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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  All Out A Celica Is A Great Car! - 2004 Toyota Celica
  By xcelicagtsx - August 17 - 10:00 am

  My experience with my celica has been great! It has great fuel mileage.... and I love the interior. The performance is great once you put your modifications on it. Thanks!

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  QUIT LOOKING AND BUY THE TOYOTA! - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By COLEMAN - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL TRUCKS FROM DIFFERENT MAKERS OVER THE YEARS AND BY FAR, TOYOTA MAKES THE ABSOLUTE BEST QUALITY DRIVELINE AND, I THINK, ONE OF THE BEST LOOKING SMALL TRUCKS ON THE MARKET. I HAVE HAD NO MECHANICAL ISSUES WITH THE EXCEPTION OF FRONT WHEEL ROTOR WARPING SLIGHTLY. FOR SOME REASON TOYOTA SEEMS TO HAVE AN ISSUE WITH ROTORS. THAT SAID, THE BUILD AND ATTENTION TO QUALITY THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE SET THIS TRUCK APART FROM ANY OF ITS COMPETITORS.

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  Matrix Loaded - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Matrix Loaded - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car for the money. I did a lot of research before my purchase. I bought the XRS version with all options except the navigation system. The car is fun to drive yet offers loads of interior space. Seats are comfortable.

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  The best 4-wheel-drive truck for the $$$ - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bechego - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a reliable 4x4 truck that would last at least ten years. This truck has now 30K miles and there is nothing wrong with it. I have taken it off-road a couple of times and have been very confident in it. It is clearly not a truck that you want to abuse too much off road though. After off-roading once I had to have the alignment done because it was thrown off. Even though the ride is somewhat rough and sometimes bouncy, the truck has very good handling and it is sure on its "feet".

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  First Toyota - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jon - August 17 - 7:50 am

  Have driven my 04 Tacoma thru blizzards and up mountaintops in Colorado with no problem. Have driven cross country very comfortably and Im 65. Love the way it looks. Glad I got the 04 and not the 05. Not too big, not too small. Have owned Rangers and Cherokees and there is no comparison.

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  Love the Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By William Smith - August 17 - 3:33 am

  I checked on this vehicle for over a year before I bought it. I thought it would be a good vehicle to buy. I drove it on two occasions prior to purchase. It has been much better than that. No problems, mileage isnt quite what others claim, but I am happy with 45 average. The car is full of goodies that others miss out on. It is a very good experience to own and drive. It does take a few weeks to get used to it, but when you do, you will love it.

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  Pleasedm - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By Kevin - August 17 - 2:46 am

  I have owned my Sienna LE almost 9 months now and as I approach 40,000 kilometers I have been very pleased with its performance, comfort, and reliability. As a previous owner of a popular domestic minivan that was in the shop every three months for repairs in and out of warranty, I needed a reliable car that I could take my family on road trips and not have to worry about the car lasting the trip. The Sienna has not failed me so far.

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  spyder owner - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By ann - August 17 - 2:26 am

  this little car turns heads every time, from young to old. it is a great conversation piece anywhere and a blast to drive. i dont know of any other car that packs this much fun in this price range

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  Great little vehicle, love it so far - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By pob138 - August 17 - 2:00 am

  Itll be two weeks tomorrow that Ive owned this car. The gas mileage is very good. I got about 380 miles out of the first tank (11.1 gallons) and I think that once Im more accustomed to it, Ill do a bit better (I had a 94 escort, so this has much better acceleration than Im used to). It drives better on the interstate than I thought it would with enough passing speed. Turning radius is tight, handling is better than expected and the ride is smooth for a sub-compact. Interior is roomy, Im 62" and have no problem with leg/head room, but it sits me a little too high. The cargo space is amazing for its size, having 3 glove boxes is nice. All around, Im very pleased.

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  All-around great car - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Dennis - August 17 - 1:23 am

  Ive had my LE for just over 12 months. Ive read several comments on the lack of comfort of the drivers seat. I have not experienced any such discomfort and I have painful arthritis in my lower back. There are several useful adjustments on the power seat. Also, Ive experienced no transmission issues as others have noted. Plain interior? Well, its a Camry LE for crying out loud. You want leather? Get the XLE. Id buy another LE in a hot second. Great car.