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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  MADE A BELIEVER OUT OF ME!!! - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By HOTROD_DUDE - November 8 - 2:33 am

  WOW! is the first thing I want to say about this little car. Im a car nut with a lot of them, I am also a power freak, but when the gas prices began to raise I had to get me a gas econo car, and that means little 4 banger car, YUCK!! I thought. I did my research on the best gas econo cars and the little Echo seemed to be it, so I bought one - WOW!! was I wrong, this car is the best thing I ever bought, I tell people its like a go-cart on crack, its so fun to drive, you dont want to get out of it. The gas mileage is super, 2 trips from Miss. to Minn with the AC on I got 43 to 45 MPG on the HWY in town I get 35 probably because I got a heavy foot. You cant go wrong with this car.

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  My Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Mary Lou - November 8 - 1:43 am

  After a nine month wait, I picked up my 2004 Prius in August of 2004. It was all that I expected and more. The gas mileage is the greatest. Its better in warmer weather than cold. There are little features that Im constantly finding out about, such as all the hidden compartments. I love the environmental features. I found out the dashboard is made of bio plastic (from plant products) rather than petro plasic (made from oil products). I love all those environmental features such as the fact that the cars aluminum body, batteries etc. are recycleable. The batteries are not hazardous waste, they are NiMH batteries. It also has PZEV emmisions.

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  RAV = Really Agile & Very fast - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By M McCurdy - November 8 - 1:36 am

  Owner for a couple months now. Handles great and the performance is amazing. High lease rate is a drawback. Performance makes up for it?

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  Practical Ride - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By MTC - November 7 - 7:56 pm

  Chose the Matrix for its AWD and price. We had a pretty bad winter in New England last year and the car performed well. The gas mileage is less to be desired for a car this size. So if you are using this car to commute, watch the needle. Also noticed an awful howling noise on windy days coming from around the side mirrors. Upgraded sound system and speakers arent worth the money, buy your own. I guess for the money small quirks come with the territory. Pros: AWD, cargo space, sporty looks, minimal time at the service dept. Cons: Fuel economy, horrible acceleration, wind and road noise, sound system.

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  Station Car - 2007 Toyota Avalon
  By Jim - November 7 - 4:43 pm

  We have the XLS with "mandatory" options VSC/traction control, JBL & heated seats. Have owned for two months, 1600 miles. Very good overall. 3 kids fit comfortably in the rear seat. No hump in the floor is a big advantage. Good acceleration, tight handling. No snow yet, thus jury is still out on VSC.

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  I love my FJ! - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Sue Emmons - November 7 - 3:10 pm

  Weve only owned it for a week, but we are just thrilled with it. It had its first off-road trip 2 days ago and did extremely well. Its ride is much smoother than we would have expected from such a rugged vehicle. And its cute as all get-out!

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  Driven Hard! - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By trdecho1 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Mine is actually a 2000 5-speed sedan. Selection list did not go back past 2003. But I love mine, it has 64,000 miles and has not skipped a beat. It has been driven hard due to my lead foot! I run synthetic oil in engine and tranny. 0w-30 in the engine,and 75w-90 in the tranny. Helped alot with pickup and dealer put it in for me. I also run a aftermarket air filter, and took out the baffle in the air box. Put on different muffler, but not a cannon like all other imports, still quiet. I love out running hondas and fords and getting better gas milage in the process. Would keep this car even if I won the lottery!

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  2000 ECHO ECHO - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By CAJUNMAMOU - November 7 - 10:00 am

  BOUGHT IT WITH 80K MILES, THE BEST CAR I EVER OWNED BECAUSE OF THE ROOMINESS AND GAS MILEAGE. CAST IORN TOYOTA RELIABILITY ADDED CRUISE AND POWER DOOR LOCKS. GREAT FACTORY SOUND SYSTEM. A LITTLE SHORT ON PERFORMANCE EXPECTED IN RETURN FOR FUEL MILEAGE. 31 TO 37 COMMUTER MILEAGE (REAL NOT INFLATED) CANT WAIT TO SEE LONG HIGHWAY MILEAGE. MY DAUGHTER KEEPS ASKING TO USE IT AND SHE HAS A MIATA. HAVE AN ISUZU TROOPER AND LEAVE IT PARKED FOR USE OF THE ECHO.

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  best tall wagon bargin - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By littledude30542 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I liked the matrix form the first time I saw it. It had more features than other cars that I had been looking at. The car handles great and even thought its 123hp it doesnt feel like it. I like having the massive cargo space and the security of AWD .I only paid 18,442 and thats fully loaded .Im glad I got a 2004 b/c the 2005 is a little uglier. The car has also gotten its share of compliments. i havent had 1 problem

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  not a bad little suv - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Jody brad - November 7 - 10:00 am

  bought toyota after my husband had his truck for 18 years and he bought it used. it didnt cost us anything. i had a ford exploder with acutaly did explode. bought toyota after much research. i am happy with this vehichle although i too have had problems with stereo (had to be replaced), check engine light, rattle in my back door (took a year to be fixed finally) and other small things. I have had it 3.5 years and i would buy it again. I just hope the reliability I reasearched comes through for me till the end. Definetly go for the 5spd