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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  Fallen In Love - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By DNBTOY - September 16 - 1:06 am

  Ive owned 36 new vehicles including Toyota so Im not surprised that the Prius is a top quality piece of machinery. I love the room it has, the ride, the handling and of course the outstanding gas mileage. I grin from ear to ear when filling up and figuring my gas mileage. Ive been getting 52 MPG in 70% highway 30% city driving. I dont feel nearly as raped by the oil companies. I highly recommend the Prius. Theres no reason this car couldnt be satisfactory for 80% of the population.

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  LOVED it - but watch for SAFETY ratings - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Kathi - September 16 - 12:10 am

  I had my Matrix XR for almost a year. I loved it and had only two minor problems that needed fixing (plastic piece on underside broke and my key would sometimes stick in the ignition). However, my car was recently totaled in a low impact (only about 15 mph) accident at a four-way stop intersection where the other car (a Jeep Wrangler) decided to proceed into the intersection after I was already halfway through. He hit my passenger side at a relatively low speed. However the damage to the side of my car was pretty extensive, mostly in the front passenger seat. I thank God my kiddos werent in the car! Just watch the ratings and get side impact airbags if at all possible.

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  Nice Ride - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Charlie - September 15 - 10:36 pm

  I just purchased this vehicle a couple months ago and Im very happy with it, especially on long trips. I was lucky enough to add leather interior and 20 inch wheels from a Tundra Pickup, complements of Power Toyota & Arizona Sun tops. It is very powerful and handles very well for its size, it is very quiet on the highway and the JBL system sounds quite well for a factory system. There is plenty of space for my music equipment and is also relatively easy to park due to its short turning ratio.

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  Fun Car-Great MPG - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Rick - September 15 - 1:23 am

  Only had my Prius 1 week but just so much fun driving. Only 220 miles so far and 49 MPG average. Still getting used to start button, driving for better MPG, etc., but having fun all the same. Cant wait til I get it broken in and get better MPG. Very comfortable, quiet and smooth ride, lots of storage places for all those items we cant do without, more room in back seat than we expected. Lots of questions from friends about MPG, features, etc., but they ALL like it.

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  just get it! - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By drew.fish@hotmail.com - September 14 - 11:52 pm

  Dont waste your time looking for something else if you want a true off road capable, comfortable, reliable, all around great vehicle. I bought mine with 66k last year have almost 90k now a year later. The only problem I had is the stupid owners before me bought the worst possible tires for snow. I went and bought some blizzaks and now its unstoppable in a Minnesota winter. I have never written a review for anything before. I freaking love my 4runner.

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  Great car!! For family with 3 kids!! - 2010 Toyota Sienna
  By Chris - September 14 - 3:46 pm

  I love my new Sienna! I have a fully loaded AWD Limitted Edition. Comfortable ride, and do not find it noisy at all as some others suggested...perhaps thats a subjective observation. I dont think Ill ever go back to an SUV. The GPS system is good similar to my Lexus. Disappointed that I paid for the all weather mats...they were recalled but Toyota did not replace with Standard mats.

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  Could be perfect - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By toyotalover4 - September 14 - 7:28 am

  We turned in our 07 Lexus 350ES and got this SUV. The feel and drive of the SUV is very nice inside and out as you expect such from Toyota. However, there are few things lacking to be perfect. I hope Toyota address them for the future production. 1. Memory Seat buttons for driver and passenger seats-It would be nice not to adjust the seat settings everytime you take turn for driving. 2. More sitting options for passenger seat-should be comparable to that of of drivers. 3. Wooden panel for window open/close button-overall, the car feels luxury, exept for this cheap plastic panel. If 1,2,3 are addressed, then this SUV can be called perfect in my opinion.

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  Great car!! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Faith - September 14 - 12:36 am

  I have to say that this is a great car!! I have always had a 2 door sports car but wanted a 4 door this time. The Camry SE still gives me that sports car feel with the 4 door I wanted. This car is roomy, very comfortable, rides like a dream and handles turns and curves very well. I would definitely recommend this car.

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  Love that Tacoma! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tracker - September 13 - 10:23 pm

  The car is very well built, fun to drive and easy to maintain. I like the bed material (carbon fiber?) that is stronger than steel, but rust proof. I like the oil filter mounted on top of the engine, which is easy to change. It is so easy, I am changing my own oil for the first time in my life. My MPG is over 20MPG, reaching 24 on some highway trips, but I do drive with minimal gas consumption in mind. I like the rear seat fold-downs for carrying capacity. The interior is car-like, not truck-like. The ride is a bit stiff, but it is a truck! You need a bed cover, a bed pad so stuff doesnt slide, and a ramp, and you are set to go! No problems after 9K miles. So far, so good!

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  Best 2007 Car Value - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Camry LE - September 13 - 5:30 pm

  Extremely comfortable with 3 separate power driver seat adjustments. Well designed cargo space with convenient cup holders and lots of storage. Good sound system. Handles well at all normal driving speeds. Roomy both front and rear seats.