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 on the Road - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By MatrixLover - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought my car last Nov. and still love it just as much as the day I bought it. I have always been a Toyota person, but this is the best! It is perfect for someone like me who needs the cargo space of an SUV (for a large dog) and the fuel economy of a car. With the great turning radius and small size it is just the thing for running around town.

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  Best Truck Ive Ever Purchased! - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Bocefuss - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Wow, this is one heck of a solid truck. I commute from San Antonio to Austin every day. What a joy to drive! Noise levels are very low, smooth ride, very comfortable for driver and front passenger. 18+ mpg for a V8 is great. No issues and regular upkeep. Thanks Toyota!!

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  Awesome car! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By cnslor - April 1 - 10:00 am

  An incredible car! The gas mileage is wonderful as well as comfort.

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  So what is it? - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Jeffvandelay - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Some people just dont get it. Is it a car? An SUV? or a stationwagon? Well, its all three. The comfort and gas milage of a car, the stature of an SUV, and the room of a stationwagon. For the price, almost $5000 less than Pontiac Vibe, (which does offer more HP, but the Grand Am front end and the plastic exterior makes it uglier than sin) its well worth it for anyone who doesnt want to poke a hole into the ozone with an SUV, or become a bore with a sedan. Toyota wants you to believe that your "stationwagon" is a hip sports vehicle and for the most part its true. Youll love it and those around you cant stop wondering "What IS the Matrix?"

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  weve got the funk - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Cletus Van Damme - April 1 - 10:00 am

  This is only the third car Ive owned, but I enjoy almost every aspect, and it is in a totally different class than my Honda Civic. I have no problems with my CD player or the dashboard. Parking can be a bit difficult, given the tall front end, but I just have to get used to it, I guess. The car has more than enough power for me (where is everybody going in such a hurry, home to watch Oprah?), and after tracking mileage after every fill-up for 8 months, I can assure you the lowest youll get is 28 miles per gallon (on surface streets).

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  Love our RAV4s! - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By Barby - April 1 - 10:00 am

  We own a 1998 Rav4, decided to get a 2003. It is Spectra Mica Blue, with a moon roof, luggage rack, 2 WD auto trans, and Quick Pkg. Improvements since 1998 are impressive. The ride is smoother, seats are very comfortable, seating in the back is adjustable for more legroom, there are lots more nooks and crannies for storage, cup holders (4) that are adjustable, a neat little eyeglass holder hidden under steering wheel, nice small storage area under the floormat in back storage area, and a fishnet pocket on rear door. A compartment above the rearview mirror holds your garage door opener, etc. Better insulated agains road noise. City mpg 28.

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  Great Mini SUV - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By CD#1 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I Just purchased my RAV4 after researching for little over 6 months in the mini suv class. This is my first SUV, & I love it. So far, I am a happy first-time toyota driver. The ride is smooth, visibility is great, the stereo sound is perfect. I love the moonroof and overall sporty look of the RAV4 - it definitely stands out from the rest. The gas mileage also has been pretty good. My only complaint is the headrest is uncomfortable, and I am unable to get it to adjust just right.

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  Reliable - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Prydog - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Camry for 5 years now and I just brought it to a mechanic for the first time at 81,000 miles. That was only for brake pads and tires (which until now had not been changed since I bought the car with only 30 miles on it). I love this car and I feel very safe driving my daughter around in it since it has steel doors. This is my first Toyota and I will never buy anything but Toyota from now on. I love it. I know it is not the fastest car around but it is very reliable. The only complaint I have is seeing everyone has one, it is hard to find my car in a parking lot.

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  Great Improvements - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By ktully2001 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased the 2003 4Runner, traded a 2000 4Runner....love the new one, smooth ride, improved power.

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  WOW! Was I impressed. - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Apollo_Johnw - April 1 - 10:00 am

  If I go into all the items that I like about this car, you would think that I was working for the company. My job has me on the road a lot, so I see many driving conditions on and off the highway. Ride for the Highlander is fabulous. Road noise is kept to a minimum. Handling is excellent. Turning radius compares to a much smaller vehicle. Stereo in the Limited is wonderful for roadtrips or intown cruising. Seat positioning is outstanding for heights of 50-60. Rear legroom is incredible.