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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  Sleeper - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Mike - August 2 - 6:16 pm

  Hard to beat for the price. Awesome power for a V6 with great highway mileage. Handles very well on snow & ice (equipped w/traction control).

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  Truly a Pocket Rocket - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Pocket Rocket - August 2 - 6:46 am

  I actually received this vehicle as a gift. So far, it has been one of the best cars that Ive owned. It is a little sluggish on initial acceleration but what can I expect when Im averaging 40 mpg! Ride is great, sticks to the road, handles very well. Fabulous sound system. Would like to see a higher center console for arm rest and cup holder is great... if youre left handed!

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  The best small truck - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By jm - August 2 - 3:46 am

  Its not a big truck, but its good for hauling furniture, lumber, mulch, and still have some comfort inside. So far, nothing other than regular service has been needed, other than tires. Theres room behind the seat for a fair bit of stuff, too. Theres even a locking ring for a car seat in the Xtra cab, but I dont know - it looks like that might be a tight fit.

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  Love my Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By schatziq - August 1 - 9:30 pm

  This car is more powerful than you might think. I got two speeding tickets my first couple of months owning this car because you can be going 90 miles an hour and it is as quiet and stable as when you are going 35. Great visibility in it- no blind spots and the interior is very functional. Love my Prius!!

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  Great Car - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Scott F. - August 1 - 5:10 pm

  I have owned for a little over two weeks. 51.079 MPG on first tank, we live on a large hill and that drastically reduces performance. Center console rattles a little when closed. Love the hands free. Lots of power in PWR mode. EV mode only available once car is warmed up, then only up to 9 mph at first then up to 25 mph for short distances. Rear view is limited.

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  Wish gas mileage matched expections - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By Fay - August 1 - 4:56 am

  Overall, we love our car. We really wanted a bigger vehicle but could not justify the high cost of gas, not to mention this insane war. My Camry was 10 years old and I was waiting with baited breath for the Highlander Hybrid to become available. It was very expensive and my husband and I argued a great deal about it. Most people thought I was crazy to pay so much for a hybrid. I average about 23 miles a gallon. You really need to address this issue. I trusted you and am disappointed in my mileage. I understand that 23 mpg is good for a car of this size and weight however, the main reason I purchased it was because of the mpg and it does not live up to your standards.

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  New Platinum Silver luxo rocket! - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By John - August 1 - 1:46 am

  Love it! Wow, my wife and I purchased this after our 04 Armada, which had its share of problems but was overall a real nice vehicle for us for the last several years. The new Sequoia seems larger inside, yet fits inside the garage just a bit better, maybe because of rounded corners. The outside style takes some getting used to regarding the hood and front bumper. Without the front sensors, I wouldnt have a clue where the corners are. Between the beeping sensors and great quality rear backup camera, I havent hit anything yet.

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  Just an Awesome Car! - 2008 Toyota Matrix
  By angelofmusic5583 - July 31 - 6:30 pm

  I have been wanting a Matrix for the last two or three years, and I finally got one at the end of 2007! It is the best car I have ever owned, and it is so much fun to drive! I dont regret for minute buying it, and not only is is sporty and cute, its very comfortable! Im 54, but I have people who are over 60 tall riding in my care on a regular basis, and they all agree it is comfortable as well! This is my first Toyota, and I believe they have me for life now!

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  2004 Toyota Matrix XR AWD - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Lisa White - July 31 - 5:46 pm

  The car is very reliable and fun to drive. It took a while to get used to the seats since they sit very high. I do have 2 complaints; as trivial as they are, the latch on the compartment at the base of the gear box wont stay closed and the slightest bump in the road pops it open or it falls off completely. Second, when the windows dew up from the outside, you can generally roll your windows down and it would squeegee it off. Not with my Matrix; I have to stop the car and get out and wipe off the side windows so I can see; otherwise, I have to roll the windows down. Aside from that, I have no complaints and would recommend this car to anyone

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  Car of the future - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Trendy Car - July 31 - 3:23 pm

  I feel the design of this car had the user in mind, first and foremost. In every detail, from lighting logistics to maneuverability the thought was to make it easier for the driver.