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:

• 

  Fun car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By stapler31 - August 2 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive if you have open roads. It seems to be wasted on island driving. Ive had a problem with the paint chipping easily. One of the power window motors failed but was replaced under warranty. Overall though, this is a great car to own.

• 

  Perfectly refined non-sports car. - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By fastcarz - August 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Solara as a Certified Used Vehicle. Upgraded to full-coverage 100,000-mile warranty for cheap! It has been a dream so far. It is the perfect combination of class, refinement, sportiness, and luxury. Considered Accord Coupe, but the Accords ride is harsh and the interior unrefined. The Solaras handling and performance are far better than expected for such a large, smooth car. Its not intended to be a sportscar. It is, however, a great year-round vehicle to please even a car enthusiast when the true sportscars are in the garage.

• 

  Fun SUV - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Love My 4-Runner - August 2 - 10:00 am

  The 4 Runner is fast and handles well on the road. Braking is great. I use to own a Suburban and dont regret lossing cargo room for a better built SUV. I get better gas mileage then the sticker stated, on the Hwy doing 75-80 I get 19.5 - 20.2 miles per gallon. In town I have been getting 18.1. The ride is smooth & very little road noise for a SUV.

• 

  Versatile vehicle - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Phil Conners - August 2 - 10:00 am

  So far its been great...easy to drive, spacious, nicely designed.

• 

  Great Toyota Experience - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By CLM - August 2 - 10:00 am

  I was trading in my Blazer that Ive had for 7 years and debating the Corolla or Mazda3. I test drove and investigated both and the Corolla was 100x the value. Deciding factor was Culver City Mazda vs Manhattan Beach Toyota experience...like going from hell to heaven. And then the car...what a zippy, fun car! Why have I wasted 7 years in a tank?! I love my Corolla and everyone keeps telling me their "my Toyota has never had problems" stories. I love the burlwood finishes, gives the interior a nicer feel. Low external noise compared to other cars in its class.

• 

  New to Toyota - 2010 Toyota Highlander
  By Angie - August 1 - 9:26 am

  We needed a bigger car due to wanting to have a third child. We picked the Highlander for the 3rd row seating and the 0% financing. So far it has been great! A week later and I am still excited about my purchase and not second guessing it.

• 

  Love It - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By KandyB - July 31 - 1:23 pm

  One of the best purchases we made in our 42 years of marriage! Fun to drive. Consistent 50 mpg - mostly highway miles. Roomy. Nice sound system. Love the back up camera and the constant mpg screen. Love all the controls on the steering wheel - wish that the cruise was there, too. Lots of room when the back seats fold down. Lots of hatchback space. Roomy back seat. Love all the little "cubbies". Really loved the government credit. Would buy another in a blink!

• 

  First Impressions - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By pehayes - July 31 - 6:33 am

  Well these impressions are based on the first 1500 miles. I bought the least expensive Prius (only with option 2 package). Car is responsive, runs smoothly, drives well in city or highway. Mileage is better than I thought it would be. Tax credit was a major factor in choosing Prius.

• 

  Amazing! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By Big Mike - July 31 - 6:00 am

  This car is amazing, its a complete Lexus platform as far as design and quality! I think this car is going to set new standards for the SUV market. Just a beautiful and unique car.

• 

  Love my FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By FJ Mom and Loving it - July 30 - 4:46 pm

  I have owned my FJ for 1 1/2 months now and love it. I have 2 children under 6 and we fit great in it. We have way more room than our previous vehicle (Jeep Liberty). I like how the back doors open. It makes it so easy to get the kids out in our garage. It drives great and is very comfortable. My husband loves the power. The gas mileage is better than our Jeep so I dont mind. I get about 19 in it so far. We get lots of looks and people stop and ask to check it out. I love that there is no carpet. It makes it very easy to clean especially with 2 children. I like how far you sit from the front window it makes you feel very safe. The whole package is great I would recommend to anyone. We love it!