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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  Roomy! - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By Suspar - September 22 - 5:08 pm

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  Great comfortable big SUV - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By William D - September 22 - 12:03 pm

  Suits all the needs of as busy household with children, pets and things to haul. Also spacious. Great accessories/features in the Limited model. Plenty of power and a smooth ride front and back make it a pleasure to drive long or short distance.

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  Tail Gate - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By pshartrand - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Its not the fastest vehicle youll ever drive but it may well be one of the best. Im ready to turn 100,000 and it still drives like a new vehicle. Its done alot of hauling and still has the original shocks and suspension. I had a problem with the air conditioner at 80,000 but the extended warranty took care of it 100%. Other than oil changes at 5,000, belt replacements, brakes, and one tune-up, this vehicle has cost me nothing.

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  Everything that it should be and more. - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By stillageek - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Matrix because I wanted something fun for weekends and stress reduction. My main mode of transportation is a company issued Pontiac Aztek that I drive to and from work. The Matrix, even the XRS, is an extreme value. It may look small on the outside, but can hold a lot of cargo. The 6 speed manual is great, but first time manual drivers beware there is a high learning curve. Due to the design of the engine (low torque) more revs are needed to take off from a stop. My girlfriends 5 speed 01 corolla is a cake walk compared to my Matrix. I enjoy the expertise the car demands. When driven correctly the rewards are plenty.

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  A Remarkable Value - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By traveler - September 22 - 2:00 am

  As a sales rep that covers Ohio to the West Coast by car (20 States) I "live" in my car. Ive had VWs Volvos and Saturns over the last 20 years and NOTHING compares to the complete performance package of the Avalon XLS.

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  Gotta have one. - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By hanglide - September 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Tacoma. My first was a 99, 4 cyl, 4WD, Xcab. It was totaled in an accident. Ended up rolling it at 55mph and walked away w/out a scratch. The truck’s design and construction saved my life! Bought a new 01, V6, 4WD, Xcad. Don’t have one complain about either. It’s great in the mud and snow with the right set of tires. I have accumulated 80K+ miles with both trucks and never had a problem with either one. Just have regular maintenance done. Can’t even complain about a rattle or squeak. I would put my money down another one without thinking about it.

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  Excellent Car - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By hellokitty - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Having own this vehicle for a short time has made me love it...really love it! Interior design is well built and exterior is up to date with present designs and looks like it will never be outdated. Acceleration is great, brake system is excellent, overall performance is just what I was looking for. The dealer was very helpful and able to give us what we wanted.

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  Toyota Corolla Super Driving Experience! - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By Patricia Nicely - September 22 - 12:30 am

  I have owned both a 2003 and currently a 2006 Toyota Corolla LE. I absolutely love both vehicles and highly recommend this car. It not only has an awesome design but is also great on gas and handles very well.

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  45 mpg gold mine - 2002 Toyota Echo
  By Carla J. - September 21 - 10:30 am

  I purchased this car because I was traveling 136 miles daily to and from work. I dont know how Toyota made a car that is so peppy (it made me feel 10 years younger just driving it) yet so easy on gas (45mpg). Its a small car but it rides great. The trunk room is unbelievable and if you need more room the back seats fold down. I love the simplicity (fewer things to go wrong with it). Ive added flames and white letter tires to spruce up the looks of it. I call it the little car nobody wanted because it had been on the car lot for several months and nobody wanted it because it had a manual transmission and the way it looked. Their loss, my gain!

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  Outstanding Daily Driver - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Marty B - September 21 - 5:03 am

  I was surprised at how comfortable and fun to drive this beauty is. The acceleration was also very unexpected. It is not a race car, but a fantastic commuter/everyday driver. I drive over 700 miles per week, lots in traffic and this car fills the need - comfort, quality, reliability, and gas mileage. Yes, you pay more for a Hybrid, but HOV lane driving and gas mileage make up for it in my driving pattern (plus low emissions). I have averaged in the 40s for mpg with a new car in the cold of the northeast. I am looking forward to the warm weather to see how high the mileage can go, probably in the low 50 range. All the technology is just icing on a fantastically designed and made vehicle.