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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  Great car but needs bigger engine - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Artski - May 7 - 3:50 am

  Its best on the highway. Handles great. Super gas mileage. it made LA to Vegas with less than 9 gals doing 85 to 95. It carries tons of stuff with the back seats down. I chose the xr instead of the XRS because the extra 50 hp comes on after 6000 rpm and most of my driving is under that. The XRS engine is is great if you want to race or been drinking. I do nether. Ive had an Integra GSR and that car had a very similar power band. If they put the lexus Is300 engine and transmission, it would be really hot.

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  Love my Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By blueracing - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Toyota has built a great SUV. The gas mileage is not at all bad when you consider you are driving a vehicle weighing over 5000 pounds. Much better mileage than a Yukon or an Escalade. Engine is silky smooth and power is adecuate. seating, legroom and headroom are perfect. a lot of cargo behind third row. Drives like a sedan. All around great vehicle. If you need memory seats or a fancy interior, buy an escalade or a land cruiser. Almost forgot, resale value is much better than the competition.

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  Now a little nervous - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By murphy - May 7 - 2:00 am

  We were extremely happy with our Sequoia UNTIL we drove out of the driveway and heard a TERRIBLE grinding sound. It sounded as if the entire braking system was doing to drop out. The TRAC light came on. I stopped and then starting driving again and the same thing happened. We took it immediately to the dealership. Two days later they tell us the ALIGNMENT was OFF!!? They "fixed" the problem and now I drive a little more cautiously than before. I bought a TOYOTA because I didnt want to have to deal with PROBLEMS!! Has this been a problem for anyone else?

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  Happy owners - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By Craigcheek@msn.com - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Our 2003 Sienna has met and exceeded our expectations for comfort, style, (yes even in a mini-van), fuel economy and user friendly options. The low tire pressure indicator system recently saved us from being stranded on the side of the road as it alarmed while we still had a good margin of safety, and air pressure, in our slowly deflating tire. After doing a quick walk around I couldnt immediately see any problem with any of the tires but upon closer examination I found a screw imbeded in our right rear tire. After repairing the alarm reset itself. We also love the fold down or recline capability of all of the rear seats.

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  Xr Matrix - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By John Hasler - May 7 - 2:00 am

  The Toyota Matrix performance wise lacks low end torque and noisy at highway speeds. Trd Super Charger should take care of the torque problem. Toyota has always been known to have high reving engines. Handling is snow/wet conditions is very good just remember u have O/D (OVER DRIVE)......

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  GREAT TRUCK! - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By jacki - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Im the new owner of a 2001 Tacoma with less than 13000 miles. Its my second Toyota truck and I am very pleased!!Automatic , "4 banger", real clean and with a new car warranty - WOW!! Just what I wanted!! JACK

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  EXCELLENT CAR!!!! - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By CamryFan2 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  The 2000 Camry LE V-6 is a great car! Like most Toyotas, its extremely reliable. The V-6 and automatic deliver lots of quiet, smooth power, and the car has a very comfortable and quiet ride. Seating comfort is tops front and rear. It is one of the very few import-branded cars Im really fond of (would normally buy an American-branded model like the Chevy Impala) and definitely far superior to any other import branded mid-sized family model other than the also-excellent Honda Accord.

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  We did our homework! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By JohnJ - May 7 - 2:00 am

  We researched for nearly 3 months. Toyota by far has the best products. We purchased our Highlander from Toyota of Easley in South Carolina. This is an excellent dealership (ask for Jim Goss), anyone in the tri-state area (NC, SC, GA) looking for a Toyota, should contact them. They have all of their selling prices listed on their web site so it makes things easier to deal with. We purchased a Highlander 2WD, bluestone, leather interior, roof rack, alloy wheels, power seat, privacy glass, floor mats, cargo net, keyless entry, tonneau cover and tow prep. $25,600. If your in the market for an SUV or family car, give the Highlander a look.

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  2006 Avalon Limited - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By temo - May 6 - 11:46 pm

  Very comfortable ride, quiet, controls are excellent (size-shape).

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  2005 Toyota Corolla XRS - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By MGARDNER - May 6 - 8:26 pm

  I love my 2005 Toyota Corolla XRS. It is fun, sporty and very reliable. You cant go wrong with a Toyota!