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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  Altered Matrix Does The Trick - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By bob2k3 - April 2 - 2:00 am

  My Matrix is a base model. It was sold with 17" rims and sticky radials. I added hi-perf lowering springs, beefy rear sway bar, front tie bar, a cold air induction kit, and a cat back exhaust. These upgrades have put a nice wide smile on my face. The only complaint I have with the Matrix is the odd clutch engagement. It takes way too much throttle and clutch slippage for a decent launch from a standing stop. Once launched Im quite happy with the performance. The Matrix is a joy in the twisties. Braking is great, body roll almost non-existent. If Toyota added these upgradess from the factory it would sell more Matrixs, Im certain of it.

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  A pleasant surprise - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By matrix - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Liked the looks and handling. Purchased after renting one twice. Chose fwd 5 spd & added TRD performance items - strut tower brace, exhaust, cold air intake as well as a rear stabilizer bar. Car is peppy and handles very well. Its comfortable, well appointed, good looking & very economical (32-37 hwy, 29-30 Cty). Its a winner.

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  THE BEST OUT THERE - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Sienna! - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I had the vehilce almost 2 months. I have always been a SUV Driver. With two kids,we decided to give the Sienna a chance. My Wife was not ready for the "Soccer Mom title" but once she drove, she absolutely loves it. The room and the ride are outstanding. Toyota really has out done themselves. They have really done there homework.

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  the best toy - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By mrsanford - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving test Dodge Grand Caravan and Honda Odyssey, but none of those I like as much as Toyota Sienna. Its much quietly than others I ve ever tried .Its run very smooth and relaxable. Thanks Mr Toyota. You build the best van in the world.

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  never owned a toyota avalon before - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By john dunigan - April 1 - 7:56 pm

  What first inpressed me was the new styling of the Avalon. I love the room the back seat has. You can stretch out your legs and feel comfortable, especially with the adjustable rear seat feature. The Avalon has all the bells and whistles you will need. The smart key system is a fantastic idea. I was impressed to no-end with the performance of the new engine and the gas milage rating was also exciting for such a powerful car. Overall, the styling and performance plus the comfort sold me as soon as I took it out for a test drive.

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  Prius Rocks! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By rscott1220 - April 1 - 1:33 pm

  I own two Prius - version 1 and version 2. I average 55MPG during the non-AC season in Florida and 49MPG during the worst of summer. The best thing about my Prius is I can run all day on the Interstate and get 45MPG at 75-80 MPH! After Hurricane Dennis we drove nearly 3 weeks on a tank of gas while everyone else waited in huge lines. My wifes version 1 car actually gets 57MPG with 69,000 miles on it. I have 2 complaints; the difference between EPA mileage estimates and reality, and this car does not do well on short trips. It needs about 3 miles to max out the battery charge which kills MPG on those 7-11 runs.

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  Boring - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By raspar77 - April 1 - 10:26 am

  This car is boring. OK in almost every respect but not great at anything. Unexciting exterior not too sure about that rear end. Engine ok not what I was used to. Ride a little firm on long trips I feel a little beat up. Fuel economy is good not great. I had an 03 STS that I drove 116,000 miles and it was a great car fun to drive much more comfortable and less tinny than this. I am far from in love with this car it is solid transportation from point A to B but that is it.

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  Best SUV Ever? - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Barry Bumm - April 1 - 9:33 am

  I bought this vehicle used with 98,000 miles. It has been a machine! Routine maintenance, tires, brakes,and the timing belt and water pump replaced at 100,000 and 200,000 miles. Electric antenna has gone out twice. This has been hands down the best vehicle I have ever owned. Gas mileage with V-8 has been 18 avg with 23 on interstate. Great off road as well. I will miss this as I am handing it off to my daughter as she heads to college. Im sure it will have a good time too!

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  Great Economy Car - 2017 Toyota Corolla
  By Ian - April 1 - 9:32 am

  I had a base (no cruise, crank windows, etc.) model Ford Fiesta that I bought new in 2012. I used the vehicle for pizza deliveries while I was in college. After 5 years and some 100,000+ miles I made the decision to get a new car that Id be using to make the hour commute to my new job. After looking at my options in the $16-20K range I found that the Corolla is the only one that I could get with semi-autonomous features standard - which was very important to me. I live in a semi-rural area and find driving to me a necessary evil which is greatly alleviated by the adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, automatic headlights, and pedestrian detection. As for the rest of the car, I find it does what it was designed to do - be basic transportation. It doesnt handle as well as the Fiesta, but for everyday driving in traffic, highway, and country roads I dont really find the desire to be driving like a motoring enthusiast. The car feels much more solid than the Fiesta and has plenty of room for four people. If you are the type of driver that likes to race to red lights, screech around parking lots, and generally be annoying to everyone around you this isnt the car for you. If you drive cautiously and carefully because you want to take care of your car and dont like to waste gas this car is perfect - basic transportation with modern features that historically has held its value and requires low maintenance.

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  Great Economy Car - 2017 Toyota Corolla
  By Ian - April 1 - 9:32 am

  I had a base (no cruise, crank windows, etc.) model Ford Fiesta that I bought new in 2012. I used the vehicle for pizza deliveries while I was in college. After 5 years and some 100,000+ miles I made the decision to get a new car that Id be using to make the hour commute to my new job. After looking at my options in the $16-20K range I found that the Corolla is the only one that I could get with semi-autonomous features standard - which was very important to me. I live in a semi-rural area and find driving to me a necessary evil which is greatly alleviated by the adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, automatic headlights, and pedestrian detection. As for the rest of the car, I find it does what it was designed to do - be basic transportation. It doesnt handle as well as the Fiesta, but for everyday driving in traffic, highway, and country roads I dont really find the desire to be driving like a motoring enthusiast. The car feels much more solid than the Fiesta and has plenty of room for four people. If you are the type of driver that likes to race to red lights, screech around parking lots, and generally be annoying to everyone around you this isnt the car for you. If you drive cautiously and carefully because you want to take care of your car and dont like to waste gas this car is perfect - basic transportation with modern features that historically has held its value and requires low maintenance.