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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  I own one - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Cole - May 28 - 10:00 am

  My Rav4 is the loaded one that everone loved but didnt want to pay the price well i did and i love it

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  dont consider another mid-size suv - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Pantz - May 28 - 10:00 am

  We recently bought a 2002 highlander to replace a 4-door car. We wanted reliability and comfort (2 tall people) for long drives between florida and north carolina. After several SUV test drives, there is no competition. i dont ever want another car! we love it.

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  Passed on the Civic, Great Decision! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By windsurfer1 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I was a loyal Honda owner... family owns Civics and Accords, previous car was a Civic, etc. So naturally, I test drove Accords and Civics first when looking at a new, fuel efficient car. Stumbled on the Corolla and was surprised and excited. The Civic felt cheap and "plastic-y", the Corolla felt much more comfortable, had better fuel effieciency and acceleration, and looks sportier. I chose the Corolla and am so happy that I did! Its been nearly two months now and I am truly in love with my car!! Id recommend it to any loyal Honda owner in a second.

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  Best sports car on the road! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Jeanine Fogler - May 28 - 3:40 am

  My last car was an F150 which I owned for eight years, 195,000 miles! I chose the Camry because of Toyotas reputation for building a car that is reliable and lasts. My friends say my car is just like a Lexus and I have to agree, very comfortable and beautiful. The wood detail is different from other luxury cars because of the light color. And when I need to move out the six engine is fast and furious! I am enjoying my car and highly recommend it to friends and family.

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  Like A Go-Kart for Big Kids - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Matt - May 28 - 3:36 am

  If you love to drive and dont want to shell out for a Porsche, this is your car. It handles like its on rails. So much so that it takes a little time to get used to it if youre not accustomed to high performance mid-engine coupes. Ive known a couple of people who have these just to take to the track as a sprint car. They handle just that well.

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  Sienna review - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By cavair - May 28 - 1:36 am

  Outstanding vehicle!!! Tried out all of the competitors, but Toyota was by far the best !! I needed 8 seats, which definitely was a plus w/ the Toyota... absolutely no complaints !!!

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  Thoroughbred - 2008 Toyota RAV4
  By 1969Ben - May 27 - 8:33 pm

  We bought this car in early October and have already hit 5000 very enjoyable miles. Weve run from NYC to Boston and back twice, one of those trips in the thick of the recent snowstorm. The AWD plowed through several inches of fresh snow (the electronic AWD lock being a very useful feature when the plows havent come through yet). Having a V6 gives added confidence, and I wouldnt hesitate to recommend this car. Im 62" and quite comfortable up front. I have 4 kids under age 7, so the optional third row gets used at weekends. Its a little tight back there - cargo space pretty much disappears with the third row up & in use. When the kids are older well go for a Sienna.

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  Excellent Car and did my research - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By luvmymatrix - May 26 - 2:53 pm

  I did about 25 hours of research, narrowing down to the Honda Fit or the Toyota Matrix. The Fit was nice when I test drove it, but then I tried the Matrix, I loved it. Decided on Matrix becuase there is more room altogether, the trunk,t he car and especially the engine. NO REGRETS whatsoever. I love driving it.

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  I like my Prius - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By bku - May 26 - 2:40 pm

  I believe this car has defined a new category of cars I like to call "Luxury Economy". It really shines around town in stop and go traffic but also does surprisingly well on long road trips. Center gauge placement keeps your eyes closer to the road and you can forget having to duck your head around to see that one gauge that is always obscured by the steering wheel. Very smooth and comfortable ride. Dont let its exterior size fool you. It has lots of headroom even for someone 6 ft tall.

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  I love my Tundra - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Brenda Vinci - May 26 - 10:03 am

  This was my first purchase for a truck. I was originally going to look at the Tacomas but once I glanced at the Tundra it was love at first site. Then after I test drove it there was no going back. I wouldnt even consider test driving any other truck. Ive had my Tundra for six and half years and it still drives like its brand new. Ive had absolutely no problems with my Tundra.