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 Avalon - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Lenny - August 16 - 6:00 pm

  One week after buying my Avalon, I had to drive 5 1/2 hrs to attend a funeral. I found the Avalon to be a wonderful car to drive on a highway. The feel of the road, the gas consumption and the comfort of the seats were far above my expectations. I have broken my back once and neck twice and just had my R shoulder replaced and I was able to adjust my seat for total comfort. Im looking forward to another trip.

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  Great! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Bob - August 16 - 3:36 pm

  I owned a 2006 Double Cab Tacoma before this, and that was a great truck, I am still currently breaking in the engine, and the scores I gave were rated with the idea that it is still a truck.

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  My Pal - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By besidesea - August 16 - 2:23 pm

  When I purchased this car in 2002 it had 35,000 mile --I added a rear spoiler and wow! What a dream of a car!! It has style,comfort,great ride and super options. I clean and maintain it regularly--it gets rave compliments by service mechanics and strangers on the street. One mechanic said that it will last forever! I trust the vehicle to take me anywhere and I always admire its handsome style. It makes me a very proud owner as I constantly "check it out" when passing store windows!! My motto,"take good care of your car and your car will take good care of you!!"

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  Perfect Car - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By TOYOTA FAN - August 16 - 1:56 pm

  Traded in a 2005 Kia Optima V6 for the all new Corolla. Best decision I ever made. The Corolla S looks very sporty in and out. Fit and finish is perfect unlike the Optima. And Toyota quality/reliability speaks for itself. This car feels just as roomy and is way more comfortable than the Optima. This car is very fun to drive. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants a quality built sporty small sedan with great gas mileage.

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  I love this car!! - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By aj769 - August 16 - 10:00 am

  While the car has limited storage, it is a great weekend/summer car. I love how it handles and did not purchase it to haul things, I have a 4Runner for that. It is a great second car.

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  Great small car - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By johnl - August 16 - 10:00 am

  Great small car, but you can hear road noise

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  Just Plain Good Toyota - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By Stringmusic - August 16 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. Averages 20.5 MPG in city driving. Limited, fully loaded. Good cornering, excellent ride. OK on LIGHT off road. With traction control and vehicle skip control - the very best in wet weather.

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  Awesome car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By R&A Anderson - August 16 - 10:00 am

  We choose this car after months of research,we made the best choice. It is mineral green which is not like most greens you see. It is more like a silver green. Nice and small on the out side, easy to park in the city but roomy inside and we had a moonroof installed that just topped it off. The only problem is only one of us can drive it at a time.

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  Honda lost me - 2010 Toyota Matrix
  By Anonymous - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Been driving a civic hybrid for five years. My local Honda dealers service was great. Went back. Drove the CR-V and crz. Didnt like either one. Decided to go look at the toyz. Found just the right compromise with for and the boss (wife) in the matrix. I got my SUV. She got her sports car. Its early but we both love it. If youre looking for a great priced mid-sized SUV you gotta check the matrix out.

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  An overall great car! - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By slmeow57 - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for about a month now and have been enjoying it! It has great fuel economy and an extremely smooth ride. I love the LE trim...the nice wood grain on the interior and the comfortable seats. With 122 HP it isnt a sports car but it gets up and goes! The only downside to this car is I purchased it at 35xxx miles and the drivetrain belt had already gone on it. It was cracked and needed to be replaced -- fortunately under warranty. Everything else has exceeded my expectations! This was a replacement car after my 97 Saturn was totaled and I believe I made an excellent choice. Very reliable, safe and an overall great car to drive near and far!