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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  We Love It - 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By normiedus - July 24 - 2:00 am

  My family and I have traveled halfway across the country in our "Land Crusher" as we like to call it, and we have never been more pleased. The comfort and handling of this vehicle is like driving on air. We will never drive anything else, and we also have another one on order. Worth the price.

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  Im A Believer - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By James C. Harris - July 24 - 2:00 am

  My wife and need maximum fuel economy for our 70 mile round trip daily comute. Our new Prius started with approximately 46 mpg. After the break in at 20000 miles, we are now experiencing 50+ mpg on our daily comute. We are strong believers in the hybrid design. Our driving habits now are geared to maximizing our fuel economy.

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  Great car - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By mejulia - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I love my little car. It is perfect for all the work related driving I do. Most of my driving is on city streets but my Prius is perfect for the few freeway trips I make. Others are always surprised at how comfortable and quiet it is.

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  Great Car!! - 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By Erin882 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  SMT is a lot of fun to drive. Car handles great!

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  1 Quality Car - 1997 Toyota Corolla
  By Terry H. - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Toyotas Corolla simply cant be beat for a quality car. My car has over 104,000 miles on it and I wouldnt hesitate for a minute taking it for a trip across the country. I average 39 m.p.g. on the highway and 32 m.p.g. in the city. Not too bad for a 4 door small car. Its easy to park and manuver in city driving. Both rear seats drop for extra luggage space. The A/C and heater will simply blow you away. For long distance driving it can become a little cramped, but not terribly so. If you do the basic stuff to take care of it, itll reward you with years of cheap, fun driving.

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  I have two. Matrix 03 xr and 04 xr 4wd - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By My Trix - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever driven, I am a law enforcment officer and I have driven just about every kind of car you could imagine. The Matrix is a stylish utility vehicle w/sporty appeal. I love both my Matrix xrs, I just purchased the XR 4WD. I love the fact that it has ABS brakes and the 4WD. I am ready for the winter. This car handles and feels wonderful. This car is a pleasure to drive! I have gotten and keep getting so many compliments on my 2003xr, which I bought in july of 2002.

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  I own a Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Joan of Arc - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I own a Prius, and it works really well.

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  Fun to Drive-Planet Friendly - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Carole Schmitt - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is quality throughout and fun to drive. The base price is good and optional features are top notch. The milage is great and speed and pickup are good.

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  The only vurrent practical answer - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Len Budzen - July 24 - 2:00 am

  While so many millions are spent on fuel cell developement, production is still many years away -- if at all! In the meantime our dependence on foreign oil and the polution problem continues. Toyota is to be commended for their progressive thinking and activities aimed at resolving this serious situation. The big three have their heads buried in the sand!!!

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  Prius review - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By ShadowDog - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is the wave of the future. It is built solid, drives smoothly and I get outstanding mileage. Ive never been happier with my purchase.