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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  Continue to be impressed - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By SoCalMatrix - December 10 - 11:36 am

  Ive had my Matrix for almost nine months and my affection for it continues to grow. The Matrix is great for former SUV owners (such as myself) - it sits higher than your average sedan, and has a surprising amount of space. My first test drive sold me, as I found I had plenty of arm room and didnt feel cramped at all (unlike my test drive of a Mini Cooper, which felt almost cartoonish). But what really sold me is the styling - what a great looking car! My only disappointment is city MPG. Most of my driving is in stop-and-go city traffic, and I only get about 22 MPG. I chose the base model for fuel efficiency, but that aspect of the car has been slightly disappointing.

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  Great Car - 2013 Toyota Avalon
  By arillo - December 10 - 10:21 am

  I just leased this car this past weekend. Looked at Impala, Taurus, 300, ES350 and Toyota Avalon. Decided to get the Avalon after driving the cars. The car handles great. Did not feel like past reviews that car was too stiff or noisy on highway. I will update this if it changes.

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  Prius 2005 - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By amethystmoon - December 9 - 11:53 pm

  This is the most well designed vehicle I have ever owned and I have owned many. I have owned vehicles from the top of the line by different manufacturers. The second winter the mileage dropped by over 20%, but now is up to about 48mpg. It would be even better if it were closer to 60mpg as Toyota/EPA claim. Not only is the mileage great, but the 2K tax credit was good as is the current law in VA which allows hybrids to drive in the HOV lanes during rush hour. Awesome automobile - people who thought it was ugly 2 years ago are now wishing they owned one!!

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  Best and most honest review you will get - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Kyle Ginder - December 9 - 10:16 pm

  I work in the plant that builds the Tundras so I know a lot about them and plus I just bought one a few months ago so I am going to be as honest as I can be about it. Overall the Tundra is a great truck but like all other vehicles it could have some improvements. But Toyota does a lot of things to there vehicles that the domestic companies do not do like Toyota puts sealer on the edge door seams to keep from rusting and spray pvc under the vehicle and in the wheels wells to reduce road noise and to prevent rust, sprays antichip along rocker panels to prevent rock chips. I think all of these extra little things add up and is what makes Toyotas good reputation.

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  2002 Tundra Limited Edition - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By shawnl2 - December 9 - 6:20 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for nearly 7 years and have been very pleased with the overall quality. I work in the construction service industry and thought I would regret not buying 4WD. Glad I did not waste my money this truck handles very well off road with the 2WD. The ride is very comfortable both on and off road, could be the TRD package assisting with this? My overall gas mileage is approximately 16-17 mpg (this is using cruise control and driving a little over the speed limit). I have 133K miles on this truck and have never had to replace anything major on the engine (just routine service i.e. timing belt and bearings). My only complaint is how touchy the O2 senors are. Very dependable!

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  No regrets!! - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By terry jenkins - December 9 - 3:10 pm

  The handling is precise, the engine responds well. I will buy a k&n filter soon to improve gas mileage and horse power the 5 speed is a blast to drive ! If the reliablity is typical Toyota then 200k from now I will still be smiling!!

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  Very reliable car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Dasha - December 9 - 12:03 pm

  I bought the car in 1999. It was new. Since then I just once changed brakes and two times the battery, of course tires. Thats it! I love my car. Ill give it to my daughter when she gets her driver license in October and feel shes in a good "hands".

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  A pleasure to own and drive! - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By John A, - December 9 - 6:40 am

  During my long life (Im in 80s) Ive had Fords, Cadillacs, Mercedes and, more recently, Toyotas -- a Highlander and now an Avalon. Of all the cars, this one is the quietest, smoothest riding and easiest handling auto that I have ever owned. Have had no mechanical problems of any kind during its first 15,000 miles.

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  My Mini-van - 2000 Toyota Sienna
  By MermaidCMS - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! It is so versitle, pretty on the outside and inside. It is great on long road trips. The seats are easy to remove for hauling things. I have never regretted this purchase and will in all likelyhood get another one day. For a larger vehicle, the mileage is outstanding.

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  My Fifth Toyota - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By dave behrens - December 9 - 2:00 am

  My wife loves her Matrix. She is a school teacher and carries many school related and other types of things in it. It swallows amazing quantities of stuff for a small station wagon. She also insisted upon a manual trans, and is very happy with it. Great in the turns..like a sports car. I love how easy it is to enter and exit, and the room in the rear seat. Lots of nooks to store things.