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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  Very Happy, a Few Minor Problems - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Ozborn - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Overall I am very happy with this car, but I am only going to list the problems I have with it since mindlessly praising Toyota isnt very constructive. The problems are: 1)Suphur smell coming from the engine, I can get rid of it though by selecting recirculating air. Im not sure whether this is because of the gas I am buying or the Matrix. This only occurs when I am idling with the Matrix pointed up on a hill. 2)There is a intermittent sound of sand coming from the driver side dash. 3)High idle RPMs. Starting the Matrix even when it is above freezing can result in RPMs over 2000 for at least a minute, it also flucuates quite a bit for no reason.

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  great safe car - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By acf2001 - April 22 - 2:00 am

  husband totaled this truck one week ago, flipped in the air 2x and smashed it up front to back! Amazingly, he walked away from the site with only a cut on his finger and on his ear - we were amazed! We were very happy with the truck and hadnt had any problems until the wreck. The value of the vehicle held up well ( or insurance company very generous - whats the chance?). We are buying another just like it.

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  I love my sequoia! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By trawe - April 22 - 2:00 am

  It is a large vehicle and if you need the space, this is the suv for you.

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  Amazing New Ride - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By mebeame - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I just picked up my new Limited V6 4Runner 4x4 and love it! I owned the previous model 4Runner and the difference is amazing. I also have had a Sequoia which I traded in for this new truck. The new 4Runner rides like a dream. Much softer ride than the previous model. The V6 is powerful enough to make the car quick off the line and better gas mileage than the V8. I love this car!

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  Highlanders A Hit - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By GaTony - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Best SUV have ever been it. It really drives and feels like a car. Excellent handling on secondary and major highways. Super quiet. Lots of interior room. Excellent power, even with 4 cylinders, great gas mileage. Beats most cars in mileage. I cant believe people buy other SUVs for more money!

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  New Tundra Double Cab 4x2 - 2009 Toyota Tundra
  By David - April 21 - 2:40 pm

  Just picked up my new Tundra Double Cab 4x2. Just got the Tundra Grade, no SR5 or Limited. This truck has a ton of options for a basic work truck. Traded in a 05 Silverado Z71 Crew Cab and measured all the dimensions myself before buying the Tundra. The front is more spacious than my Silverado and I only lost 1 inch in legroom in the rear seat. This was important as I regularly have my 3 kids in the back with me. Not to mention I now have a 6 1/2 bed instead of 5 1/2. Cant believe no one else offers a 4-door full size pickup even close in price or dimension to this Tundra. Silverado has the extended cab with suicide doors. This truck is awesome!!

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  Great for trips! - 2011 Toyota Highlander
  By luvtoyota10 - April 21 - 4:31 am

  I rented a 2011 toyota highlander for a week. It was what I Expected from toyota. It has the same kind of bumpy ride as normal suvs because i used to own a 2000 toyota 4runner and now i own a 2010 toyota venza 4cyl. I loved the ride height! The interior is great it doesnt feel very cheap. Im thinking about leasing it like my venza. Its awesome in the snow!

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  Retirement gift - 2005 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By JimPrice - April 20 - 8:46 pm

  I bought my 2003 new and now have over 32,000 miles. Its been a great car. Eye catching and fun to drive. My wife and I drove it from St. Louis to Seattle and back this summer. It got attention wherever we went. It did great on the mountain curves. We are off to Virginia in it next week and look forward to the trip. You just have to mail your stuff to the hotel ahead of time.

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  So far we are loving it! - 2013 Toyota Prius
  By rkhamilton920 - April 20 - 6:25 am

  Purchased car last weekend - $27,500 OTD. Last minute decision decided to buy 72 mo/100K extended warranty that included routine maintenance for 48 mo/45K for $1200. Really enjoying the can so far - its my wifes first "new car" - she;s always gotten my hand me downs. She drives 100 miles RT to work and shes loving it. Ill update as we own it a bit longer.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2013 Toyota RAV4
  By Thomas Michlovitch - April 20 - 3:36 am

  Overall the car does a great job. I live in the North East and we get our share of snow. The car handles great in the snow. Sometimes we will get 6 to 8 inches overnight. I dont have time to clear my driveway in the morning and the car cuts right through the snow. The car is roomy, handles great, and is fun to drive. There are however some minor annoyances with the car. For example, I would like to push the key-fob lock and lock the doors before closing them however the car does not allow that. If you leave the hatch open while driving the car will continuously beep. Very annoying when you moving something and cant close the hatch. Theres no lock for the glove compartment.