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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  Awesome - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Elphaba - September 13 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I just replaced my 90 Corolla with the Matrix, and I am so impressed with this ride. Its so high and comfortable and has plenty of pep.

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  Living it up in my Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By AlphaIce - September 13 - 10:00 am

  I really like it. I too had a tire problem, but my dealer was prompt about resetting it, and told me how as well, fun to drive. I still havent finished getting compliments from friends and strangers, people love the intertior lights too, and i like the halogens!! I havent decided if night driving is better than daytime. Handles awesome with sport suspension, car is stable and easily to control around corners, before i bought it testing it, i drove a matrix, and then i drove this, there was such a huge difference in handling and acceleration, i would recommend a 6 cylinder, but 4 isnt bad

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  Toyota - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Pasco - September 13 - 10:00 am

  The only addition I would really like is a steering wheel with the radio controls.I had that option in my Honda and really miss it.It drives like a dream.

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  from 14 to 34 MPG - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By mdog - September 13 - 10:00 am

  Traded my silverado for a gas miser. It was a difficult decision to make. The camry has made the transition a bit easier than I anticipated. The car is simple and refined. It offers a good array of standard features at a reasonable cost. I am very pleased with the ride and comfort. The camry works well for me with or without my family. The four is peppy and I am very pleased with the standard stero. I suggest adding a spoiler to produce a bit of a sporty look to the otherwise family styled 4 door. The standard power driver seat is nice. The adjustable lumbar support is a nice feature that should be ulitized when traveling long distances.

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  211000 miles and going strong - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By steve - September 13 - 9:16 am

  At 211000 miles I am thinking of selling. AC compressor went out, at 140000, and timing belts at recommended intervals, other than that mechanically perfect except for the radio. It has never died anywhere, the V6 still runs as if it was new, though it has developed a front end rattle over bumps. The turning radius is amazingly good, and with the ABS it has saved me a few times in snow and wet weather. Gets about 25 mpg on the highway, which is tolerable with reg. gas. This is my 4th Camry V6, starting in 1986, and its the best of the lot, though the 93 is still going strong with my son in law at 275,000 miles. Why would I switch? To buy a new one, though this still looks great.

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  2005 Toyota Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Stephen Boyd - September 13 - 8:33 am

  This car is a technological marvel for the price. Not only do I get to thumb my nose to OPEC but goodies like the on board navigation system, and the blue toothe cell phone capability are really quite impressive innovations. Making all features voice activated makes me feel like Im talking to the computer on the starship, Enterprise. Cargo space is actually very good with rear seats that fold down to give you a station wagon like cargo area. Engine is powerful enough with top speeds of 100 mph. I look forward to the time that Toyota finally takes the next step and brings us the plug in HEV, with mileage in the 100 to 250 MPG range, or provides an HEV conversion to current Prius owners.

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  no disappointments - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By scott534 - September 13 - 8:23 am

  I traded an F350 diesel for this truck, and the poor fuel economy is about the same. The interior takes some getting used to, and the plastic pieces used in the center arm rest and door panel scratch very easy. I use this truck for towing a fifth wheel, and it pulls awesome (I have the longbed and put airbags on the rear). Extremely comfortable with or without a load. Tons of room in the back seat of the double cab. The best thing I did was order the flex/fuel package. Contrary to other reports, there is no lack of power using this fuel. On top of that, I am consistently paying 75 cents per gallon cheaper than regular unleaded.

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  Laughing at the "professional" reviews - 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By tbrock60 - September 12 - 10:08 pm

  The reviews that have been published on the FJ crack me up. Its appears the reviewers dont understand the purpose of the FJ. This is no commuter car SUV, it is a body on frame vehicle with significant off-road capability. I have no issues with visibility or blind spots; check your mirrors and look out the window... My 11 year old son loves the back of this thing and the wife likes the ride better than our Ram 1500 quadcab. I got 18.5 mpg on the first tank and expect better as the engine breaks in. I bought this vehicle knowing what I was looking for and Im thrilled with it. Cant wait to hook the camper to it and head to Marble, CO.

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  Awesome Car - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By mumbulo - September 12 - 7:20 pm

  This car is great. I love being able to fold down the seats (I think my Matrix actually fits more than my pick-up truck bed). The car is comfortable, great fuel economy and very roomy for a car of its size. The only real complaint that I have is that the tires that Toyota puts on are crap (noisy, very slippery in inclement conditions, and are already cracking with 26,000 miles on the car) but that should be remedied when we replace them. Great car, great value, would definitely recommend.

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  Best decision I ever made - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By domingk - September 12 - 2:23 pm

  I have had my Prius for five days now and know this was the best car decision I have ever made. Due to demand, I paid more than I wanted to, but it is worth it. The car is so cool! Although it looks like a small car my family of four fits comfortably and we can haul our the kids sports equipment from place to place. The fuel economy doesnt live up to the sticker, but its still great. I have averaged 48 miles to the gallon. The features are very 21st century and do take some getting used to, but they are fun and easy to use. I would recommend this car to anyone.