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:

• 

  practicality with zip - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Jeff Ritchie - September 26 - 10:10 am

  Its been two years since I purchased my XRS and it still runs like the day I bought it, and seems to perform even better (though thats probably thanks to new Falken performance tires). No mechanical defects, only regular maintenance. Its fun around town and even better on a stretch of road where no ones watching. For me, the benefit of the power switchover at 6000 rpm is great because it keeps me from being too road rage-ish around town, but rocks on back roads and highway passing. Fantastic muffler sound at all revs if youre into that sort of thing. Same avg mpg as my boyfriends 1.8l 01 (125 hp) Corolla providing I dont rev the hell out of it at every stoplight.

• 

  2002 Toyota MR2 - 2002 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Calhog - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Excellent gas mileage 34.4 Real fun to drive. Turns a lot of heads.

• 

  THe Ultimate "Toy"ota - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By Da_Guy_w/a_Celica - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The Toyota Celica is an awesome and fun car to drive. It is also ONE of FIVE Japanese cars know as "Pocket Rockets". It has a low price for anyone to buy. The gas mileage is very good to. It gets BETTER gas mileage than the Honda Civic. Sure the Civic is cheaper, but who would want a car they wouldnt enjoy. In the Celica you can have it in a low gear the on a cerve you shift up and it will rocket you around the curve.There is no possible way to be ripped off when buying a NEW Celica.

• 

  most reliable car owned - 1997 Toyota Avalon
  By Jeanne E - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This car might not be the most exciting car Ive owned, but it has been the most reliable and is still complelely reliable after 180000 miles and 8 years!

• 

  great car - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By lik@rpi.edu - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Purchased 2 years ago with 112k miles. Now with 136k miles, engine and transmission still runs great. Powerband and Gear ratio are where they should be. ECT works like a dream. Throttle response is great and engine is quiet. Handles awesome with Bridgestone Turanza tires. Gas mileage around 23mpg in the city, 30mpg on the highway with a gentle foot. Low maintenance costs. No major problems with this 8 year old car. Keep it well oiled and it wont give you any trouble.

• 

  Not a basic Econobox but some flaws - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By CA Kid - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have a 50 mile daily commute so when it came time to get a new car fuel economy was a priority. The Prius fits the bill I average in the high 40s. In addition it ahs lots of storage and room for 4 people corfortably (better than my old Camry) Its fun to drive, gets lots of comments. Down sides, the interior is too light showes dirt easily, The drivers seat is a little narrow. Steering at freeway speeds is a little twitchy, like having a sluggish joystick. Paint chips easily. Panic stops the brakes grab oddly.

• 

  Avalon Comments - 2001 Toyota Avalon
  By lfa - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Very comfortable and quiet ride. Lots of leg room in back seat.

• 

  My RAV4 - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Moira S - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have had it for a year and I ABSOLUTLY LOVE IT. It is affordable and it is very roomy for its size. It has great pick up for a 4 cyl engine. I feel extremely safe in it.

• 

  My very 1st Toyota - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Amy S - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my new 2004 rav4 on tuesday June 22,2004! I have to say in the short time that I have had it I am VERY happy with it..I cant wait until I get past the brake in period so my children and I can take some road trips this summer with it. I have wanted a Toyota ever since my mother bought a tercel back in the early 80s I loved that little car and always said that Id get on one day I would own one.I dont know what took me so long to switch over from ford and dodge!!

• 

  2005 Matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By KeyFrameGirl - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Its a fun sporty car that has plenty of room. It makes carpooling a joy. It handles corners extremely well and is a bit more zippy than the 2004 model. With the 17 inch rims and tinting its over comes its "soccer mom" association and becomes a slick sporty car!