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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  Previous 94 Owner - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By beep beep - July 28 - 10:00 am

  I love the redisigned style. Compared to my old 94 Corolla, its a really nice change. Im pleased with the comfort and enjoy driving it. For anyone looking to buy, spend the extra money on the loaded S model, its worth every penny and you wont be disapointed. As for the "fuzzies" collecting, keep a lint roller in the glove box. Its nice to have when youre a neat freak! Be carefull of the passenger side airbag. The left upper corner of mine is lifted. I brought it to their attention and theyre going to replace it.

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  2003 Corolla - Car of the Future!! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Star-Blazer - July 28 - 10:00 am

  New body type with a bigger, more powerful engine. This car does superb on gas mileage with decent power on a 5 speed manual transmission. Very comfortable inside and quiet, handles well and CD/Stereo is a winner.

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  2010 fj very good - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By walker - July 27 - 7:16 am

  Only have 1000 miles since new but so far this vehicle is great. Quiet, built very strong under vehicle, fully box welded frame, large transfer case, big drive shafts, 2010 has more horsepower and you can feel it. Very comfortable up front seating for all day rides, nothing compares to it. Also 2010 uses reg unleaded.

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  2nd best car I ever owned - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By yat993 - July 26 - 5:30 pm

  With 75000 miles after a late 2005 purchase, I have had zero problems with this car. Gas mileage average is probably 48 -- never less than 45 -- often above 50, and this is mostly city driving. Oh yea, my number 1 favorite car was my 1995 Porsche 911 convertible -- I actually used the proceeds from the sale of that car to purchase the Prius.

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  Check This Out - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Toyota Fan - July 26 - 1:43 pm

  Wow! This is an exhilarating car! I would definitely suggest this car to anyone that loves to have fun. To add to it, the milage is 60 mpg and the technology is high quality and terrific!

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  Wonderful Truck!! - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By satxcubfan - July 25 - 11:36 am

  Very tight, well built truck. Extremely comfortable and capable. Runs a lot quieter than my old Ranger. It was like going from a room at Motel 6 to a suite at the Ritz-Carlton. This truck is perfect for me in this configuration and I plan to get many, many miles and years out of it. Its a real head turner on the road, too! I really love it.

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  certified 2002 echo coupe beats corolla - 2004 Toyota Echo
  By derkaiser - July 25 - 10:00 am

  mine is an02 certifiedcoupe/16k miles. the mileage rivals hybrids without the internalcomplexity.I love the styling/ interior room. my first Toyota, and looking forward to it.

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  Its a fun car - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By webernoot - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Ive always wanted an SUV and I hit a homerun with this one. For a single person, its the perfect size, its cute, sporty,comfortable, and so much fun to drive.

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  Good all around hauler - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By stoutbrewer - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2003 Tacoma four door in on the Matrix XR. Getting 25 MPG in mostly city driving is a refreshing change. The base engine could use more torque to get it moving. The car handles well and manuvers in parking lots with ease. The interior is very functional and easy to configure. Toyota redid the chin spoiler so it looks better and doesnt scrape like the older models. As with most Toyotas the Matrix will hold its value, be low maintenance and be trouble free over the log haul. Its a good alternative to a SUV. The worst problem I had was blind spots. I bought two small mirrors and the problems solved.

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  My Third Avalon - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By toothship - July 25 - 10:00 am

  This is alot of car for the money, I have never had a repair on any of my three Avalons. Every time anyone gets into the back seat they ask "What make of car is this" They are amazed by all the roominess for the back seat passengers. If you want a smooth riding confortable car, look no farther.