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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  Best car I have ever owned - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Mary Ellen Snyder - November 8 - 3:30 pm

  I have owned my Matrix for almost 4 years and I can say that this is the first car I have ever considered keeping beyond 4 years. I am dismayed that they eliminated the AWD option as it has been super through several New England winters. I am a nurse who has to get to work no matter the weather and it has never let me down. The car is fun to drive and gets great mileage considering that it is an AWD small SUV. I have transported furniture and bikes and all sorts of luggage in it. I am a scrapbooker and can carry all of my "stuff" as well as that of a friend in it and have room to spare when we go away for scrapbooking weekends. I have never been attached to a car before this one. Love it!

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  I love my Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By ljh - November 8 - 1:06 pm

  I recently drove from Richmond, VA to Cold Spring, NY and averaged 63.5 mpg. It was the most comfortable trip I have ever taken. I wouldnt trade my Prius for anything (other than maybe another Prius). I would have given each category more than 10 if possible.

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  Another Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By jknut - November 8 - 9:13 am

  Toyota keeps building great machines. This one has been very reliable. 55mi and running strong. NEVER needed repairs outside of general maint. This truck offers all around versatility, good gas mileage (19 mpg- city or hwy), and great resale. Yes, this truck will cost you 2-3K more than a domestic, but its well worth it.

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  All good - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By jim256 - November 7 - 8:53 pm

  One of the first production models, fit and finish is excellent, mileage is better than EPA (54 mpg so far in 3000 miles mostly town), no service issues, nothing to fix or have fixed, dealer delivery process and sales were excellent, car is meeting or exceeding all expectations.

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  Happy Owner - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Happy Owner - November 7 - 7:46 pm

  Every one I have shown this hard to get vehicle has been envious. Even other dealerships have been enthusiasic.

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  Love my 2003 Prius, named: "Petipa" - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Peggy B. Sherrill - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Having wanted an electic/clean air auto for many years, I am extremely pleased to have found a car that is ALMOST totally free of gas emitions, freeing up some of the worlds polution.

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  I love my Solara V6 SLE - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Scott_in_Jersey - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive with excellent excelleration & very good hanling. Increase your tire with to 215 to make the large wheel wells seem more propotionate. A+ car.

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  RIDES LIKE A CAR, LOOKS LIKE AN SUV - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By LBSmith - November 7 - 10:00 am

  It took me almost a year to chose this car, and for the most part, I couldnt be much happier. I am a little disappointed in the 4cyl gas mileage, but the convenience and looks of everything else makes up for it. I have had my Highlander for 2 years now and have never ahd a single warranty repair done on it. My only regret is that I did not splurge for the Limited package.

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  2003 4Runner 4x4 Sport - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By jason100million - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Am happy that they finally started offering the appearance package on the Sport Edition. Incredible Ride and Handling with the Sport Package. Comfortable interior with lots of gadget compartments. Was finally able to take it off road and it performed superbly. Even the ride off road is incredible. Steering and shifting is rock solid. Was able to purchase $500 below invoice even though there was no rebate. Cant believe what a well designed package Toyota put out. Plan on owning it for the next 6-7 years happily.

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  Love my Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By gdeducate - November 7 - 10:00 am

  The Highlander has a smooth car-like ride with great interior space for those not needing a 3rd rear seat. I dont need extra seating, but theres plenty of room for the 2 dogs. My first experience in a V6 has been great, lots of pep.