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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  Reliable, High Gas Mileage Car - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By John Phipps - August 10 - 2:00 am

  My Echo is a great little car, which I paid $11,000 for one year ago. So far, after driving over 80,000 miles, there has been no unusual maintenance needed. The only things I have done is to replace the front tires and a pair of new windshield wipers, plus change the oil and filter a few times. My gas mileage started out just under 50 mpg and is now around 45 mpg (I need a tune up). My Echo is a 2-door, 5-speed with no frills. If you are looking for a low cost simple car that gets great gas mileage then the Echo should head you list.

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  Toyota Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By ymmat - August 10 - 2:00 am

  THis car hadles very nicely and gets great mileage. The front wheel drive is great for city driving and ok on flat snow terrain. However, it has very poor traction on ice and snow so traction devicds are a must. With the larger wheels, even the smallest/ tightest cable chains hit the wheel wells. THe interior is comfortable and appealing. The angle of the steering wheel is not ergonomicaly correct for a person 54". Visibility and seat comfort is great. Interior polycarbonate material scratches easily. My radiant red car gets lots of looks and copliments especially from the younger crowd.

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  Mileage of Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By TYhealing - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I very much enjoy my Prius, however, the average mileage is far below what they state. One can expect to average 40 mpg. Toyota dealerships now even acknowledge this when questioned.

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  Improved mileage and HOV too! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Huneybaer - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Although I am enjoying my Prius, there are certain things that I hope will be on future models. I like the hatchback and can fit many things into the back, but the split window leaves much to be desired.

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  Best Toy Ever! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Sellen - August 10 - 2:00 am

  From the GPS Map to the LoJack to the CD player to the (extra cost) 75,000 mile warranty, this is the BEST TOY Ive EVER Owned! One problem - This car brings out my EVIL streak! This last Halloween I was following my kids while they went out for candy. I turned out my lights and started moving up (in Electric Mode) behind a group of teens. They had the BIGGEST scare of the night when ALL OF A SUDDEN a Car turns on its Headlights & Honks its horn, RIGHT BEHIND THEM!! They Never Heard Me COMING!! LOL!! If youre even THINKING about a Prius, GO FOR IT!! :) d. s. ellenwood, Lodi, CA

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  I love my Matrix - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By kanndo - August 10 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive, good power

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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Uthier - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Great little car has comfort style and good gas milage. Doors are big enough to allow you to easly get in and out of,enough power for some nasty hills I have to climb.

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  Love My Toy - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By MomsTOY - August 10 - 2:00 am

  We have had 1998, 2001 and now the 2004. The best ones are the ones still built in Japan. The quality is better. Both our 98 and 2004, were built and imported from Japan, and they are far superior to the 2001, which was manufactured in Fremont, California. The entire car is better, the ride, the interior.

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  Our 5th Camry!!! - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By JG - August 10 - 1:22 am

  Toyota is up to their same old Marketing Story. They give it and they take it away. 2016 Is the only XLE Camry that I owed that is not equipped with Fog Lights( a safety issue), JBL sound system, Manual Rear Window Shade, Homelink. But it now comes with heated leather trimmed interior. It also has a nicer interior, but would also be nicer if it had more wood accents. The LED DRL are nice, but so were the DRL Tail lights on my 2011, now gone! Also the Cargo Net that was standard now is a add on as an accessory. Plus they use to give you a Leathette Folder to to your Manuals in that gone too.

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  Toyota Camry 2007 LE - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By colt149 - August 9 - 10:34 pm

  I bought this car 2007 Toyota Camry LE 4cylinder last Nov,2006. The car has a mileage of 45,000 . Unfortunately the water pump leaked and the drive belt tensioner needs a replacement. I went to my dealership and I was informed that my car pass the 5 years warranty. I bought the parts at parkway toyota: water pump:$175.00 drive belt tensioner assembly $387.00 + the labor of my mechanic. OEM of toyota is made by AISIN , the drive belt tensioner is Made in Canda by Litens. Todays Toyota car is not the same durability as the previous model. In the near future Iam better off purchasing Nissan or Honda car