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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  Good entry-level car - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By Ely - January 27 - 4:13 am

  Ive driven it for 11 months now. 2 months after the purchase power steering started leaking. I had to replace rack and pinion. Acceleration is very slow, but the car maintains the speed pretty well. My fuel economy is about 30 mpg with 80/20 highway/city driving. Because of the awkward rear design, I find it hard to see whats in the back while parallel-parking. The turning angles are too sharp for the car this size. This car also lacks folding mirrors and power seats. Anyways, I think Corolla is a good entry-level car to drive short distances in the urban environment.

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  Toyota Yaris with Power Package - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Astronskas - January 27 - 2:06 am

  I just bought this car and cannot say enough how much I enjoy this vehicle. The gas mileage is truly awesome and the handling is great. The only negative I have found so far is that the gas and brake pedal are a little to close together for a person with larger feet, but I have adjusted to it. Overall I am very impressed with the value for my money.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Philip Wylie - January 27 - 12:00 am

  Installed a trailer towing package and likewise installed an air lift air bag system for the rear coils and that made a tremendous difference and ride and handling, loaded or unloaded. Pulled a 2700 lb load 10 ft. cargo trailer to Dallas Texas and back like a breeze. At 105000 miles we did the first brake pad change and purchased premium high dollar replacement pads installed for $395.00 at our friendly Chev dealer. Toyota wants to rob you. Replaced the original factory crappy tires at 74000 miles with the superlative Goodyear Triple Tread Assurance tires (Nitrogen filled). This van handles like it were a Cadillac STS. Beautiful ride. Fuel mileage is consistent average is 28 down to 23.

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  Typically Toyota - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Larry Mc - January 26 - 11:16 pm

  Of the many vehicles I have owned in my life this FJ Crusier is the most delightful yet. Im 52 years old and enjoy this truck every time I drive it. After 13500 miles it still has given me no problems. Once again, way to go Toyota!

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  Great Car - 2008 Toyota Camry Solara
  By mrf777 - January 26 - 10:53 pm

  We shopped around for a coupe, and found that the Solara was the best car at the best price.

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  not so hot - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By servco=headache - January 26 - 6:16 pm

  Bought this car thinking it would be a 10 year car. It is now 3.5 yrs old and dont think the car will last past its 5th birthday. The transmission is sick. The dealer isnt the greatest (Servco Pacific). To get warranty work done to fix the jerky transmission is like pulling teeth. Hawaii is warm and poorly designed ac gets smelly. To put a redesigned ac to prevent mold growing, they are going to charge me $338 for a $270 part. Last time I checked, Hawaii is part of the US but according to the dealer, they are not part of the us and can charge whatever they like. Trim panels and rattles will drive you crazy. If you buy used, look up all tech service bulletins and get it fixed!

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  Engineering miracle - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Charlie S. - January 26 - 12:16 pm

  Best design ever from Toyota at a great price. Several years ahead of the competition. Top of the line model includes high end luxuries like leather, navigation, bluetooth, keyless entry, and rear-view camera. In 35 years of driving, I have never been more enthusiastic about owning a car. The electric motor assists the gasoline engine when power is needed and does not disappoint. Even with full time maximum AC, I still get 44 MPG which will save me thousands of dollars at the gas pump every year. Surprisingly spacious cabin and trunk for a compact car.

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  Very Disappointed - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Bob Burke - January 26 - 8:40 am

  The reason Ive given this vehicle such a low rating is it has left me in an unsafe situation more than once. Twice when I was trying to pull into another lane of traffic the automatic transmission did not downshift, but instead stayed in a higher gear and left me in a scary position with oncoming traffic. This is why I gave it such a low rating in the perfomance, fun to drive, build quality and reliability areas. During the first couple thousand miles the brakes would fade even during the first hard braking. They are better now, but it seems the me larger/better brakes are called for on the vehicle. Gas mileage could be better, but it seems to be improving with mileage.

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  NEW NEW NEW - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Matrixlove - January 26 - 1:06 am

  LOVE IT. What more can I say? Could use a bit more passing power but I dont want to give up the mpg. We got the automatic but I recommend the stickshift. If I had to do it over I wouldnt get the auto. It sucks too much juice out of the engine at high speeds. Otherwise I wouldnt change a thing.

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  07 matrix - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By gjens - January 26 - 12:50 am

  Might be a little under powered but a real fun car to drive. Auto, power windows, air, etc. I love hatchbacks, it has an extra wide opening and I can get all kinds of unconventional shape gear inside.