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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  Prius meets specs - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By AKB - July 21 - 4:26 am

  In hilly Vermont I can average over 55mpg on long trips. The Prius is a delight to drive.

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  Only one complaint - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Ralz - July 19 - 5:53 pm

  I traded in a GMC Suburban and wanted a "big" car - its height and spacious interior are great and there is a lot of storage room especially with the seats folded down. even very tall passengers are comfortable in the back seat. it gave me zero trouble during the worst snowstorms of our Canadian winters and actually surprised me by how well it handled snowstorm-highway- driving. only complaint is LOTS of noise when driving at high speeds on the highway. so noisy that passengers in the back cannot hear a word of the conversation going on in the front seats.

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  ultimate kid bus - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Satisfied Customer - July 19 - 12:33 pm

  We have 3 kids, so we decided to buy a minivan last year. We chose this Sienna because it had an 8 passenger option and rides smoother. Even after the new Odyssey came out, we still like the Siennas looks better. The flexible seating has been great, swallowing various combinations of kids and stuff. Gas mileage is less than advertised, averaging 17 mpg, but we do almost all city driving and my wife and I are both leadfoots; our 300M got about the same and our Civic gets about 25, so thats not bad. Passing power is good on the highway and its silky smooth ride is nice around our citys lousy streets. A keeper.

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  2000 MR2 - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By aires965 - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a FUN car to drive, provided you do not have to take much w/ you! The only problem I have had is w/ the "check engine" light. It has been back to Toyota dealer some 18 times for this. Finally, Toyota replaced the computer & hopefully this will stop that pesky light. Great in the rain but terrible on ice & in the snow!

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  good car - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Allisonne - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Spunky, very agile and fuel economy is terrific. Trunk holds a lot too.

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  what a gem! - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By xenadog - July 19 - 10:00 am

  My Celica is exemplary of solid, quality construction and performance, with a huge twist of fun. It handles easily and gets great gas mileage, which is a more important factor with each passing month. It has given me absolutely no trouble (knock on wood) - I only have routine maintenance performed on it as scheduled. Great Car - the best Ive owned!

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  GREAT CAR!!! - WORTH IT!!! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Matrix driver - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased an XRS model, and it drives GREAT! It is worth anything to get this car, or at least test it. The dealership was VERY nice, and polite. It is very fun to drive, and is my favorite car i have owned so far. I love all of the features that come with the XRS. the 180hp engine is a grest start. It has wonderful accelleration, and has a punchy, yet smooth ride. Great car- will consider buying another for wife!

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  buy it - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By buyit - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV! I have had other SUVs but none better than this. Buy it, you will noy regret it.

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  What a vehicle - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Finest Hour - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is a real fun drive. You know are driving a well built vehicle

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  Great Little Big Car - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Great Little Big Car - July 18 - 9:53 am

  Nice economical car that looks classy. Fun to drive, very comfortable and quiet inside, great gas mileage, logical controls and good radio sound package. For its size and type engine class this car is tops. On my wish list only two things: (1) Make Sirius Satelite Radio a standard option from factory rather than me having to install it. (2) With the keyless entry and panic remote already in the vehicle, why not just include the full alarm system rather than making us install it as an option with an aftermarket type control. For the few dollars it would take to complete the alarm system, just make it a full standard item on the LE model.