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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  As good as it gets. - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Neo - January 12 - 10:06 pm

  If youre looking for the most car for your money, then look no further than the Toyota Avalon. To get all the features that you get in this car is unheard of. A 280 hp V-6 engine that still gets 31 mpg on the hwy? Air bags galore? Reclining rear seats? WOW. This car blows the doors off of the Infiniti that I was driving.

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  Toyota package III - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By D Hanks - January 12 - 6:50 pm

  I have had the Prius III model for a month now and have put 550 miles on it. When I got it it had 2 miles on it but since it was being shown at the dealership it was already averaging only 35 MPG because of all the features being shown to people with the car and AC running. Since then I have bought the average up to over 47 MPG so I think it should easily do 50+ MPG. The leg room is phenomenal for a small to mid size car. That is why I chose it over the Insight. I am 6 ft 3 and I actually have to move the seat up a bit. My wife and I both enjoy driving the car.

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  I love my 4Runner - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Logan Wild - January 12 - 4:40 pm

  I have only owned my 4Runner for almost 6 months and have only driven it for 3 months but I love it so far. Its so comfy and has no blind spots and the leather seats are so comfortable.

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  Rugged and Luxurious - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Powrbruh - January 12 - 2:03 pm

  I test drove the 2005 Limited 4x4 V8 last night, and I fell in love. The V8 took off like a rocket and I was very impressed. I will be purchasing one very soon.

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  Plush economy - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By buzz127 - January 12 - 12:06 pm

  I have owned this TCH for 11 months and have nothing but praise for it and its features. After struggling with the owners manual for the first week (running out to the garage at 1 am to try a new found gadget), my wife and I now use every gadget in the auto. Our gas mileage has been less around town than advertised, however, on a trip, with the cruise, we average 42. I drive as I always do and have not changed my habits to get a few more m/p/g. We are having a slight problem with the bluetooth, however, I dont know if it is my phone or the car system. This car is a dream to drive and own. I would like memory seats and 2 setting seat heaters (they get mighty hot). Nav system is great.

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  60000 Mile Review - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By DanB - January 11 - 5:53 am

  I bought mine new in 2004. I have not had a single mechanical issue with the truck. An improperly tightened gas cap triggered a check engine light several months back, but it cleared itself. This truck has good low range power. I have had 1200 pounds of hardwood floors in the bed and have pulled a 21-foot Ranger boat with it. It pulls better than my previous full-size Bronco, but doesnt have the mid-range or top-end of other trucks. It works well within its rated capacities. I average 21 mpg, but this is because I dont drive hard. If I drove like most traffic, Id get the advertised 18 mpg. The comfort of the seats was absolutely terrible and I have replaced the seats which helped.

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  Love my Convertible! - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By buckeyegirl - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I had always wanted a convertible, but I wanted one with a back seat that had some style. I looked at a few, and fell in love with the Camry Solara as soon as I saw it. It is so much fun to drive, and a year later, Im so glad I bought it. Im just sad that they discontinued the model!

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  04 Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By SaraInMA - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my first new car and I love it. I also looked at the Corolla and Saturn Ion. I chose the Matrix because it gave me all of the room of an SUV but with the costs of a car. It is really fun to drive and I find it very versitile. Make sure you get the "weather" package to get the rear window wiper if you live in a snowy area since it doesnt come standard. I really like the feel of this car, Im an average height person and can see easily out of all of the windows. I love my car!

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  Great so far - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By eightdotthree - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I am really enjoying my new Matrix. I have driven it over 1000 miles now, in the city and on the highway and its been great. Everything that is said in the reviews is spot on, even their complaints (which arent enough to make me dislike the car.) The highway performance is better than I expected from the reviews however.

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  Great car! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By jshindler - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is great! Its fun to drive, accelerates nicely, and is quiet as can be. I consistantly get 45 miles to the gallon (which isnt quite what they say, but how do you argue with such a high number?).