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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  Love It!!!!! - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Pastormartx - November 17 - 1:33 am

  This is a very gun car to drive and I love the gas mileage I am getting. I average over 35 mpg on the hwy. and 30 mpg city - even better than expected. This car will be with me for a very long time so I chose a car I would love for a very long time. So far, it is definitely the right decision. I think several people will be getting a Matrix because of me!!

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  Great car - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By annie76 - November 16 - 8:51 pm

  I bought certified preowned 2007 matrix in 2010. It runs great. I have had no major issues and have not spent more than $800 on maintenance in last 4 years. It has a great pickup and is a reliable car. I get 24-25 mpg (city) which I think should be higher but the car is designed for 25 mpg in city driving and it is still providing the same mpg gas consumption.

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  Barrys review - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Barry - November 16 - 5:36 pm

  Highly reliable and fun to drive. Solid performance.

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  Couldnt be happier - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Paul - November 16 - 1:10 am

  I chose the SE because I wanted something with great handling, yet soft enough and quiet ride. And I chose the V6 because of the 268 hp, a 6.0 seconds 0-60 time and a 14.5 seconds 1/4 mile. Great performance. And it comes with the 6-speed automatic. Under normal driving, the RPMs never go over 2500, and at 60 MPH the engine is relaxing at 1800 RPMs. This car is fast! Ive already smoked my buddys Altima SE-R, and and a new Acura TL. And some people are saying that there are rattles and squeaks in the dashboard, well my car doesnt have any.

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  The "Toy" in TOYOTA - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Harry R - November 15 - 9:30 pm

  It is fun to drive with many new toys.

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  Just a great value vehicle - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By bzzd - November 15 - 12:33 pm

  We bought our 2003 Matrix used in 2005. It had just over 20K km on the clock. It now has 260K. It has really been trouble free motoring - replaced 2 wheel bearings otherwise only routine maintenance. It has maintained a very adequate fuel economy. We love this vehicle so much that we are buying a 2013 model with as close as possible the features of our present one. Everything still works fine.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By P McCrea - November 15 - 7:53 am

  If you are looking into trucks and dont want to spend 35k, then this is it. The Quad Cab has more room than my 4 dr sedan did. The gas mileage is great for a truck. 17-19mi per. There is not a smarter designed truck out there. Toyota really knew what they were doing on this one.

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  My supercharged truck - 1998 Toyota T100
  By Masloff - November 15 - 4:10 am

  The driving on this vehicle is awesome. Quiet, comfortable, reliable, rides like a car.

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  Love it - 1995 Toyota Corolla
  By sara - November 14 - 9:00 am

  I love this car. I could afford a new car, but I will drive this til it dies. Great gas mileage 25-30. Hauls lots of stuff but is small enough for parking in tight spaces.

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  The RAV 4 Limited for 2006 is great!!! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By DawnM - November 14 - 12:53 am

  This car is wonderful. I previously have owned a 2003 RAV 4 L, and still like it very much. The 2006 model, is really very well designed and a lot of fun to drive. The improvements over the 2003 model include a nice feature of automatic fold-down seats in the passenger area, and more interior room. We will enjoy both cars very much.