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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  fun celica - 2003 Toyota Celica
  By Eryc - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Very fun car, at first I bought an 2000 Acura Integra Type-R but I didnt like it despite its pure performance, I had bought my mom a 02 Celica GT-S Panasonic Edition and it felt so much better just to ride in that car and it had some good features. I do enjoy my 03 GT-S quite a bit, superb handling which is really important, unique look, great interior design and comfy fitting seats. It is an overpriced vehicle with lacking torque but in balance it has good resale value and reliability which is more important. A downside to this vehicle is the blind spots, I can no way see out of my left rear window..

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  Matrix XRS = Stlylish, Reliable, & Fun - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Mike C. - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving the 2003 Toyota Matrix XRS close to 10 months now. It has been a great experience day in, day out. The Matrix XRS is a very unique blend of three Toyota models. The front end, suspension, tires, and engine is very similar to, if not exactly the same as Toyotas sporty Celica GT-S. It features the interior of the Corolla S fused with the Rav 4s exterior. This car has great handling, top-end speed, functionality, and comfort. I like making sharp turns and know that the suspension and tires will grip the road with confidence. Overall, the Toyota Matrix XRS is a solid purchase that is sure to please many.

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  Sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By John Buck - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Toyota has been problem free from the beginning.

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  A Great Truck (SUV) - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By JohnS - February 10 - 10:00 am

  So far it is what I expected... A great truck that has performed to my expectations. I only problem that I have had is that the A/C seized and the whole system had to be replaced on Toyotas nickle. It has plenty of room and seats eight folks comfortably. Performance is good for a big vehicle, could use a little more punch but does very well. I got the Toyota for its reliability and for its longevity... I dont plan on getting one for a while.

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  S for Sports or Superb?!? - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By japple - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased the 04 Corolla S and IÂ’m being pleasantly surprised by my purchase. Narrowing down my selection to the Corolla from four other makes was rather easy. Price, previous experience and happy customers were the main factors to pick the 04 S. After the test drive I was impressed with the acceleration, handling, and maneuverability of the car. The small 1.8 Liter 16 valve engine performs at itÂ’s best to bring the maximum satisfaction. The interior is simple but the workmanship is very proficient. The exterior gives the final touch to bring a small passenger car to the class of a sporty sedan.

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  Best Minivan in the World - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Chuck N - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Purchased on June 22, 2003. Have driven it for 2500 miles and completely love it. Drives like a sewing machine. Smoother than silk. This is no doubt the best vehicle purchase I have ever made. Although I feel $25K is a lot to pay for a vehicle, the Sienna is so much more roomier and powerful than last years and it actually costs $2K less than the 2003.

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  very satisfied - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By stemmer - February 10 - 10:00 am

  The Sienna lived up to everything I needed in a minivan. With a 7 passenger minivan, my family enjoyed the comfort of the middle seats. It drives as well as my Camry.

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  Excellent - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Steve - February 9 - 8:00 pm

  Purchased our Camry about 9 months ago, and havent looked back since. This is our first toyota and certanly wont be our last. Since owner ship weve put 50000kms on the car and it hasent given us 10 minutes trouble. The car rides beautifully and has no problem crusing at 90mph all day. The trunk is roomy, back seat has huge amounts of leg room. The city mileage is not as great as we expected, but highway mileage far exceded the manufacturers #s. The power of the 4cyl is right on par with other manufacturers. I would highly recomend this vechicle to anybody that wants a reliable, comfortable and roomy family sedan.

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  Love my new car - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Penny - February 9 - 12:30 pm

  I bought my Prius in April off the show room floor as I was working about 30 miles from home. I love the gas mileage I have been getting. Depending on how fast I drive, weather and weight, I have been averaging about 48-55 mpg. It is also fun to stop at the gas station and buy a pop instead of gas. I am not sorry I bought this. 2 of my co workers have also bought a hybrid as they were impressed with all the features, leg room, quiet, etc. Love it.

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  Its the engine, stupid! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By dwarn - February 9 - 11:16 am

  I debated whether to go 2006 or 2007, but when I saw the 3.5 V6 with VVT, and its impressive mpg projections, I was sold. Have had it for only 2 weeks now, but the ride is incredible, I am averaging 23.2 mpg in the city, and when I need to go, it goes! The new body design and advanced features made this more attractive than a 2006 Avalon, for several thousand less.