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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  So far so good - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By magrat - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Love everything so far. Had it for 2 months and put about 3500 miles on it. I absolutely HATE the sunvisors and the reverse beeping.

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  Comfy seats sold me. - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jmack253 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  The Solara was a compromise between the V6 Accord, the Passat and the V6 Camry SE. The Solara seats (leather with lumbar support) were some of the most comfortable seats I have ever sat in. The engine feels pretty strong and is very smooth. The interior is very elegant, except for the cheesy fake wood accents. Otherwise, great ride, good power, distinctive styling (though from some angles it looks bulbous), 2.9 % financing for 60 months. There is a slight pull to the left. I have heard from message boards that this is common with this car.

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  2004 Sienna XLE limited - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By dotsang - February 8 - 2:00 am

  overall this is a well built van.

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  New to Camry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By docrock - February 8 - 2:00 am

  First new car I ever purchased. Traded a 2000 Maxima - nice car but i wanted a new car. Only 150 miles on odo, have not taken any long road tipr yet, but am looking forward for it. Paid 22k for special edition Camry (too much?)- sun roof, JBL stereo, special paint, ABS, side air curtain. Only driven around town so far, but am impressed with build quality so far.

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  Fun little hatchback for a daily driver! - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By OUFinny - February 8 - 12:10 am

  I purchased this car used in 2005 with about 52,000 on the ticker and it was in reasonable shape at the time. After some finesse on my part and a new set of wheels and tires (mine were out of round and the tires were wrecked due to bad alignment, it really started to come along. Besides some maintenance like a new fuel filter, belt tensioner and serpentine, and new lift gate shocks; the car is dead nuts reliable. The gas mileage in mine is good but I see only an average of about 25-26 and 28-30 on the highway. With the black leather interior it is HOT HOT in the Texas sun but the A/C does a great job of cooling you down and keeping comfortable. I am happy and will drive into the ground!

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  Surprised! By the roomy interior... - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By MrCEIII - February 7 - 9:03 am

  Looked for my 5 member family for 2 months, had settled on either a Honda minivan or Toy minivan. I was trading a 02 Escalade so my standards are pretty high. This Sequoia is an excellent vehicle, it has more power than my 02 Escalade and so far I am extremely satisfied with my purchase.

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  Good, not great - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By M.B. - February 7 - 5:10 am

  This car is overall well-built. I am not as impressed as I thought I would be. For around $30,000, this car does no better in fuel efficiency than my old 1995 Honda Civic VX hatchback. I once got 65 MPG on a trip in my Honda. The Prius, with all its technology and synergy drive, cant beat the fuel efficiency of a 13 year-old, non-hybrid, 5-passenger hatchback. Above that, the battery packs on this might soon run out. Im thinking Ill sell this and look for my old Honda.

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  Lasted forever - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By twinturbo - February 6 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Camry for 9yrs. and I have had no real problems except for 200,000 miles I had to replace the transmission. But, now at 283,000 miles shes starting to die. I love my car and would actually buy another. Toyota makes some great cars, and they last forever. I hate to do it but, I think Im going to have to put my car to rest. If youre looking for a reliable, long lasting, fun car this is the one for you.

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  Toyota Highlander - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Gary (Atlanta) - February 6 - 10:00 am

  Well built, solid, easy to drive. Steering is a bit vague and requires some attention on the highway to track. Great, smooth brakes. Quiet with just a bit of wind noise. Good seating and comfortable ride - a bit on the choppy side at times, but controlled and compliant. Definitely not a truck but not quite a car. Great switch feel and controls and good visibility. Some body roll, but its not a sports car! Weve had zero defects and problems since new: its now been 3 months. If you need a car but require more storage than a car and want more head, leg and shoulder room than a car, this is it. Great vehicle for 4 adults on a trip!. We didnt buy it for off-roading, so cant comment on that.

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  I like this Car - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Eric Park - February 6 - 8:00 am

  I love SUVs and I am really glad they came up with a fuel efficient one. it saves the economy, gas, and also my pocketbook