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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  underrated car of the year - 2003 Toyota Echo
  By slick rick - August 11 - 2:00 am

  The Echo doesnt get much publicity-- watch any Toyota ad on tv and you will see plenty of Camry, Tundra, Corolla footage, but nothing is ever said about the Echo. Too bad, because this is one heck of a car. Gas mileage is incredible, as is the ride quality and interior design. Great stock sound system. Interior is just plain cool with all the storage spots for your gear. All this for a decent price and the Toyota family name.

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  Best Vehicle I have had in years. - 1999 Toyota RAV4
  By Easteddie - August 11 - 2:00 am

  A pleasure to drive aound town. Noisy on the road and a little under powered.

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  A dream car - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By hmurphy - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used in 1996 and it has provided trouble-free driving ever since. I even used it to tow a U-Haul over the Rockies. Everything still works perfectly and it still feels new.

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  Matrix XR with AWD & with automatic - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Keith Vaughn - August 11 - 2:00 am

  This is a fine overall car. Automatic is dandy. Engine is too. AWD makes it almost impossible to spin out, amazing thing. The AWD and the automatic do hurt the performance and mpg, but you know that already and cant have it both ways. AWD price does include ABS, which is good, but still only drums on the rear, which are sufficient. The standard Goodyear 16" tires are peachy and the sunroof is a fun thing. Darn good overall car for anyone, although most will skip the sunroof and AWD in southern Nevada.

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  Toyota Matrix XRS, 6-speed - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Keith Vaughn - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I have the XRS-6speed & I have had more smiles per gallon with this car than anything Ive ever had. No need for a lot of shifting, as with the low gearing and close rations, you can skip 1 or 2 gears.Only car Ive ever had, where I cant beat the EPA ratings though. Its as advertised, so far, and although Toyota insists, my research, + personal experience, is that it does NOT require 91 octane, but 89, is much better for it. It seems to run slower and loses 2mpg, city/hwy, using 91. Runs fine on 87 too, in normal use. Only options are the 17"tires, side airbags, & stereo.The shocks, handling, brakes, seats, comfort, great!It is plenty quiet & smooth.

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  Satisfied 2001 Highlander Limited Buyer - 2001 Toyota Highlander
  By Kenneth Haney - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Wife is the primary driver of vehicle. 2nd Toyota to purchase. Previous vehicle was 1997 Toyota Camry LE.

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  A Must Drive - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By gb - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Purchased 03 4 runner limited, 4x4, V8 and Wow! I knew it was nice during the test drive but the more I drive it the better I like it. This vehicle is extremely well built and everything about it was well thought out by Toyota. The V8 power with the new 5 speed auto trans. is very smooth and it feels like an expensive, high end luxary car. The suspension is firm yet comfortable. If you think this 4 runner is anything like the old one, think again. If your thinking of buying an new car or SUV, this is a MUST drive! I love it.

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  awesom! - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By green thumb - August 11 - 2:00 am

  When I heard about the Highlander I knew I wanted it.I have been happy ever since.Handles shockingly well in snow and rain - abs & 4 wheel drive kick in and I dont have to worry about it.gas mileage is terrific,cargo area is easy to access as are the rear seats when you need to carry large items. enjoying the compliments on the color (bluestone metallic)and design. love this vehicle, way to go Toyota!

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  GOOD CAR - BAD DEALER - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By green thumb - August 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Toyota purchase. No problem there. The dealer gave us a great deal, but on delivery they claimed the vehicle did;t come with floor mats and they didnt provide a full tank of gas. it has taken us approximately 6 weeks to get a check refund to cover these items. This happened only because I threatened to report them to Consumer Affairs. It is hard to find an honest dealer. My wife had a similar problem when she purchased her Highlander.

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  Great - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By ROBERT - August 10 - 5:30 am

  I get better gas mileage than the sticker shows. 23.3 mpg in town, 27.1 on the road. I only have 1900 miles on it.