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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  2006 Matrix XR Manual-Front Wheel Drive - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By acf - May 29 - 2:30 pm

  Bought new to replace a 1992 Tercel and accommodating a rear facing car seat. Bought the 5-speed because the automatic seemed sluggish. Back area is great for a dog. The performance of the front wheel drive (even with snow tires) is not stellar. I now live at the top of a hill in upstate NY and wish I bought the AWD. Great commuter car which gets > 30mpg on the highway. Comfortable enough for long trips. I would buy another (albeit in AWD).

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  Love it!!!! - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Rolo - May 28 - 9:06 pm

  My first Toyota and I am delighted by the way it drives (hwy or city). Very economical and a joy driving a manual once more. Toyota makes it easy for young or old (me) it is a fun vehicle that can kick when you need it to. It has all the small details anyone needs from clock, MPG, outside temp. gas mileage from trip to trip and many others. You name it, it has it, and the one I bought was the simple package with no options what so ever. On the freeway it is comfortable and a delight to the wallet (37.9 MPG) in the city 29.8 mpg. It has 2,100 plus mile on it now and I doubt I will buy another car. If I do, itll be one like this one!

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  Smiles per miles - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By ALH - May 28 - 8:03 pm

  I love cars. I commute about 70 minutes to work, 80/20 highway/traffic. Regardless of what car I drove, my commute was getting to be a dull grind compounded by a growing guilt about the gas and pollution involved. Since getting my 2004 Prius 2 Years ago, all that changed. Now I enjoy my commute. Every trip is like a game. Every trip is an inspiration to my sense of innovation and thoughtful execution (I am a professional Mechanical Engineer and design industrial machinery). Sure my mileage does not match EPA, no cars do. The point is that, for me, this car is perfect: reliable, comfortable, roomy, safe, cost effective, fun, progressive, inspiring and, oh yes and easier on the environment.

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  2010 Corolla, king of compact - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By classic454 - May 28 - 8:56 am

  I have owned my 2010 corolla for almost a half a year now. I am extremely happy with it. The performance is more from what you would expect, its quiet, and comfortable. Im glad i spent the extra money in buying my corolla. Its fun to drive too. But it is a compact car. For 2 people, it has a lot of room, (Im 62) But when you have 5 people in the car, you should keep you point a to point b trip under an hour. The mileage is great, a hair lower than i expected, but the power is great. Great buy.

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  Almost a Perfect Car! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By BigMac2000 - May 28 - 7:06 am

  I drive a lot for a living and the need for a large comfortable car with good gas mileage was key. The Toyota Avalon was the solution. It is a great car! Ton of room, great ride, quiet (for the most part), great gas mileage, stylish but... The front seat is not the most comfortable (I bought an additional lumbar support), the transmission has a very defined sticking point or "jerk" as one writter put it, between 1st and 2nd gear, the stereo needs to have a little more zest (I wanna rock!). But all in all a great car!

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  no regrets - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By sublimesipping - May 28 - 2:08 am

  coming up on the 5 year anniversary of this big purchase for us- we thought long and hard about the investment on so many levels. happy to say 5 years later we have no regrets and are very happy with this car. Reliability has been outstanding. Only routine maintenance with the exception of a leaking water pump caught by the dealer doing routine oil change and repaired under warrranty at no cost to us.

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  Good Value - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Real - May 27 - 10:06 pm

  Ive driven the Lexus 400 Series since 1991 and have just purchased a 2008 Toyota Camry SE V6, and the car is excellent. Its not the Lexus flagships I used to drive, but close & I have more money left in pocket which puts a smile on my face.

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  Excellent Stability and Comfort - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Sandeep Nema - May 27 - 4:16 pm

  Bought this vehicle just standard LE, without stability and traction control. Even then I feel its very stable during exit turns at high speeds and does not rattle. this year Camry is as quiet as previous year models and compared to Honda Accord. Exterior looks are at par with Lexus and more lavish than Accord 08/09 models. Interior is comfortable, but at times I get with interior plastic finish a bit cheaper feel. Probable Toyota tried to compensate interior to implement newer EPA safety standards and expansive research for fuel economy by keeping car at almost same price of 2008.

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  ECHO THE BEST - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By Kat - May 27 - 4:06 pm

  When I need to "move" from an entrance ramp onto a fast highway, my ECHO is there for me. When I need to "gas-it" to get around a truck or Sunday driver...my ECHO is there for me. New York City should buy a fleet of ECHOs to use as eco-enviro Taxi cabs. The back seat is huge, I know, I am a tall person and have to sit back there to wash the windows periodically. I LOVE my ECHO! And he (vinnie..hes black) is SO cute! 39MPG + on the highway. 36mpg in Manhattan!!!

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  Another Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By frank452661 - May 27 - 2:53 pm

  Im very pleased with this truck. My last, 2.4 manual, had 137,000, no problems. This is quiet, well built, one hwy trip netted 28.4mpg. Combined driving in the 26mpg range. More than enough power to tow trailer and 4- wheeler.