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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  The Best Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By outback - July 6 - 2:56 pm

  Had this truck for two weeks. Love it, when I get to drive it. This is our only, family vehicle. Plan on using it to pull travel trailer, as well as a every day car. Everyone looks when we go by. Only have 300 miles, ready to go on a road trip to test it out.

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  MY MATRIX ON THE RUN - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By chess - July 6 - 10:56 am

  The Matrix 4wheel drive handles the road well in all types of weather. I take it everywere, ive put 11,000 miles on it in only 6 months. Long drives are mostly pain free and theres plenty of room for 4 adults and luggage. I get 30 miles to the gallon on an average. Its a fun car to drive.

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  Fun:Dependable - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By coolfool86 - July 6 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best I have ever owned it is now nine years old and still looks as good as new. It has 123,000 miles and runs the same as on the way home from the dealership.

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  First Toyota...........was a Honda man - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By JulianOfAlabama - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I went to purchase a Honda, Accord...but the new RAV4 body style caugth my attention. This may be my first Toyota....but we have had Fun together......what a great riden auto. Just enough room for me and my bike...a few friends...love the road trips...May I point out the great gas milage! After several Honda, Accords all with 150,000 or 300,000 this is a JOY, hope to get the same for the Toyota!

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  Big guy Big inside - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By swampmoose - July 6 - 2:00 am

  It has lots of interior space, Im 66" 275lbs. My family fits inside this little car. My friends like the way it looks, They said they wanted the windows tinted. It has just enough power to get you where you need, plus good gas mph.

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  Sweet Car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By cbcman17 - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this car for about 4 months. Because Ill be going off to college soon, I needed a car that was reliable and fun to drive. The Toyota Matrix lives up to and exceeds my requirements of a great vehicle.

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  Just awesome - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By mik00725 - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Fuyn to drive the best dolalr to value you could get./

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  a Baby Lexsus - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Ramzi - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I test drove the Lexsus ES 300 and the Camry XLE with its premium package and could not see any difference in feel, quietness or luxury. Why pay for a Lexsus when the XLE has every possible option that the ES 300 has (and more)! This is by far one of the best all around performer that I have owned, thanks Toyota. Ramzi Kanso

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  Best new Toyota - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By interestor - July 6 - 2:00 am

  We are very please with this vehicle. Rides smoothly, handles well and a lot of thought went into the interior.

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  The New Minivan Standard - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By klim - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Toyota got it right this time. The days of Honda claiming the throne for The minivan standard is over. This minivan is well designed with a lot of thoughts put into the vehicle. The vehicle has everything that you can ever want in a minivan. It even has nice features that you werent expecting. It drives great and the safety features available is wonderful.