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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  07 Matrix - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By aaabutch - February 14 - 3:10 pm

  This is my first car since 1972 or so, I cant remember, and that was a Toyota Corolla/great car that gave me 41 MPG on highways thru Texas. Great car and I never forgot it. I have been driving vans and trucks since and this year we decided to by a car and I went to the Corolla first and then to all the competitors too I test drove them all and wound up with the Matrix, drives like the Corolla and had tons of room with seats that go down and even the front passenger seat goes down. To make a long story short we love the Matrix and our first tank of gas on the highway with the air going did 37.3 MPG Next tank was city at 30. Third tank 33 city & hway. What can I say.

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  It is a Toyota, all you need to know - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By BobWegotababyitsaboy - February 14 - 2:23 pm

  It took me over 6 months to find my truck. I think it was the manual transmission that made it hard. It is MUCH more comfortable than a Silverado, especially the new body style. It has 5 less HP than the 4.3L V6 in the Silverado and S10. I havent had any real problems. The gas mileage could be better, but I have a lead foot, so I cant complain. I didnt buy the truck for rear seat comfort, I rarely sit back there. It would have been nice to have more than 4 places to strap stuff down in the bed. I bought the Toyota name, and I will do it again.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By 2013avalon - February 14 - 2:11 pm

  I knew this was the car as soon as I sat in the drivers seat for a test drive. I got the pearl white and tan interior with chocolate accents.. Amazing car. I constantly put customers in my car and being 64" in any other car the person behind me never had room. Not they have a good 4" of extra leg room. Not the fastest car but it isnt the slowest. I do not have the navi because I have owned toyotas before and they have never really had good ones, and with cell phones who really needs it...

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  Spunky car - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By cmpchicky - February 14 - 11:40 am

  The XRS model is good for those who love to drive. The fuel economy can be better - it requires fuel with octanes of 91 or higher. It could hurt the wallet if you drive a lot. Otherwise, i love it.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By Gus Sonmezler - February 14 - 10:46 am

  Since I bought this suv I only made 5000 miles but test drove few of them. If you like little performance, stay with 6 cylinder model although surprisingly 4 cyclinder performed o.k. but 6 has a great accelaration. On the highway I averaged 24-26 mpg and city is about 19-20 mpg, for V6 this numbers are not bad. Ride quality, suspensions and road noise is much better than 4Runner. I recommend this car if you mostly drive in city or on the highway. Dirt roads and offroad is for 4Runner.

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  Fun to save - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Klebel, Wolfgang - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I just have the Prius for a few week, but my dribving has changed. I save more gas because I drive with an eye on the Power picture, always being aware a little less gas can save it and get me there in good time. Especiallthe stopping and starting is more leasurly and saves!

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  She is a keeper - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By nikyegrl - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I went from a chrysler to toyota and was real happy. I am a single mother of 3 year old and wanted to feel as safe as we can be and I found that in my new car. I wanted something sporty not so mommmy...

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  Awesome car. - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By VictorV. - February 14 - 9:26 am

  I needed a car to get me around, also it needed to get good gas mileage. My Toyota Camry fits the bill. It has a nice, firm ride. Build quality is exceptional. The ac blows nice and cold quickly, an important quality living in the desert. The v6 is a rocket motor that will get you a ticket if your not careful. All in all, a car that will be with me for a long time.

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  Will never buy a gas car again - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By newyawk2000 - February 14 - 8:53 am

  I bought my 2003 model Prius in late 2002. At the time only two hybrids were available in the market, the other was Honda civic. I chose the Prius because it was roomier. I had a major engine problem a year ago but thankfully was covered under warranty: The fuel injectors were replaced. Otherwise the only other problem has been the tires wearing out fast. Make sure you get a warranty on tires.

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  Very happy with my first truck - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By tynash - February 14 - 5:52 am

  I have almost 25,000 miles on my new truck, drove away from dealership with 164 miles in Jan 2010. Nothing short of impressed. Big enough to get the job done, but small enough to still fit in the garage. Did months of research before selecting this specific truck, read other reviews. Almost went with the auto, but reviews were night and day, some sort of "gear hunting" issue specific to the auto trans. The only issue I had was the blower motor which the dealership said was common to the Tacomas lately. Manufacturing tolerances in the motor were incorrect, causing a squeaking sound when you turn the fan on. They replaced the blower motor earlier this year and the squeak has not come back.