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:

• 

  Best SUV I have ever owned - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By paul171 - January 22 - 6:43 am

  This is my 3rd SUV, previously owned a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee and a 2002 Dodge Durango. The 4Runner is far superior in ride comfort, reliability, resale value, and fuel economy. This is the quietest vehicle I have ever owned, even more quiet than a 97 Acura 2.2CL I had a number of years ago. V6 has plenty of power and I am averaging around 19-20 MPG in town. I really like this SUV and would recommend it to anyone in the market for a reliable and sporty alternative to the larger SUVs. Dont buy anything before you drive this Toyota.

• 

  2007 Toyota Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Rob - January 22 - 4:06 am

  I bought my 2007 Camry LE about 1 year ago, and put 23,000 miles on it. I loved every minute of driving this car! I have had no transmission issues or rattling, the comfort and ride of this vehicle felt to me much more high end then what I had paid. I loved the car so much that I traded it in already to buy the SE 2.4 liter version of the car, and boy I love this car even more! The interior feels that of a Lexus or BMW and the exterior is an eye catcher. I have owned it for a week and have already been complimented on the car a half dozen times on its looks.

• 

  Love this car - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By tharing - January 22 - 2:00 am

  From the moment I saw it I wanted it. I havent been disappointed yet. Lots of fun to drive and handles well. Not much of anything bad to say except it could be a bit more sound proof. Outside noise when driving on the highway isnt very good. Noise reduction hopefully in 2005 will improve.

• 

  A good Deal - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By sunbunny - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Only three problems--noisy on the highway ; that lower front "thing" gets scraped easily on its underside becasuse its so low; red dash lights sometimes make it difficult to see numbers when it is sunny.

• 

  Move to the future of cars! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Wayne - January 22 - 2:00 am

  My MPG has been rising steadily after breaking in, and with the recent warm temperatures in California, my average is about 51 to 52 MPG. Superb! The car makes traffic and filling up enjoyable. Also feels good to know your car is cleaner than just about everything out there.

• 

  A Brilliant Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Jason Siegel - January 22 - 2:00 am

  A brilliant car. Fully-featured and the most technologically advanced automobile to date. Toyota thought of everything, plus a few surprises. The biggest hill is defeating the myth and establishing the truth. Wait 10 years and the highways will be near silent. --Jason of greenhybrid.com

• 

  Hybrid Excellence - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By macman - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Acceleration amazing. Comfortable seating, very roomy. Of course great gas mileage and no emissions.

• 

  2004 Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By vl39 - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Great car with outstanding technology.

• 

  Perfection - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By R. Edward Connolly - January 22 - 2:00 am

  More than I ever expected! Fantastic gas mileage, great performance, very comfortable, great ride, lots of room. Have not had one bit of trouble with this car and dont ever expect to. We need more hybrids on the road...come on Detroit...lets catch up!

• 

  Fantastic Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By BRT - January 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun to drive, super reliable car. It has great acceleration and fuel economy. It takes mountain passes at speed, passing many larger, more powerful vehicles. It handles very well and is just downright a kick to drive. It beats the comfort of my SUV and BMW. I love the techy aspects, but non-techies will love it to. It is environmentally positive. This is a fantastic car. As Nike says, just buy it.