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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  its a toyota!! - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By don f - May 31 - 10:00 am

  What an excellent car!! The V6 should be standard for this car. With the V6, this car is perfect. Lots of get up and go. No problems so far.

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  very good, but still needs to improve - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By mickey lee - May 31 - 10:00 am

  just been driving this car for a day and i find myself likging it very much. smooth and soft handling. not many of them are available right now, but i do believe that a lot of people will be glad to buy this car because of its fancy-lexus-looking style with more horse powers than the previous models.

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  A mini Lexus - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jsteff - May 31 - 10:00 am

  Okay, its not really a Lexus, but it sure looks like one. The 3.3L engine purrs like a kitten. It is one of the most comfortable cars I have ever driven. A great replacement for the BMW 325 CIC I traded in for it. My wife and I love it.

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  N/A - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By neonman12 - May 31 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle replaced a 1992 Olds Cutlass, which was like going from a Volkswagen Beetle (older type) to a Porsche 928. The performance of this vehicle has been surprising considering its size and weight. As for fun-to- drive, the car will get you into trouble with law enforcement very quickly, so pay attention to the speedometer, as 100+ mph is no strain at all for this car. The ride quality is as good as your living room couch...functional, but responsive when needed. Long trips are easily handled with little or no fatigue.

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  Practical and fun to drive - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By HI Sienna - May 31 - 10:00 am

  CE was all that we needed and we are enjoying it very much. Quietness, smoothness, and interior versatility gave it the edge over ody and mpv for us (though we liked them all). Our 2nd child is due very soon, had a 12 year old 4 runner so figured it was time to get new car. Thought van would be best for us and we are very happy with it. Hope it lasts for a looong time!

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  Room with views - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By teh - May 31 - 10:00 am

  We have been waiting for Toyota to improve on the size of its mini vans since they discontinued the Previa. (We still have our 92 Previa, 170,000 miles ) Plenty of room everywhere for storage, seating, leg room etc... Gas mileage so far is excellent. It appears Toyota has stolen ideas from everyone to make this a van of choice. However, Nissan apparently is going to push them with the new Quest with lots of nice features as well.

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  Satisfied - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By Richard - May 31 - 9:53 am

  I purchased a 2007 Matrix XR at the end of August. I wanted a car with a reliable reputation and ABS that went a bit beyond the Corolla that has been in the family for the last 5 years without any problems. I carefully read all reviews and find the car (to date) worth the investment. The fold down seats in the back are an advantage when the extra space is needed. Gas mileage (open road -36/37 mpg); city and open road about 27) is very good. I recently had the opportunity to drive my sons 2000 BMW 320i. I found the Matrix to be better handling; of course he can get to 40 mph or more in a 35 mph zone faster.

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  I Love my Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Eric Krakowski - May 31 - 3:10 am

  The Yaris is definitely the best car I have ever purchased. Im very happy with its handling ability and fuel economy (especially the fuel economy). The gas meter doesnt even move when your driving on the highway, and the ride is soooo smooth for a little 4 cylinder car. I highly recommend this car for anyone who doesnt care about muscle, but cares about economy and class. Im very proud to own a Yaris.

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  love it - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By jeepers - May 30 - 4:26 pm

  After almost 30K miles, still love the car. Only problem has been the bluetooth and the horrible rear view when the top is up. Would love for someone to make a new top for it with a larger rear window. Great car, 32 mpg on the hwy with ac on and 70 mph. 24 around town. Great comfort and so smooth.

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  Happy owner. - 2008 Toyota Sienna
  By Al - May 30 - 2:06 pm

  Safety features and styling were two of the big reasons I purchased my van. In addition to the traction and stability control the engine performance for a vehicle of this size and weight is remarkable. I had some reservation when I looked at the EPA estimates of 17/23. Not to worry, after 35,000 miles I am averaging slightly under 24 MPG for local and highway driving combined. I have recorded almost 28 MPG on the highway. I have also experienced the engine clatter on cold start. Assured twice by the dealer that this is not a problem. Overall, I am very happy with this vehicle.