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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  Yay - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By plmille2 - December 4 - 6:50 am

  I bought the Yaris to replace my 1999 Honda Civic and I can honestly say I could not be happier. The gas mileage is slightly better, but the overall comfort is amazing. The first day I drove it to work everyone commented on how small it was, then wanted to buy one for themselves when they sat in it. It is SO roomy inside, more roomy than my Civic, and drives very smooth. The body seems solid on the interstate and it hugs the roadway. I was surprised to find how high it sits. There have been many times when I am sitting at a red light and a crossover or SUV pulls up next to me and I am eye level with the driver, and Im only 54". It makes me feel much safer.

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  Rear defogger problem - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By nikita - December 4 - 2:50 am

  As a Toyota fan with 4 previous Toyota cars (3 Camrys and 1 Corolla) I should say it is a great car. Acceleration is great with the V6 engine, I like the wood dash trim. I have put 4K on the car so far and I love it. The only complaint I have at this point is the rear defogger. It does not work. It is on the same button with the heated side mirrors and they work just fine but not the rear window defogger. I hope it is not a major problem to fix and I am taking the car back to the dealership to fix it.

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  A good value - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By lagonzal - December 3 - 10:36 pm

  Wife bought new in 1999. The a/c failed at 97k and was expensive to repair. Car has over 122k miles now and still going strong. No major issues. The paint is peeling on the rear spoiler and is faded on the rear bumper. The rest of the car has so many dings and scratches a new coat of paint would be nice. But, then again, it is almost eight years old. Factory CD player skips a lot but the radio still sounds good. Driver door cloth is peeling in one spot. Overall, a very good car, and best of all its paid off and we hope to keep it a few more years.

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  vios - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By vios - December 3 - 7:06 pm

  Ive been driving this car for about 3 years now, and so far so good, gas mileage is exceptional considering that here in our country a 1.3 engine is available, power is sufficient for me, since i only do city and highway driving. reliability is also great, i drove it 1300 km going to a secluded beach north of our country and back in 4 days.

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  Love it! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By FlowerChild - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I had purchased a 2003 Turbo Beetle in 2002 and was not happy with it because the check engine light started to come on for engine knocking with only 20,000 miles on it! I know I had warrenty on the thingy but buttons were falling off that I never touched and what not. So I had it with the Beetle. I was ready to go buy a Toyota which is what I had before and never had a single problem with it. I was very happy to find the Matrix because it was the perfect car for a college student! I will admit I do miss having my turbocharged engine, but when I found out you can put a supercharger on the Matrix that made me very happy!

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  XRS review - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By NJCosmic - December 3 - 10:00 am

  A great car for its price range. I have an RX300 and this car can haul just as much stuff but get twice the gas mileage. The car handles very well and the braking is excellent. Hit 6200 RPM and you get a boost of power that i call "LIFT" which is very addicting. I am an active person and i find this car very versitile. The split 60/40 rear seat feature is nice. I can carry my mountain bike or snowboards in the car with no problem. Add a cold-air intake, lowering springs, front strut brace and rear sway bar and youll have alot more fun than its stock form. I love this car.

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  A great car - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By r.berezin - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I just got a 2005 model and i think it is the GREATEST. I have the XR model. It rides GREAT. The seats are comfortable with plenty of leg room. The back seats are comfortable with plenty of leg room. There is plenty of storage space with all kinds of extra pockets. The fit and trim is exclent. The turning radis is GREAT. It drive like a car only better.

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  2002 sequoia sr5 - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By helmut - December 3 - 10:00 am

  great vehicle, tough to see whats behind you when reversing, eats up the highway and off-road nicely, great for large families

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  No other SUV can beat 4Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Broker - December 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd 4Runner and this time, I opted for the top of the line Limited V8. I have now owned this SUV for over six months and it is absolutely a fantastic vehicle in every way, on or off road.I still own a 1998 that just had its first brake change at 133,700 miles, with no other expense except for a water pump last year. Quality and reliability to the max. I intend to keep both trucks for a very long time.

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  4runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By rosco sayar - December 3 - 10:00 am

  its agreat feeling getting into that car it rides so smooth i feel like im floating in the air.