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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  Best Damn Rig I Have Ever Owned - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By PugPapa - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Great comfort, better sterio than in my home, on or off road, it has never let me down!

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  Reliable but needs more soul! - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Freshman - September 13 - 2:00 am

  This is acaully me parents car that i will get in 2 years. It in ok car with good passing power except when you need to merge. Good gas milage, about 21mpg. Comfy interior but exterior design is ugly! Handling is ok but has improved from the new michellen tires. Now has pretty good traction in the snow. ABS is a very nice feature in bad weather driving.

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  timmytumbo says: - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By tmartin - September 13 - 2:00 am

  This is everything you should expect from a cheap 4X4. It gets the job done, but it is uncomfortable as hell. I have ended up driving it long distances from time to time, and I didnt intend to do so when I bought it. Still, I knew what I was getting, and have no complaints. Come on, its a Toyota truck!

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  Does almost everything quite well - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Abraham3 - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I like it, recommend it, would buy another. Matrix is 4-dr, Corolla hatchback . F seating is quite comfortable. Upright position gives good vis cept to rear where windows taper. No difficulty finding comfortable seating position (60" - leggy). R leg & seat room large for car this size. Long trips quite possible. Cargo volume and features excellent - 2 usable nets, tie-down rings and tie-down straps std. R deck hard ribbed plastic. 60/40 R seats fold flush & match deck. Will hold a stack of 8 2x4s with hatch closed. The 1.8L, DOHC Corolla engine is nearly perfect - excellent power curve. Surprising acceleration. Five spd manual is excellent.

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  Perfect Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Prius Lover - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Toyota have really put together a fine car here. I drove the 2002 Prius and, as other Prius drivers have found, that the 2001 - 2003 Prius lacked in a few areas. Well Toyota listened to these complaints and redesigned the 2004 Prius to meet and excede everyone expectations. I am very pleased with the preformance of the 2004 Prius and look forward to seeing what Toyota will come out with next.

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  Car of the year! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By felger5 - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Car is SUPER QUIET. Seating position is excellent,with excellent view of road.Car has adequate power.Excellent response to wheel. Excellent suspension.Rear window takes a bit of getting use to as to visibility.Toyota engineers are incredible! Get one if you can. You wont be sorry.High quality throughout.Cant wait to drive it again. It is my wifes car. I drive a 2002 Camry V6, also fabulous!

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  Great Truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By FordPhobia - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Previously owned 86 Ford Bronco(bought new). Got tired of fixing it all the time and I do mean all the time. The Tundra oozes in quality. The ride is soft and very quiet, engine very powerful, seats comfortable and good driving position. Under the hood it is a sheer enginering marvel, a home mechanics dream.

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  TOYOTA FAN - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By GOSTLER - September 13 - 2:00 am

  THE CHANGES FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR MAKE IT MORE THAN WORTH IT AND THE FACT IT OUT DOES THE "NEW" FORD F150 IN ALMOST EVERY CATAGORY DOESNT HURT EITHER.

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  So Far So Good... - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By rl4673 - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Traded an 02 Sport Edition for an 04 Sport Edition. No comparison. This is my 3rd 4Runner and it is PERFECT. Would like to see a little better mileage, but thats about it.. Bigger, Stronger and more comfortable than the 02.

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  Our first cute ute - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Joe Greene - September 12 - 10:03 pm

  We have thoroughly enjoyed our RAV4. We have been accustomed to much larger and more pretentious cars (Except for a VW Golf Turbo) and have been very happy with this fun and utilitarian vehicle. We are a little disappointed with the fuel economy, averaging 17 in town and 20 on the road. Not as good as our Volvo S80. However, the Rav4 is fun to drive, holds a lot of stuff and at this point is very solidly built.