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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  Great Small Wagon - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By George - February 12 - 3:13 am

  I just turn in my leased Matrix, and it has been a great small car for me at the time when I lease it. It has a lot of room when the back seat and the front Pass. seat are all folded down to help me move. Great little city car. It was avg. for gas 33MPG traveling to and from work. Only one thing happened, the front right shock was bad when the car was first new and that was quickly replaced for free. No other trouble with the car. I just follow the book when to do all the services.

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  the car - 1999 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Zachary Clark - February 11 - 11:40 pm

  It is fast for a toyota. The storage space is decent in the trunk but you might have trouble getting some things in the trunk because the clearance isnt amazing. It has never not started. I expect it to keep running into the 300g of milage and I run it pretty hard into high rpm often. It can get to 60 mph in less the 7 sec. the interior is well built and looks nice but the seats dont last. Sound system is very nice and can be very loud.

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  Better than a Cadillac - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Pat Buckley - February 11 - 8:00 pm

  We are still pleased with our 2002 Prius and had to fly to North Carolina to get a 2006 when the waiting list in NJ was 10 months. Not sorry we gave up our Cadillac.

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  Missing refinement - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Buca800 - February 11 - 2:50 pm

  Solid but plain-Jane SUV. Excellent power train. Comfortable interior. Good layout of instruments and controls. However, it is missing on refinements in the interior. Leather is thin and cheap, wrinkles easily. Hard to clean. Dashboard finish is thin and flakes off if even nicked. Radio antenna is weak and causes poor reception. Too many functions on light and wiper pods, which are unlit and hard to work at night. Cannot see instrument cluster even in daylight conditions. My first Toyota and Im disappointed with the overall chintziness of interior finishes.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By 4HER - February 11 - 1:13 pm

  I bought this car for my wife. She had been looking at Sebrings. We have about 1500 miles on it so far and love it! Its smooth, stylish, and fun to drive. Its not an exotic sports car, but for running around in, its a great car. We get alot of positive looks and comments. After driving both the Sebring and the Solara, there was no question which was the tighter, more responsive car. Im suprised that there arent more on the road because at virtually the same price point, its clearly the better buy.

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  2010 Tacoma - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Don - February 11 - 1:00 pm

  I purchased my new Tacoma with high hopes that it would match up to my old 1992 SR5 Toyota truck. I am very disappointed to say that it does not. The steering wheel does not angle high enough to get out of the way of my knee when I shift. Come-on Toyota. The center console storage compartment should lift back, not to the side. I already had to replace my passenger side seat belt because it was torn. The gas mileage is horrible for a manual,(15-16). The engine is loud above 2300 rpm. The engine does not throttle down fast enough when you shift so you get this horrible whining each time you shift gears. I had much more storage in the cab with my 1992 Toyota. 250K with this truck. Not a chance

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  Exceptional Vehicle - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Funrunner - February 11 - 12:10 pm

  Second 4Runner purchased. Incredibly well built and drives like a sports car! Made a HUGE mistake in the selection of this vehicle model stereo. The first 4Runner I owned had the JBL Synthesis 10 speaker system in it and it could blow you away. This 2006, I paid no attention and ended up with the basic head unit and basic speakers. Thousands of dollars later, I have aftermarket.

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  the way to go! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By stevek - February 11 - 7:40 am

  i have owned the tc hybrid now for 4 months & despite a rapping sound coming from the driver a/c vent, it is a great car to drive. will bring the car into the dealership to have them correct this noise. fuel mileage, once i figured out how to go into battery mode has steadily increased with the current tank at 40+ in town. there really is not a thing negative to say about this car. i have been stopped several times by people wanting to know about it and go into it. never had that happen before. if you can grab one before the tax breaks disappear, do it!

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  mr2 review - 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By j h stancell - February 10 - 9:23 pm

  Superb handling on curvy hwy 129 in TN and NC plenty of pep in all gears. Good stability when making quick turns off hwy to another road. Responsive braking system.

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  GREAT TRUCK!!! - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By chops1413 - February 10 - 8:00 pm

  This is a great little truck that will get you where you need to go. Its a great looking vehicle and its got plenty of aftermarket options for any gear head looking for a fun time.