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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  very impressive - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By bill newlun - May 15 - 10:00 am

  this car was very cool and a delight to test drive i enjoyed it very much handle great ,a lot of comfort for a small car every body must test drive this car the price is right on the money ,this is what i call a trip car for the gas mileage

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  6 cyl ......the only way to GO - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By camry red xle - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I love driving my camry...I owned rav 4 and celica and sporty is my style but the camry has been the Best..I gave up sporty for reliablity. My sport car is a volvo convetible. two GREAT car choices I am Happy with..

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  keeps on going even through mud and high - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By ajjr - May 15 - 10:00 am

  never stops running even in blizzards,floods, muds, and as for pulling others out of mud bogs diff lock works great

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  so far so good - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By TexasAggie04 - May 15 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great truck so far. The window sticker said mileage would be 16-19 MPG and that is about right for me. I probably average about 18 and can squeeze over 20 if I drive 65 (night-time limit). Overall build seems solid and the truck rides well on-road and off. Dont buy it if you want V-8 power though, the 6 cylinder just cant deliver as much juice. Maybe with that TRD Supercharger...

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  test drove and it was awesome - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By bill newlun - May 15 - 10:00 am

  i could not get over the ride of this vehicle it was very smooth to ride in, quit, comfortable, roomy ,drove very well,seem impressive on hills and road driving,i would say if i could afford this highlander i would buy it , but the price is a little steap, and the payments would keep youbusy and there would be no play time or vacation fun just work until its paid off ,

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  Transmission requires help - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By spectre - May 15 - 10:00 am

  My major complaint is an unfortunate lack of power when de-accelerating. For example when slowing down from a highway off-ramp to take a right turn. If you do not come to a complete stop, the transmission does not kick down and you get no acceleration till you stomp on the gas pedal. It is a bit scary when you are tryng to beat on-coming traffic. With the added cargo space in the back, filling up the van with 8 passengers and luggage taxes the rear suspension and driving is not too pleasureable!

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  Roomy and sporty! - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By nwpassages - May 15 - 9:23 am

  I had a Nissan Pathfinder for 16 years and I was terrified of buying a new car when I had such success in the past. This is the perfect car for someone who needs cargo space, AWD and decent gas mileage. I have been absolutely pleased with it from driving around town to long road trips.

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  2004 Toyota Prius Review - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Mike - May 15 - 4:46 am

  Great car, an extinction level event for the rest of the industry if they dont move fast. This is a product that is transformative, one that changes your expectations about the entire automobile universe. Case in point is the fact that the computerized control system shuts down the engine when you stop at a light, while the air and radio play on. Why any automobile should have to burn gas while it is not moving forward is a mystery unexceptable trait. The weight distribution is great the handling is nimble, this is one great car!

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  Stay Away, Bad Brakes - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By TundraBummer - May 15 - 4:20 am

  After about 6000 miles the truck started shaking when I stopped. I took it back to the dealer who did a complete brakes job. It drove great for about another 8000 miles then started shaking again. In total, I have had 3 new rotors, 2 new drums, 2 new front calipers, including the last time when they installed the updated brakes, just before the warranty ran out. now it still shakes when I stop. The dealer tells me there is nothing htey can do, since it has all the latest updates for the brakes. Also, the exhaust manifold leaked, and the check engine light has been on 4 seperate time for various emission problems that have totaled over $900.

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  Like a rock - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By richard randall - May 15 - 2:53 am

  Sorry, couldnt resist the title but this thing is built like one. Quiet, comfortable, lots of power in the V6 with good gas mileage, I get around 22 mostly in-town driving. Its a sweet ride!