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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  Roomy car with good looks & good mileage - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Don - January 28 - 6:26 pm

  I was looking at a hatchbacks: Toyota Matrix, Honda Fit, Kia Spectra5 and the Mazda 3 hatch. The Matrix had more pick-up on the test drive, more room and less cabin noise.

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  06 corolla - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By rosconey - January 28 - 5:43 am

  so far so good-after a 2000 neoen this thing is great-i like the high exit hight after a long day of work- nice ride for a car its size,plenty of pep from the 1.8 and even though its a little soft in corners i would expect that from a car sitting this high- interior is a little cheap looking-the neon had a much nicer interior looks and quality of materials used-not sure how well all the plastic will hold up in the corolla- 40mpg or so on the highway is real nice- auto headlights are a gimmick that works great-

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  Should have never traded it. - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jabberwocky - January 28 - 4:30 am

  This was a great first truck. These things can really take some punishment and are a blast to drive. Mileage was OK, at about 23 mpg. It did a lot better than expected in the winter. Always started and ran great. Never got stuck on me in the snow despite being RWD (200 lbs of bedrock fixed that). Really good ground clearance for a truck this size. Great handling and brakes. Responsive 4 cylinder with respectable torque. Easy to maintain. I really regret trading it in for a Camry 3 years later. The cons... well... hardly any. The interior is a little cramped but thats about it. I was dumb for trading it in.

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  Bad to Buy on Impulse - 2009 Toyota Venza
  By R.Carr - January 27 - 6:26 pm

  I fell in love with the Venza while test-driving a few Camrys. I drove it for a few hours and was thoroughly impressed. But after three months and 17,000 miles, I have come to regret the purchase. 95% of my driving is highway, and I drive very conservatively. I am lucky to average 26 mpg...really expected better from the 4-cyl. Drivers comfort for extended driving is terrible for a 6 guy! The seat is inadequate and there is no room to move in the "Cockpit" style, very restrictive, front. Wind Noise and Road Noise is has become very noticeable. For around town and the short commute, the Venza would be great (except for the noise levels). But for the "on-the-road" crowd...no way!

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  Do not buy! - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By mathews1010 - January 27 - 11:43 am

  I buy my brand new 4runner sr5 2010 and it was big mistake. I hate the brakes! It is so slow and is built with cheap metal. Gas 19 Mpg, I hate my 4runner!

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  Adventures Car Needing Interior Design - 2005 Toyota Celica
  By melloww22 - January 27 - 8:56 am

  Overall the exterior is daring and smooth line look of a sports car worth more than its price tag. The interior is the biggest draw back, cheap plastic sorrounds the driver taking away some its glamour. Accelaration is weak, but the turns are amazing. This 7th generation Celica is by far the best in its class but leaves ample room for future performance and quality improvements.

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  Toyota Solara Convertible - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Linda - January 27 - 1:46 am

  Great car... super gas mileage... fun to drive... very comfortable car for four people... can get two sets of golf clubs plus luggage in the trunk for beach weekend.

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  Best Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Off Road Boy - January 26 - 2:16 pm

  This truck is very good. I am normally not a Toyota fan. The older models looked very cheap. But the newly modeled Tacoma changes my mind. The truck is powerful, quite, and very handsome. This truck is well worth buying. =)

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  Awesome for the Money - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By G.C. Sekaran - January 26 - 12:16 pm

  This is a great car for the money. It is spacious and and the leather seats are comfortable. The 6 Disc CD system is great. Im very happy with it. I dont know why people are complaining about the looks? Im glad I chose this over the cramped 2 seat roadsters. I can go long distance without having to sacrifice luggage.

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  Best Car Ever - 2000 Toyota Avalon
  By XL - January 26 - 9:53 am

  It is the best! Fit, finish, reliability! Fun to drive and to look at!