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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  RAV4 V6 4WD Limited Review - 2007 Toyota RAV4
  By Rick - March 30 - 1:10 am

  The V6 3.5L engine has a lot of get up and go making it easy to pass other cars and get out of trouble situations. The steering is very easy to handle. The interior leg room fits my wifes size very comfortably.

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  Best older gen Camry - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Tim Ruth - March 29 - 10:15 pm

  Camrys really dont get better than this in many ways. The next year was the remodel with engine and safety improvements. But after 2000 Camrys became small Buicks with Toyota Quality. These Camrys feel strangely like say a older Rover(English) sedan. And thats a good thing. This Camry is ALL about legendary reliability. My Camry took care of me like my Mom. I cant say more!! I drive a Acura TL now and when I get in the Camry I still love it. How do Yotas roll 350K?? Because ever nut, bolt, and most of the vehicle you dont see is done Toyota Right.

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  Reliable, and fun! - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By tyylerr - March 29 - 7:54 pm

  I bought my camry new in 1999. It has been the most reliable car I have owned. It replaced my 1996 Lexus ES, and had better options, and was more comfortable. Ive changed the oil every 3,000 miles, which is just about every month for me, Im a. The 2.2i4 has almost as much power as my Lexus had! Ive been in 2 accidents, only damage was to the front corner, and was cheap to fix. Replaced the timing belt, both ignition coils, and 2 oxygen sensors, and it still runs like new! 278,823 miles and counting! I plan on buying a new camry this week, deffinately keeping this one for my sons first car!

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  Traded Lower for a Pleasant Surprise - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By John Bridges - March 29 - 11:56 am

  Traded in a top of the line 2001 Honda CRV because I wanted a vehicle that got better mileage, cost less, and was a bit smaller. Got all that with the Matrix and more. It is quieter, shifts more smoothly, and has a peppier engine than my old CRV (by the way, I had no trouble with my CRV - liked it but wanted to trade for reasons listed above). My ONLY problems with it so far (have owned it for only a few weeks) are that I find it disconcerting that I cant see much of the front of the vehicle while sitting in drivers seat - hard to judge how much is in front of me (I expect this "feeling" will go away with time.) So far, Im getting MUCH less gas mileage than what is advertised.

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  Prius V - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By wil7 - March 29 - 6:44 am

  Excellent vechicle, gas mileage is better than rating. Only negative is the back up video system, slow to come on, then part of the screen is blacked out to tell you what radio station you are tuned in to, location is by the radio, so you do not even look at it, since you look in the mirror when backing up.

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  Must be good, my 3rd one. - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Tom - March 29 - 1:56 am

  Love the style of the Sport. The firmer ride is hardly noticeable. Just turned 5000 miles and could not be happier. Toyota service has been one of the main reasons that I keep going back. Since this is my 3rd Rav, there are some features that I miss. Those grocery hooks are gone. Glad they moved the battery to a more accessible location. Also miss the overdrive button on the shifter. Dont like the 5000 mile oil change indicator reminder. Why did they change the emission control warranty from 80000 to 70000 miles? Seems like it must have cost them too much so they passed it on to the consumer. All in all, the Rav is really great.

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  Proud Portland Prius Proprietor - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Proud Portland Prius - March 29 - 12:36 am

  We purchased our Prius in June of 2004 We were on the wait list for just under six months. The car is simple to operate, handles well, and is easy to manuever in and out of tight spots. Some specific highlights and lowlights: 1. City MPG ranged between high 30s in the winter to mid-40s during the summer. Highway MPG has ranged from high 40s to low 50s. Keep the tires inflated; the loss of pressure has a big impact on MPG. 2. Im addicted to the navigation system. It is hard to read on sunny days and its a bit cumbersome to use - especially compared with Hondas system. 3. My gas engine in my car occasionally toggles on and off, while Im waiting at a traffic light. Kind of odd.

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  Love my 08 Matrix XR! - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By George OConner - March 28 - 3:13 pm

  Great fuel economy, good leg room, lots of storage slots, and great stereo speakers. It has awesome fuel economy for a mid size car, roomy, and handles well. Also it is fun to drive and handles curves and turns well. I gave a 9 for comfort because the ride is a little rough, but not horrible. Still pretty good. I gave an 8 for interior and exterior design because Toyota didnt do much to re-design the 06 and 07 models of the Matrix. Overall I am happy with this car!

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  Great Ride - 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By markm109 - March 28 - 11:55 am

  Purchased my 2011 FJ Cruiser early spring and have put almost 9,000 miles on it to date. Coming from a 2002 4Runner, the FJ is a lot more roomy and comfortable. I live on a dirt road and the FJ glides over the rough sections giving a very smooth, quiet and comfortable ride - better than my wifes 2011 Subaru Outback. My FJ has the upgraded sound system with sub in back - great sound and way too loud if I turn it up. The FJ has handled everything Ive asked of it without issue. MPG running around 19 city, 21 highway at 75-80 mph. I have had no issues with it and dont expect to if it is like all the other Toyotas Ive owned. My one improvement would be a power roll down rear window.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By danw - March 28 - 10:00 am

  And I have owned many cars over the past 30 years. This is my favorite car ever, super reliable, fun and easy to drive, good on gas (28 mpg) and no problems other than routine maintenace. Buy this car if you want a great car and good price (probably about $4000).