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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  Better than 50 MPG...Really! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By James Swisher - April 9 - 10:43 am

  It is hard to get less than 45 MPG. Yes, you can if you tromp the gas at the stoplight and race up the steep hills. But for us normal drivers, 50 miles per gallon is a given. It sounds like a golf cart (ie. nothing) backing out of the garage. It shuts down the engine when you cruise at 55 and you are on level ground. It will cruise at 75 if you want it to. It shuts down the engine at stoplights. It RECOVERS ENERGY when you step on the brake. What an idea!

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  I LOVE MY ECHO - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By LOVEMYECHO - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I acturaly have a 2000 Echo that I bought used a year ago and could not be happier with it. I filled up today and got 34 MPG on my last tank of gas. When gas is $1.99 a galon that is a life saver! It is extremly reliable. There are tons of storage compartments inside and a very large trunk. I have driven midsize cars with less space than this little echo because the echo is so well designed.

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  Love My Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Susan Weir - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I didnt think I could find a vehicle with SUV space and economy car mileage but the Matrix has both. Its fun to drive, although a little slow to accelerate. Passenger room is generous and the seats fold down easily to fit lots in the back. Im glad I got the 5- speed because my kids cant borrow it!

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  Its a great car - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By drews72 - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought mine right when they came out and I have driven the hell out of it. I havnt had any problems and routine maintenance is all Ive had to worry about. I definitly recommend a Matrix is your a communter like me.

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  prius delivers - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By berylrb - April 9 - 10:00 am

  The leg room is great! The cruise works and delivers performance, lots of hills for us. It certainly is a screaming 4 cylinder so dont think to push the engine like a V8.

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  Great car will last a long time! - 2001 Toyota Corolla
  By irish1280 - April 9 - 10:00 am

  My parents bought me a brand new Corolla a few years ago to get me to school and work. They said I could use it while I was in college, and after graduation I could either turn it back over to them or keep it and pay them back, but I cant imagine ever parting with my Corolla! The reliability of this car is outstanding for a young, single woman who doesnt know anything about cars. As long as you maintain it well, your Corolla will never let you down. I get well over 300 miles per tank, and I have never had it in the shop. I would definitely recommend a Corolla to anyone looking for a mid-sized commuter car that gets great gas mileage.

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  Toyota 4WD SUV - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By rnowell - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle has run flawlessly since new. No defects found. Engine very smooth and excellent performance.have used in cold climate (Pacific NW) and in warm climatr (Houston, Texas). Heating and air conditioning are fine.

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  Nice Car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Streeter - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for my wife to drive. She toattly loves it. I am 62" and I fit in it comfortably. We havee the LE with cruise and the winter package. Toyota does a nice job with the features standard with the LE. SO far we are very happy with it. I considered a Focus and a Civic. The Civic was about a $1000 more and the Focus with $2500 rebate would have been about $1000 less. Overall I feel this was the best deal given the price and the realibiblity I expect from it going forward.

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  great gas saver - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Larry Beach - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with my Corolla so far, plenty of power with the 5-speed. It is a very smooth riding car. The best thing to me is the mpg. I am getting between 41-47 mpg!

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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By CodeKat - April 9 - 10:00 am

  The Corolla is an all around great car. Great styling inside and out, great gas milage, great ride (even on Pennsylvania roads), I love it. The up hill acceleration is a bit slow, but still a bit better than my 96 Neon. I spend about an hour and 40 mins driving my car every day, so i know what I am talking about.