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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  I like it not love though - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Big Paulie - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I like my 4runner a lot. I have had it for 2 months now. It has a soft plush ride and is a little bit sloppy at times. The dials look stupid on the dash. Overall the vehicle is very solid and has a nice interior. The Synthesis JBL sound system is not very good and the fuel economy is a little on the low side. I plan on getting a high performance air filter and a cat back exhaust. But that is down the road.

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  1+ year review - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By 1+ year later - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Corolla and was a replacement for my 97 Camry (crashed, RIP). The acceleration is good and better than my old Camry. I have been getting anywhere from 28.5 to 31 MPG with mostly freeway driving. I did get almost 42 MPG on a long roadtrip from Calif. to Washington state and back. Hopefully, I will get the same kind of durability like my other two Corollas (over 240K miles).

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  Tough in the Snow - 2008 Toyota Avalon
  By CTToyota - April 3 - 12:36 am

  2008 Toyota Avalon Limited. Great car, good looking, very nice ride. However with the traction control there is no way to disengage. In snow/Ice sometimes you need to spin your wheels. Once the traction control engages it shuts down the power and wheel spin. great for some things, terrible in the snow when you need wheel spin. Other than that, no complaints.

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  pointless suv - 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
  By Comdian - April 2 - 10:00 am

  with a week, I used this suv and got sick of playing inside this because it works ploddingly in gear down and noisily. I got a bad feeling in turning left or right from highway

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  Surprising vehicle! - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Trish - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive always been a Honda driver. But after getting into this compact truck and driving it around, I was totally surprised! Its smooth, doesnt have a bulky "truck" feeling to it and its so easy to manuever in and out of traffic. The seats are a little stiff but I really like the tilt steering wheel option. Ive only accrued 200 miles on it so far, but I cant wait to test it on longer, highway trips! Working with the dealership was another surprising experience! Great guys!

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  Matrix XR - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Tom - April 1 - 2:00 pm

  Bought Matrix XR in a 5-speed, which is an absolute must. This is not a fast car even with a manual; I can imagine how slow an automatic would be. But with gas over $3, horsepower is highly overrated. I didnt get the option for ABS, but wish I would have. The standard, stock brakes are average at best and dont leave me feeling too confident in them. Stopping distance seems really long. I really enjoy the way it drives. Its very roomy inside. Im about 62" and I feel very comfortable in the car. Tons of room in the back. Plenty of headroom for backseat passengers. Plus, it looks cool. I would definitely get the XR with the cooler looking bodykit over the base model.

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  1999 Toyotat Camry, Great Car! - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Lilnuke - March 31 - 2:00 pm

  I have owned the car since it was new in 1998. It has been the most dependable car that I have ever owned. It has never broken down and left me stranded, ever. I make sure the car receives its regular maintenance and replace the belts and tires as needed. The ergonomics of the interior are great with all controls easy to reach. With the V6, I can still manage to get 30 MPG on the highway. All around a great car.

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  2010 toyota camry XLE - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Michael - March 30 - 2:50 pm

  Just bought a 2010 Toyota Camry XLE, love the car. Drives as if it is sliding on wet glass, smooth, and quiet you can actually hear yourself breathe in this car. My only problem that I have is the interior door molding where the two separate material meets, the quality work is very poor, there are gaps where the materials are joined, and at present I am told that is the way they are by my dealership. With no fix for them.

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  doubting myself - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By comfy - March 29 - 1:50 pm

  Im 20 years old, bought this in the forest green color have gotten compliment on color. Ride is kinda rough in first couple gears, interior could use a little sprucing up, otherwise it does have a lot of pick up for a 4 cylinder. Im keeping up with 6 and 8 cylinders on the highway and have no trouble passing. If youre around my age, Id say buy it, but youre gonna have to shell out some cash to spruce it up a little bit to make it a little fancier.

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  relief at the pump - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By oak462 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  after trading a quad cab v-8 4x4 truck for this little wagon, I can actually pass some gas stations now. Not as macho but much easier on the wallet. Hardley ever used the truck as a truck, more as a pleasure vehicle.