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:

• 

  Great Car for the money - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By uroberto - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I got the car in late April and so far no problems. I love the build quality and the redesign of the Camry. The trunk is big for a sedan in its class. The car was a good value for me(around $22000)with the curtain air bags, the cargo/carpet mats as the only options.

• 

  Smooth As Silk! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By hawks1 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Very impressed with this car. For $21K, its an excellent value. The new 4- cylinder engine and auto tranny are tremendously smooth and responsive. This car drives and handles like a much heavier car. Interior ergonomics are wonderfully efficient and the interior and exterior design are very attractive. Highly recommend this car.

• 

  Fun to drive, some utility, good on gas - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Steve - January 9 - 4:16 pm

  1800 miles so far. Fun to drive. Feels like a sports car. Great for utility. Only slightly smaller in back than my 4runner. 2.4L engine is great but reduces mpg. I get 30 highway. 35 would be more to my liking. Its worth it to me so far though. 5-speed manual is fun but needs one more gear on the high end. A 6th speed (extra overdrive) is what it really needs. That would gain a few mpg and reduce revs on highway. This engine could handle it. Gas pedal seems to be on wrong angle for me (6 and slim). Right foot hurts if I drive highway too long. Always get a nice greeting when people see it, esp younger. It is a slick looking car. Clutch was jumpy for first 1000 miles, ok now.

• 

  Great Economy Car for Hard Times - 2010 Toyota Yaris
  By boydoo - January 9 - 9:36 am

  This Car has everything we wanted. Reasonable price, and great gas mileage for a non Hybrid. It is a solid, well built car with Toyota reliability. My wife being short, loves the tall driving position as she can finally see the road. We adapted quickly to the center mounted gauges. Not an issue for us. I have to laugh at most of the professional reviews I have read. They live in different world than people who want cars in this segment. They test like we have the peddle to the metal from every stop light. The car has plenty of power for everyday commuting. And the ride is good, and the car runs very smoothly. Even with the Power Package this car seems simple. We love this car.

• 

  Really Like It So Far - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By abui - January 8 - 4:00 pm

  Just bought a Sky Blue version with the upgrade package and leather added. It has really gone well so far and am pleased with the purchase. It is amazing how quiet the car can get at idle. One thing that I found difficult was the key fob. Was never sure if the door was fully locked or not. I can test it, but it shouldnt come to that. The build quality is very good, although it is definitely a step down from our Lexus RX 330. For example, I can see slight gaps between the plastic and the fabric. Overall, it is a nice looking car with excellent fuel economy and can fit the family needs.

• 

  Great Truck - 2009 Toyota Tundra
  By Ryan Harris - January 7 - 10:52 pm

  This has been and still is a great truck.

• 

  great truck - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By john in whitestone - January 7 - 9:30 pm

  cant beat the power and sounds coming from the v8. step on it and it will go, at any speed. nice blend of off road and on road abilities. very comfortable and quiet ride. great for cruising the hws.

• 

  Great truck - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By jsnaked - January 7 - 7:00 pm

  I had a 2002 Honda CRV and was happy with it but I could not go on the beach. I just bought the 2005 SR5 $wheel drive and can say tha it drives better than the Honda. The truck get over 20 mpg, what a surpise. I did test drive a few other trucks but I like Toyoutas reputation and quality of build. This is more truck than car and that was another determing factor. If I want a "car like ride" I would buy a car.

• 

  Love My Toyota Camry Hybrid! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Julia S - January 7 - 6:53 am

  I am very happy with my car! Averaged 42 mpg on a trip to Seattle. Currently at 37 mpg around town. I was driving a Lincoln Continental, so size wise it was a big change. I hardly miss the big car now! Highly recommend this car. I read reviews here before my purchase.

• 

  Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4 Access Cab - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By BlueTacoMan - January 7 - 4:33 am

  Performance: Performance and handling is great. Has plenty of power. Driving the mountain pass had no problem passing the big rigs even towing. 4x4 handled the snow well. The electronic transfer to 4x4 is smooth. Interior: Quality throughout. TRD seating is very comfortable. AUX jack is a bit awkward in placement as the flap that covers it gets in the way. The sub woofer is a plus. B/U camera would be nice to be able to use when not in reverse. Exterior: The TRD Sport comes with a stylish hood scoop. The 17" TRD wheels and tires are stylish and handle well, especially in the snow. The composite bed is a plus as you dont need a bed liner, but is slick so cargo tends to shift and slide.