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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  Fun Car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Matrix NV - April 11 - 10:00 am

  With an automatic it is a little underpowered. The fun factor of the car is impressive. I read Edmunds review and I dont think they did this car justice. The handling was very good. It huggs the road like glue. Take off is good for an econemy four cylinder. I think the power of the XR model might be better at low end than the XRS. The exhuast note is very cool. It has a racey sound to it. The value is very good. I looked at a Rav4 but you get more for your money with the Matrix. I think it should be noted that viewing this car online makes it appear to be in-line with a Ford Focus. Not true. Actually this is an SUV/Car.

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  So far, so good - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By sd - April 11 - 6:16 am

  I just bought this car, and the leather seats are luxurious, the sunroof is fun, and its great to look at. After having it about a week, the performance isnt great, but its okay. If my Sienna van is any indication (150,000 miles and it runs like new), I should enjoy this car for a long time. With my van, I like it better now than I did when it was new, because I never had an old car with so little trouble. I had Hondas before, and they had better acceleration, but more frequent maintenance.

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  Love my Little Station Wagon - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By Martha - April 10 - 10:00 pm

  July 4, 2005, was my tenth anniversary with this car. I will keep it until it falls to pieces. It has good fuel economy, fits in tight parking spaces, and holds a ton of stuff when the rear seat is folded down. Its also peppy on the highway. I have had no major repairs in 72,000 miles. Unfortunately Toyota stopped making Corolla station wagons in 1996, so I cant get another one. Id buy another in a minute.

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  Fits my needs exactly - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Retired - April 10 - 4:56 pm

  I purchased the car when in real estate to save on gas. I found it very dependable, reliable and fun to drive. I like the layout and the instrument panel as well as the 6 changer CD, the 2 glove boxes, and the cargo space in back with seats laid down. I do not get as much gas milieage as advertised, but about the same as I expected from talking with others. I would definitely buy another Prius or a hybrid vehicle in the future.

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  New 2007 Tundra - the best pick - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Dave In Prescott - April 10 - 11:23 am

  This truck far exceeded by expectations. I had my doubts when I saw the size of this thing but even my wife enjoys driving it - and her car is a Lexus RX400h! Tight fit as expected from Toyota. Ive driven in my friends new F150 Super Crew Lariat and Dodge 2500 Mega Cab and the Tundra is quieter smoother and has no rattles! The SR5 has a nice set of standard features. I always recommended test driving competing models back to back. This one is a real winner!

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  Whats there not to like! - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By DON - April 10 - 8:53 am

  If you have to move people, cargo or even your pet goldfish, why would anyone buy anything but a minivan? SUVs play to the ego but minivans play to the practicality. I use my minivans for business and have found nothing better to move equipment and people. Ive also owned many kinds of minivans and until now thought they were pretty much all the same. But not this time. Toyota tops them all. It drives with incredible stability, small turning radius, smooth riding and super easy to drive. If you own a minivan now and its not a Toyota, it will be well worth your time to drive this around.

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  Just incredible - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Magitu - April 10 - 8:40 am

  As I approach 300k miles, there is a single, slight rattle coming from the interior of the drivers door. Other than that, this thing is still tight as a drum. I have had to change the power antenna a few times. The drivers side door broke and wouldnt open from the inside at one point, and I got that fixed. Other than that, I have had ZERO mantenance done on the machine other than the Toyota recommended routine maintenance. I cant imagine a higher quality vehicle - and after ten years. I pay $70-$90 for each routine maintenance event, except for major tune-ups and timing belt replacement. My old Ford Bronco II cost $600/yr in brake work alone. 4Runner is an awesome vehicle.

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  LE Sienna van - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By chris - April 9 - 4:53 pm

  Me and family just took 1000 mile trip, enjoyed having plenty of room. The van rides very comfortable and has plenty of power. We really felt very safe traveling in it.

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  Love It - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Rhonda - April 9 - 1:50 pm

  I love this car. Fun to drive, great with the top down. Its comfortable, reliable and performs great. Gas mileage is better than my 1998 Camry.

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  Better than 50 MPG...Really! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By James Swisher - April 9 - 10:43 am

  It is hard to get less than 45 MPG. Yes, you can if you tromp the gas at the stoplight and race up the steep hills. But for us normal drivers, 50 miles per gallon is a given. It sounds like a golf cart (ie. nothing) backing out of the garage. It shuts down the engine when you cruise at 55 and you are on level ground. It will cruise at 75 if you want it to. It shuts down the engine at stoplights. It RECOVERS ENERGY when you step on the brake. What an idea!