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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  Go Matrix!! - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By David - March 27 - 11:00 pm

  We bought ours despite all the reports that the steering wheel is too far away, etc. I am 6 4" tall, (wife 54") and I am very comfortable in the front and rear of ours. My wife and 10 yr old daughter love it too. Our gas mileage runs about 27 overall, but our first trip got 38.5 MPG!! Beats the minivan we traded for it big time. We like the cargo room and are very familiar with the Toyota reliability. We are pleased in every way with this car, even on trips. We highly recommend any Toyota.

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  Avalon is a bargain - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By I.barr - March 27 - 2:06 pm

  My Avalon has all the amenities of my Lexus 430 that I leased. This is not a "sexy" car but a workhorse. It has every gadget in town and 23MPG on highway and 19MPG city winter driving on regular gas.

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  Beats Nissan and Honda - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Eugene - March 27 - 5:26 am

  I bought this car the same week the 2007 was available. It drives well, better than a Yaris. Its cheaper than a HONDA civic, its cheaper than the ALTIMA. Think about it this way, if you are in the market to buy a car that you need to use for your family and for traveling to work back and forth this thing is AMAZING! acceleration is good, fuel economy is great, if i had to give this car a grade on a scale of 1 - 10, it would be a 9.8 for sure.

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Desert Lover - March 27 - 2:20 am

  The list is long and growing. My 4runner Ltd. is a joy to drive. The steering and suspension are perfect downtown or off-road. Its a 4WD dream with good ground clearance, traction control and height control. In handles soft desert washes, hills and rough areas with ease. The interior is comfortable, well appointed and high quality. I bought mine used, in excellent condition. It has the premium stereo, back-up camera and GPS navigation system. The sound is great, the camera is VERY helpful and the navigation system is addicting. I wouldnt have believed how much easier and safer it is to have this wonderful and feature rich device. I spent a little more and got a whole bunch more.

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  No wonder it is #1 selling sedan - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Jeremy Olive - March 27 - 1:30 am

  We traded in a crew cap pickup for our camry. We love the fuel economy, its smooth quiet ride. We average close to what the sticker said on fuel economy. This is a great family car, does great around town and on the highway.

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  Excellent Auto - 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By jcfrench - March 26 - 9:13 pm

  I thoroughly enjoy my Camry Hybrid. Local driving I am averaging about 35 mpg. Strictly interstate, about 42 mpg. Mixed interstate and state highways, I get 40 to 41 mpg. It is the first vehicle I have ever owned that gets better than estimated mpg. The 6 disc CD player adds greatly to the pleasure of driving this Camry.

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  Toyota out-does itself again!!!!! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Toyota Fan - March 25 - 7:20 pm

  I am a 21 yr. old male and typically you wouldnt see us driving Toyotas just yet. I just purchased a 2005 Toyota Camry SE 4cyl, and wow am I so happy I decided on the camry over the audi line-up. Thanks again Toyota

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  Love it so far - 2007 Toyota Sienna
  By Stan - March 25 - 3:33 pm

  Traded a 2005 Sienna. 07 is same basic vehicle, but theyve improved and tweaked lots of little things. Noticably more power. Tight and solid (so far). Very smooth, quiet, no wind noise, beautiful new dash lighting. Great fit and finish. Seats could use more thigh support. Overall we are very, very pleased. Gas mileage appears to be about 18 city, 25 highway. We both love to drive it!

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  excellent - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Melissa Hinzo - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This car has exceeded my expectations by far. I feel safe, have room for eight adults and dont spend a fortune in gas. My Jeep Cherokee V-6 uses more gas than my Sequoia. I love it, and would highly recomend anyone to buy this SUV.

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  Worth the upgrade - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By CarDude - March 25 - 6:53 am

  This car is worth the upgrade to Hybrid. I did not buy this car for its near zero emissions, the fuel economy was attractive but not the selling point. It is the extremely quiet ride and the performance between the regular 4 cyl and 6cyl is just right. The design and comfort of the interior are incredible with the standard Hybrid upgrades. Buy this car not only for its gas mileage, but for its solid quality, great looks, comfortable interior, and overall value. You will not be disappointed.