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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  My First Car I Bought On My Own - 2001 Toyota RAV4
  By Diana - November 27 - 2:26 pm

  What a fun car to drive! I have always been a fan of the manual transmission, ever since learning to drive on the Rambler with 3 on the "tree". Guess manuals are a dying breed. I was so lucky to get the 5speed in the gold color I wanted. Yes, I have the dash rattle, but it is very infrequent. Besides I always have the radio on so its not really a problem.

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  Very Nice Little Truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By jleg - November 27 - 12:06 pm

  This is my first Toyota and it is quite a change from my Ranger. It is bigger, faster, and gets better gas mileage. The back seat is great for my three kids and the leg room is reasonable for an adult. It could use a bit more brake, maybe rear disks. The paint has a great sheen and very little orange peel compared to other vehicles in its segment. The engine compartment is cavernous and there is actually room to work if you ever need to get to the coil/plugs or the alternator. Not like the shoehorned engine compartments I am used to from past experience. Overall I am very happy with the trucks performance and look.

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  Traded CE for SE model - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By hot se babe - November 27 - 11:53 am

  This thing is soooo fun! I traded a CE model for this 4cyl SE and its a biiiig difference! I hear people talk about the acceleration in the 4 cyl but this is my second 4 cyl and I havent noticed anything at all (and I drive pretty fast). Its still just as smooth a ride as any camry but now all I want to do is hit corners at 60 mph just because I can. I even tried the accord and the new altima and neither one came close to the camry se after you actually give them a good drive. Toyota is definitely the way to go no matter what model obviously. I liked my CE model a lot and but Im 26 years old and I love how people keep looking at me and my sexy car now.

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  The Best Car under $30,000 - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Palesq - November 27 - 9:36 am

  After researching and test driving all types of vehicles under $30,000, the Toyota Camry outperformed all other vehicles in its class. Looks, reliability, fuel economy, ride comfort, spacious interior: It has it all! When I told my sister-in-law about my Camry she was skeptical (she just bought a Honda Accord) and did not even want to see it. However, she had dinner with us and when she walked by the Camry she stopped and did not move for about 5 minutes! I could see a slight grin on her face that she tried to callowsly hide without success. For under $30,000, you wont find a better value.

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  2003 Matrix - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Dizg1 - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I love Toyotas. 3 of the 4 cars in my family are Toyotas, for they always seem to offer the best in service. I wound up buying the Matrix after being jerked around by other dealers, so my review is slightly biased. The Matrix has really grown on me. At first, I was satisfied with the looks and interior design, but delighted with the Toyota nameplate. Now, I am delighted with the entire car. I absolutely love the layout inside the cabin. I also find the the car to be surprisingly roomy. For a compact car, it seems to sit off the road enough, providing you with a more commanding feel of the road. All in all, I really like my vehicle.

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  Sports Edition for the Sport in You - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By northpolermike - November 27 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has the build quality and tensile strength to meet the severe demands of the harsh Arctic environment. In the v-6 variant, it has the horses and the torque to get its 2 + tons heading up and moving out. The VSC+Traction Control, along with X-REAS enhanced suspension and Multi-Mode 4WD makes for a great recipe of SAFETY & CONTROL. When you add to that HAC, DAC, and a great transmission matched to an equally impressive engine, who could ask for anything more???

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  Toyota Highlander - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By chucktown - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the V6 AWD with CQ,DR,FE,PE,PG,TO,UZ options as well as the distributors installed options:Carpet Mats and Toyoguard Plus Protection for $27,300 including taxes,title and fees.The Highlander gave us the benefit of having more room without having to get a minivan,the safety of the Camry (which this is based),the reliability of Toyota,and the price tag which doesnt break the bank.The ride is smooth even over bumps and RR tracks.The car is solid and sound when slamming doors.It is roomier between the driver and passenger seats than my Dads 4-Runner,and I would say has just as much room.A really nice ride and a really nice automobile.

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  What youd expect from a Camry and more - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Louis R - November 27 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased a new 2003 Camry LE, and let me tell you it lives up to its Toyota title. Upon test driving it, the acceleration and braking is very responsive. Steering and cornering are perfect at low and high speeds. The engine is great, as you cannot tell from the interior whether or not you have already ignited the engine. The interior features are just as rewarding. With the Conv. Package, gives you the added power seats, and 8 speakers sterio system. Its an excellent buy that you can count on.

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  Prius c Two - 2012 Toyota Prius c
  By fray1 - November 26 - 9:18 pm

  Recently purchased a Two and am extremely satisfied. Though it does not provide the quietest, nor smoothest, ride, I bought it for the gas mileage, and am not disappointed. I drive approximately 75% highway, and am currently getting about 50-52 mpg combined. Debated between a used Prius, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent, and Kia Rio hatch, and a new c, and am happy with our choice.

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  The Best SUV for the Money - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By dcross15 - November 26 - 6:51 pm

  Our 4Runner was purchased with 25,000 miles in 2004. It now has 171,000 miles and has required no repairs, other then tires, belts, and brakes. It is a monster in the snow, on the beach, and is very capable off road. With the factory installed towing package it tows my lifted Jeep Cherokee with ease. The 4.7L and an amazing transmission seem to give the car more power the it needs. I enjoy the way this thing drives more then most new SUVs. It still receives many compliments and comes across as a luxury SUV. The front seats could be more comfortable, and the seating position in the front is awkward. These things hold their value extremely well, and are well worth the money.