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:

• 

  Beware of short-comings - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Drivers Ed - May 16 - 12:23 pm

  After having the Highlander for a few months it is fun to drive and I do like the car. But the biggest trouble is that the Sport and Limited levels (including hybrids) have 19 inch wheels with odd size tires. There is basically 2 tires to choose from, plus a few snow tires. Thats the only choice you have, and these tires are scary on snow. I have my tires rotated at the dealer, and from their write up, itll probably last 20,000 miles in which case will cost almost $1,000 to replace (not easy to find either). Wish the space behind third row was longer as well as split third row to make it more usable. I think the Honda Pilot would be a better choice.

• 

  Nice little versatile car - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By mtmatrix - May 16 - 8:40 am

  Ive had my Matrix for just over a year now. Its a great little drive. Combined mileage is 28 mpg for my automatic. I get plenty of power for highway acceleration. I coach soccer and the hatchback lets me haul all my gear, including 5 foot corner flags. The fact that you can fold down just part of the back seat is very convenient. My only issue is the drivers seat back support. Im used to a minivan with big soft comfortable seats.

• 

  What a Car - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Just Me - May 16 - 7:43 am

  With 10,000 miles behind me, Im still in awe driving what I consider to be the best car I have ever owned. Even though its heavier then the 04 it gets better gas mileage. I havent had one problem with this car. When I get into some of my friends cars, a Mercedes or Acura RL (no room in back seat) I cant understand why they cost more. This is the best bargain out there, and trust me, its a luxury car minus the name plate. Maybe we should keep this to ourselves so Toyota doesnt jack the price up. What a smooth riding car.

• 

  My kids first car... - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Craig - May 16 - 5:30 am

  I was out to get my little girl a car. I had looked at most everything thats is available in a cheaper new car. I was talking with the salesman about a Scion Xa, then he said, hey we are having a sale today on the Corolla CE. We test drove an automatic and werent impressed, the tranny at freeway speeds seems to rev high and always searching for a gear. Then we drove the 5 spd manual, what a difference. At highway speeds this car is great. Plus with a hwy rating of 41 mph. With about a 50 mile drive home, it was just enough time to fall in love with this car. It handles great, plenty of power, looks great in black. After the first 100 miles, still big smiles!

• 

  RAV4 V6 Review - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Victor Baird - May 16 - 5:12 am

  The V6 engine is very fast. Watch out for the touchy gas pedal.

• 

  Great Car - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By jkelly - May 16 - 4:13 am

  Rides very well.. handles like a car. Have no problem carrying very large stuff in the back without having to put it up on the roof. No complaints.

• 

  Buy One!! - 1999 Toyota Corolla
  By sbj - May 16 - 1:16 am

  Bought this corolla 1 yr. ago for a daily commuter. It has been an awesome car. I put 25,000 miles on it with no problems. It is comfortable and fun to drive. The car has 100k, and it drives like new, still very tight. I expect to be able to drive this to 300k.

• 

  Love my Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By cmoua06 - May 15 - 8:10 pm

  Ive had the car for a month now. I love the fuel economy of it. I do hear it a little wind noise but not that much of a bother to me since it is an economy car. Its much better than my 01 civic that I traded it in for. Its stylish, comfortable and roomier than I thought it would be.

• 

  Wonderful Car, Fun to Drive! - 2010 Toyota RAV4
  By New Hampshire - May 15 - 4:40 pm

  This is my second Toyota Rav4 (and my 5th Toyota), but my first Sport model. The Sport model has eliminated the spare tire from the rear door, making it much more attractive. The car is responsive and powerful, with Toyota quality and reliability. The turning radius is small, making it extremely easy to get out of tight spots. It is great fun to drive!

• 

  I am 52 and look for excuses to drive my FJ - 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By tom522 - May 15 - 11:49 am

  Well it is still brand new, so only can say limited, but this is my 8000 mile report, just drove thru a tough winter and this thing was the easiest thing I have ever seen in deep snow. I would go out after a huge storm and people stuck all over and it just seemed weird because it was SO easy. You just cant help getting the feeling of a very well built truck. I feel like a kid in a way, I keep driving down dirt roads looking for a hill to climb over. Its actually pretty quite, unless going highspeed on x-way. You get a FJ Cruiser if you want easy. Easy in the snow, easy on the ice, easy off road, easy around town.