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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  Harsh Ride Has Gotten Better - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By twocruzin - February 20 - 2:40 am

  No problems with this car in the 15 months Ive had it. My only complaint is the way it rides on those low profile tires (45s). I think I have finally figured out the best air pressure for the best ride at 4k elevation. Ive gone from the recommended pressure of 32 psi up to 35 and down to 30 and then 28. At 28, the ride was pretty good, but you could tell the tires were a bit soft as the handling was just a little mushy. Plus its not really recommended to go that low as the tires can heat up excessively and cause a blow out. All this said, Ive now gone to the other extreme and am running them at 38 psi, and this actually is the best yet. I think Ill leave them there.

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  Wonderful Car! - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Victor - February 19 - 11:23 pm

  This is my second Solara Convertible. First was a 2001. The car is beautiful, dependable, and always attracts attention. Only real downside is the rearview visibility. Rear window is too small and the rear seat headrests are too big.

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  My Camie - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By freeagn - February 18 - 7:03 pm

  The Camry Hybrid is still amazing me. Today I was able to pin the trip computer at 40 mpg on a 5 mile trip. I was able to coast and pulse for about 4 minutes. Still on my first tank with 400 miles and a 1/4 tank left. The computer says I have 105 miles to empty. The JBL stereo is great. It can hold my hold music library of 1200 mp3s on 6 cds. Im good for 60 hour road trip. I like the high drivers seating position. Its so quiet its freaky. I had to make a quick T entrance on to a 2 lane country road and was surprise with the acceleration. All-in all I couldnt be more pleased.

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  I love my ECHO - 2005 Toyota Echo
  By sue - February 18 - 9:26 am

  I bought my ECHO in 2002. It is very reliable. It has not needed ANY repairs other than normal maintence. It gets GREAT gas mileage. I can drive my car to work for 2 weeks on one tank of gas!

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  Silverado to Yaris - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By JP - February 18 - 6:26 am

  I bought a Yaris as a commuter car. I drive over 60 miles a day and was driving a full size Chevy Silverado truck. The fuel savings over the past year and a half have been over $2000. I can get over 40MPG on the highway if I drive at 60MPH. The interior is well designed and comfortable to drive. Turning radius is awesome. MP3 jack is a great feature. The trunk also has tons of room. The car is fun to drive and quite stylish for under $15K. No need to shop around just go out and buy one.

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  TOYOTA DOES IT AGAIN - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By blairway - February 18 - 4:23 am

  This truck is solid. Ride and steering is better than past versions. Interior is a step up from past Toyota trucks. Gas mileage is about 18 mpg so far.

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  Moving down or up? - 2010 Toyota Corolla
  By ExMR2 - February 17 - 10:46 pm

  Just totaled a 2001 MR2 Spyder and bought a new 2010 corolla S instead. I have driven normal corolla and wasnt expecting much out of the S model, but I was surprised. It was well rounded and much nicer. It is not by any means fast, but it does way better than you would expect a 132hp sedan to do. Overall the look is great, awesome gas mileage, and an unbelievably good interior for the price I paid (which I got one hell of a deal). If you are looking at one but the name "corolla" scares you off, give it a shot anyway, you might be surprised.

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  Worth every Penny and Dollar $$ - 2005 Toyota Corolla
  By Gordon Graf - February 17 - 7:30 am

  This car is more then what I expected, it is great looking and fun to drive. I have had many comments that it looks like a baby lexus.This vehicle has it all, great looks comfort and super gas mileage. I have owned many american made cars, but what impressed me the most was how solid this car feels and how great the fit and finish is. My american cars always had squeaks and rattles after the first hundred miles or so. I am looking forward to many reliable and trouble free miles. Way to go Toyota for building a well executed car. Heres to moving you forward!

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  The Best little truck I ever own (so Far) - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Trey - February 17 - 6:33 am

  I bought the truck used back in the day with less than 80K on it. It now has over 156k and only replaced the brake pads. I have overloaded this truck many times and even pulled trailers with a F250 on the back. This little truck does it all. I have the TRD package and it goes where ever you want it to go.

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  Great Reliable car - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By Crombie - February 17 - 4:23 am

  I like how many of the reviews on this car from people are negative since the issue with the recalls. If you go back a couple pages to before December 2009 you will find the truth. Over all this is a great vehicle. Its by no means luxury. but it gets the job done every time. My Toyota like many others got a new set of tires and brakes at 45,000 but who cares. motor and trans are still tight. Im sure I will see 200,000 out of this car. A great value and best in class for sure I had a 2003 before I bought my 2007 and put 286,000 on it without so much as replacing the alternator. I think battery tires brakes were it. keep making them Ill keep buying them.