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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  Best car I have ever owned - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By M Case - March 21 - 10:00 am

  My 92 Camry SE V6 is the best car I have ever owned. Has 130,000 miles and is still in great shape. Extremely reliable. Fantastic ride on the open road. The SE body style is very sporty. Great paint job. I wish Toyota still made them like this. I have a 97 Camry that is no where near the quality of this car.

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  reliability with economy with quality - 1996 Toyota Corolla
  By JODASACA - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Toyota is probably the best car you can buy for the money you spend. I have the 1.8 liter engine in my Corolla. It give me good performance with good economy. My Corolla hardly ever needs anything done to it. It is the most reliable car I have ever owned. It sure beats the American car I previously owned

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  Love my Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Granny Stix - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I am one of those "senior citizens"... going on 63 soon, and love my Matrix! So easy to handle, and so very comfortable on both short range and long range driving. I have rheumatoid arthritis, and must say that the Matrix is so comfortable... we have another car, a sedan, and when going on long trips in that I find I am very stiff and sore. Not so with the Matrix! Have had a lot of people comment favorable on its looks... and love the gas mileage!

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  ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By hickoryhollowco - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I was one of the first people in my area of Southern Maryland to own this car, and let me tell you, it attracted some attention... and rightly so. I bought the car for my travels back and forth (college and home) which includes everything from extreme weather conditions, mountains (where they have tractor trailer run-offs) and steep grade inclines and declines. My drive also took me on the Washington beltway 495 during rush hour. I live and work with horses, art, road trips, and did I mention animals galore? This car has been able to keep up with me and I havent had a single mechanical problem to date. I find new ways my car tailors to me everyday with all the compartments and folding seats

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  Review! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By HCM - March 21 - 10:00 am

  It is a great car. It is very gratifying to save the environment and save money. There is plenty of power to drive the steep WV mountains on the interstate. I have plenty of passing power. I especially like the "blue tooth" key system. I can keep the key in my briefcase and never have to remove it!

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  my Matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By oak462 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been flawless since the day I bought it. I have not had a single problem with it. I have had 4 8foot in it and was able to close the rear hatch window so there is plenty of room. The driving position could be a little more comfortable and a little more horsepower wouldnt hurt but otherwise no complaints.

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  05 Matrix My Ride - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By The Finstar - March 21 - 10:00 am

  My 2005 Matrix is outstanding. The interior and seats are comfortable. The gauges are well positioned and well put together, good storage. The 05 Matrix has a great ride.

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  my review - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By enelrad - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I really love my car. I really havent found anything that i dont like about it. they have put everything in there and in the right places. when pulling a small motorcycle camper behind it, we get surprisingly great gas mileage too.

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  Excellent choice for multiple purposes - 2005 Toyota RAV4
  By KStrassell - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I love my Rav 4. Mileage is fantastic, well within advertised range. More power than you would expect from a 4 cylinder; excelerates well when you need to "punch it". Beats the heck out of driving my Tacoma; more practical for my circumstances with the adaptable uses: lug cargo AND people with room left over. I drive it; it doesnt feel like it is driving me. I feel safe with Toyota in general, but with this vehicle in particular. Excellent for those of us who are "vertically challenged."

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  Great car for the price - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By Babin - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful and very quiet to drive. Great gas milage. I get 23 mpg in the city and 29 on trips at a constant speed of 70 mph. The seat are comfortable and roomy. The truck is large and has easy access. I would recommend this car for families with young children and teenages.