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 Car For The Price - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Randall Stevens - March 5 - 10:00 am

  One test drive at the dealership and I was hooked. I recommend getting the XR sport package with fog lights, moon roof, and the 17" alloy wheels over anything. The base model is missing some of the more fun features of the XR, while the top of the line XRS has the more powerful 180 HP engine. However, you really wont notice a difference with the added HP until youre at higher speeds (50+ MPH) and its not worth the extra $3,000 or so the dealership will hit you up for. Overall the Matrix XR is a great car and the reasonable pricing makes it well worth it.

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  one car for everything - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By ben alexander - March 5 - 10:00 am

  overall the matrix is not only one of the best values toyota offers, it is also one of the best values out of any mid size car on the market. where else can you get 53 cubes of cargo space, 36mpg, amazing handling, and most important, toyota fit+finish and reliability.

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  The Cadilac of Japanese cars - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Avi - March 5 - 10:00 am

  this an absolutly a great car. there is no other. mercedes or bmw cant compare. the ride, the convience and reliabilty are just exceptional. i suggest this car who wants luxury car with a sporty feel.

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  1st Time Toyota Buyer - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By Gushguire - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I got rid of my 96 GMC Jimmy and bought the RAV4. The 4-cyl. has good acceleration and nimble handling. Im dissapointed in the gas mileage--21 mpg in the city. Ive tried switching to an 89 octane with no better results, so Im sticking to 87. The rear headrests can block your view, so if you routinely drive alone, Id suggest removing them for the clearest view. Im tall--510" and there is plenty of leg room on the drivers side. Annoying rattle behind the glove compartment at speeds in excess of 30. Rear seats remove and reinstall with ease. Nice feature to haul around the dogs.

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  Hawaii 99 Camry - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Francis - March 5 - 10:00 am

  What I dont like is the left foot block on the floor. It causes my left leg cramps, and does not allow me to stretch out, especially on long drives. I removed it, and there is a stud on the floor, but, it is easier to live with. Otherwise, it runs like a champ, drives very well, and feels good.

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  1999 Camry LE V6 - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By rod81 - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 99 Camry for almost 3 1/2 years now & have almost 35,000 miles on it. I have never had any problems with my Camry & I am extremely satisfied. There are many mid-size family cars out there, but only few meet the high level of reliability that Toyota has put into this car. The only car that i like as much as this car is the Honda Accord. On the other hand, one thing that lacks with the Camry its engine. The engine could use more horsepower & umph. Also the quality of the components is not as good as its strongest competitor, the Honda Accord. But overall, I would definitely suggest the Camry as one of the best cars on the road.

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  Sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By nodefect - March 5 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle looks great ! The workmanship is outstanding, the ride is smooth and responsive unlike other full size SUVs. I drove them all (Explorer,Expedition,Tahoe,Denali,Envoy XL) None of them can compete with Toyota quality.

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  sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By will martinez - March 5 - 10:00 am

  After trying every vehicle in the segment , this is the one I know will last and will keep its value for years to come. Its like driving a car, smooth and strong. Its build quality is the same of a lexus.

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  Mileage, comfort and reliability! - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Don - March 5 - 10:00 am

  Have only had the car for one week now, but it is outstanding. The fit and finish is excellent. The ride and lack of road noise is astounding. Mileage is every bit as good as advertised. It is near luxury in every aspect. There isnt a better overall value out there.

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  Camry SE - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By rbowen - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I have today about 17500 miles on my 2002 Toyota Camry SE. I have never driven a car so hard and so long in less than twelve months. The car is everything as if just off the showroom floor. My Camry is just a notch above the base model SE with just the electronics upgrade and though unneeded, an ashtray. The interior is roomier than previous Camrys with plenty of headroom. The interior is tasteful and pleasing to the eyes throughout a long drive. Through my driving, the car is suprisingly quiet. Engine revving isnt the way to scare pedestrians in this car but the engine lets you sneak up behind them.