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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  My Dream Car - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By Denise Guldin - May 30 - 8:03 am

  I love my RAV4. This car is great to drive and I love its safety rating. I find it to be very roomy and I am able to haul large items easily with the seats folded down. I like the gas mileage I get when I fill up also. It is easy to park, easy to handle and has get up and go when I need to accelerate. I am glad I got the 2005 RAV because I like the style and lines of the car compared to the 2006 model which is little bigger. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  35+ MPG in comfort - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By russell - May 30 - 12:06 am

  After 1500 city miles, we have averaged 34.8 miles per gallon in comfort. Love this car

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  Great Car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By jafirm - May 29 - 9:40 am

  Fun to drive; however, I had a rattle noise in the dash. After the second attempt by the dealer, they finally fixed it. It was a loose heat shield. It is now fixed. If this happens to you, ask the dealer about a Technical Service Bulletin from Toyota dated Jan. 18, 2002 to help solve the problem. Also, could use a little more thigh support in the front drivers seat; otherwise, a great vehicle!

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  Just a Nice Little Car - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By car crazy - May 29 - 7:13 am

  I have loved driving my Matrix on trips and around town. The gas mileage is OK. This is my fifth toyota and I find myself constantly comparing, which I should not do. I find that there is a lot of room especially when the rear seats are down. A mat would have been nice to cover the whole cargo area. I have read many revues on the car but have not yet seen my pet peave yet, which is a roof rack. It is so very expensive to fit this car with a roof rack. I cannot believe its not an option. But I guess, given the overall performance, gas mileage and especially the handling, it still comes in as a number one car for me.

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  Quick and nimble - 2001 Toyota Celica
  By Scott - May 29 - 3:23 am

  I have owned this car for almost a year now and it has been the most reliable car Ive ever owned. It is very quick and has excellent gas mileage. It can turn on a dime and can hang around a turn faster than most cars due to its sporty suspension. There are also a ton of aftermarket parts out there to make these cars the coolest and fastest on the road.

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  2005 Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mark - May 29 - 2:53 am

  Damn near perfect. Smooth ride, fun to drive and looks GREAT. A rock solid truck from Toyota. Toyota is showing they want to play and are willing to do what needs to be done to play with the Big Boys. Great interior creature comforts and a peppy 4cyl engine that is more than enough for the average homeowner. Good fuel economy as well.

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  my blue car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By amberpi - May 29 - 2:00 am

  The prius is quicker and brakes better than my camry. It had no defects on delivery and the gas mileage is as promised. The display screen is a distraction while driving and I suggest that you use it gradually. This is a great car and it came with a $2000 tax deduction too.

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  2004 Prius - A Joy to drive - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Mel &Gladys Roseman - May 29 - 2:00 am

  As a 74 year old adult who has always considered cars as tools to get from one place to the next as quickly and painlessly as possible, I have fallen in love with my 2004 Prius. I now look for any possible excuse to get in it and drive somewhere -- anywhere. This is a new, exciting experience for me late in life.

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  Best Car Yet - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Brennan - May 29 - 2:00 am

  It is not a car, it is a personal transportation pod. Built in phone, GPS, 6 CD changer, start button, touchscreen everything. Plenty of room, nice cargo layout. What more is there?

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  Tundra Access Cab Limited - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Steve H.S. - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Overall its an excellent vehicle, with mileage a bit low but expected to be such (averaging 16 mpg). After 15,000 miles, Ive had no maintenance problems. Smooth ride, great brakes. The bed is plenty big, but the back seat is too cramped for anyone to ride in.