw tight hitch - towed over 5500 short distance with no problem.

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  Loved my Matrix - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By Speedster Girl - April 2 - 4:23 pm

  I was a previous Honda Civic owner when I purchased my Matrix for increased versatility. I found the car to be comfortable, roomy (for me at 5ft10in and my husband at 6ft3in), a blast to drive, and great for hauling anything I wanted to put in it. I also learned recently that the Matrix is also a very safe car. I was in a front-end collision with a Suburban the other day. I estimate the impact was at ~50mph. The car is a total loss, but I walked away with nothing but a scratch and few bruises (mostly from the seat belt). I would buy another 08 Matrix in a second if I could. Its a bummer the 09s are less fuel efficient.

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  Great Buy!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Love my 07 Camry! - April 2 - 4:10 pm

  I just bought my 2007 Camry LE V6 and I absolutely LOVE IT! The power is great in the V6! Extremely smooth ride, and road noise is minimal! I have the basic sound system and its very nice! The interior design is so sleek and much better than the previous models. My family love it! Its definitely not a grandma looking car anymore!