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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  I love my new Tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By portac - July 19 - 6:00 am

  Ive had my double cab for about a month now. I really love it. It drives like a car. I especially like the power rear window that rolls down. I get about 16 mpg driving to work, which isnt great. But I didnt buy a truck for the gas mileage.

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  Best car I have ever owned! - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Glenn - July 18 - 12:53 pm

  Great car no complaints, I live in Tx and we have all kinds of weather. I can trust my Camry in 6" of snow or 3" water and even mud! Back couple months ago we had a bad snow storm that brought about 8" of snow and of course mud after it melted, got the Camry stuck in 4" of mud and after 5 mins she got out by her self! Great transmission and strong V6. I would buy another 97 Camry. I love this car.

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  Great Fun . . . Great Car - 2002 Toyota Camry Solara
  By lmb - July 18 - 11:33 am

  Actually I have a 2001 SLE Convertible, but aside from a few cosmetic alterations the car is identical to the 2002 model. Great car, and a lot of fun to drive. O.K., its not a true "sports" car, more like a cruiser, but it is so much nicer and more reliable than the Sebring. I looked at the BMW, Saab, and Volo convertibles, but opted for the Toyota. Saved 10k+ and have more room for people sitting in the back seat. Plus less time in the shop means fewer headaches.

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  my favorite - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By pseudogram - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is the first toyota that I have owned. It has proven to be a very reliable vehicle and has weathered this awful winter in the northeast without any difficulty. I frankly love the location of the instrument panel although I see some are not so happy with that. The only thing that I miss is a rear window wiper.

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  never buy pure internal combustion again - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By smoosh21 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I have not had one bit of trouble with my car in the first year. I get excellent milage and many positive comments on my car.

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  I now have 2- 4Runners - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rick Ayotte - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned and I have owned all domestic makes + other imports. I now have 128,000 miles on this 98 4Runner and the only part I had to change was the water pump wich had a minor leak. I still have all the original parts on this truck, including the brakes and exaust. What a truck!! I still enjoy the ride and with this mileage, still no rattles. This is a quality vehicle that I strongly recomend. I just purchased a new 2003, , but we are keepin this 98 model in the family; both my wife and daughter love to drive it. They both feel safe in it and love the clear view of the road ahead.

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  Awesome - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Stonylady - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for an affordable wagon-SUV-type vehicle to carry family, pets, and camping gear. Found it it the Matrix - a good compromise vehicle. Not quite an SUV - not quite a van, but roomy and affordable and of course of high Toyota quality. Comfortable, utilitarian and fun to drive. Good acceleration when needed - gas mileage in the high 30s. Pricing was surprisingly affordable for the quality and features. I would recommend it to any active family.

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  Love my Solara - 2001 Toyota Camry Solara
  By bab - July 18 - 2:00 am

  No problems - I have the oil changed and get my tune ups on time and put in gas and go. I have the V6 and love the power and smooth ride. Am coming up on the 3rd year of owning it and still love this car.

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  This car has some answers! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Stoady - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This car exceeds all my expectations based on thorough research before buying. It is comfortable, the most fun of any car to drive Ive ever owned (including 4 sports cars), and delivers on its promise to be friendly to our planet. The feedback via the center console screen has truly taught me a different, more responsible way to drive, and after 2500 miles, Im still learning. This ones a keeper!

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  2004 Toyota Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By john64dog - July 18 - 2:00 am

  So far, I find the Prius to be the best all round vehicle I have owned to date. Quality of workman ship is excellent, and have had no problems in the first 3,400 miles. Fuel economy has been in the 50 mpg range and is achieved with no special driving technique. Great car!