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:

• 

  95 Camry - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Ms Toyota USA - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Its only a 4 cylinder, but boy, does it have power. The gas mileage is great! The color.... it hides dirt very well!

• 

  Love This Thang! - 2003 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Rumberger - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Fabulous. Style to the max. Hugs the rode with determination. Great pep. Comfortable. Best leg room in the back seat of any others on the market. Roomy trunk space. Feel like a million bucks at a fair price.

• 

  I LOVE MY CAR! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Sarah Lee - March 8 - 2:00 am

  First let me thank all of YOU who have posted on this board, both the negative and positive comments. I have been looking for a vehicle for the last year. This message board definitely helped me make the decision to buy a Toyota Matrix. I used to have a Daewoo Lanos (BIG MISTAKE!!!!! - but lesson learned), and Courtesy Toyota (Winter Park) not only help me out of this car but got me into my new automobile.

• 

  Cant beat the Matrix - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Esemtee - March 8 - 2:00 am

  After months of looking over the various CUV models out there, we finally test drove our Matrix XR. Wow, we fell in love with this car instantly. Since this was replacing the 94 Mercury Tracer that my wife bought brand new, she test drove it first. As soon as we got back to the dealer, and the salesman answered a few questions of ours, my wife said "well take it". It has all the features we wanted plus some extras that were thrown in, for an unbelievable price. That first week we owned it, we showed all of our family and friends. There was an emphatic "wow" from all the people that we took it to.

• 

  04 Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By jvwright - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I was surprised at the power the Prius had when I needed to pass someone on the highway. I made a number of passes on a curvy two lane highway with no problems. My gas mileage is around 47 mpg, which is good, but less than I expected. The new Prius is fun to drive and attracts a lot of people with questions about its performance.

• 

  My 2000 Toyota Corolla - 2000 Toyota Corolla
  By marmaple1 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  very comfortable car. I take many short trips and always enjoy the ride.

• 

  Love My Car - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By yesenia - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I love the car very much. But as far as changes the seats can be a little more comfortable and when i want it to go fast i really have to step on it to go its not with the slitest touch but it still goes when it does and i love my car.

• 

  This Truck Smells!!! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By aimalah - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I used to own a 99 4-Runner and it was the best truck I ever had. I traded that one in for the 2003 and what a mistake! The car smells like rotton eggs when I step on the gas. They claimn its the gas in the 2003 vehicles. I doubt it. My husband drives a 2003 Mercedes and he has no smell. I tried the Lemon Law and Arbitration. No luck and now I am stuck. Would never buy another Toyota again. I should have kept my 99 4- Runner. Best truck in the world.

• 

  Toyota Certified Means Nothing - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By remerson - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a Toyota Certified 2000 Camry. $300 worth of car trouble later, I am afraid to drive it anywhere. I cant figure out what they certifiy. I couldnt have been my car. Though the ride in more smooth then a corolla, seating in the back is still terrible.

• 

  4 runnner 2004 sr5 - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By babyv - March 8 - 2:00 am

  this car handles well and is very easy to drive best of all it was about time toyota made a 4runner with a third row seat