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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  Best Value - 2010 Toyota Venza
  By Steve Walters - April 20 - 6:00 pm

  When my wifes car was totaled in an accident she decided to purchase an SUV/Crossover. We looked at the Venza, the Lexus, the Chevy and the Ford. It was not even close. We both agreed that the Toyota was the best car. Even though the Lexus was definitely a cut above, we could not justify the price differential. I am a Detroit patriot, I drive a Chevy van and a Z06, but there was no way I could convince my wife or myself that the Chevy or Ford product was even close. The Toyota is just a better product. We purchased the Toyota in March 2010 and have not been disappointed. I am surprised that Toyota does not highlight this car as a good value.

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  My First car, and its AWESOME! - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Chris - April 20 - 12:43 pm

  I recently baught a brand new Toyota Matrix XR, and I have never been more impressed with a car then I am with this. The 2.4L engine is smooth and powerful, providing loads of passing and acceleration power. The interior and exterior are impressive, the exterior being sleek and sexy while the interior being easy on the eye and inviting. Ive averaged 30+ mpg in mostly city driving. The steering is a tad numb, but that doesnt bother me as everything else about the car is totally amazing. The biggest selling point for me, being 6 feet tall and long in the leg,is that I can sit comfortably in the car thanks to vertical height adjustment for the drivers seat and a telescoping steering wheel.

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  Awesome car! - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Abby - April 20 - 11:50 am

  I absolutely love my Camry. It is very reliable and comfortable. I bought it used with 70k on it and its been going with no problems since. I now have 175k with zero problems.

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  Best Car Ive ever owned - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Bill - April 20 - 10:46 am

  I live in the mountains, but I still have a lifetime MPG of 50.7. Climate control is fantastic, stabilization control, tire pressure monitoring and 6 air bags, makes this car very safe. Hybrid-electric doesnt mean gutless. While you will sacrifice MPG for the moment, you can accelerate up a steep grade to 80 MPH + and keep up with anyone. No keys to mess with is great, just approach the car and cabin light up and the door opens, get in and go. This is truly a car ahead of its time. Ive had -0- repairs or warranty work in nearly 2 years and 40,000 miles. Im planning to buy a 2nd one.

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  great truck - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By Kathleenhill - April 20 - 10:00 am

  very dependable. no problems of any kind.

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  MEAN MACHINE GTS - 2000 Toyota Celica
  By hector garcia/fl - April 20 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED MY 2000 CELICA GTS SINCE NEW IT HAS 67000 MILES ON IT NOW AND I WOULDNT BUY ANOTHER CAR. I DRIVE IT HARD EVERYDAY BUT ALSO RUN FULL SYNTHETIC IN IT I HAD A BIT OF PROBLEMS AT THE BEGINNING BUT AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED I STILL DRIVE IT HARD DO ALL THE MAINTAINANCE AND IT STILL SOUNDS PRIME ITS AS TOUGH AS IT LOOKS. TOYOTAS ROCK.

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  Happy car owner - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By H.D. VAUGHN - April 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought this automobile 9 months ago, and since that time I have enjoyed driving it. Ive had no type problem with it. Ive been back to the dealer two times, for oil change, lub. and tire rotation. The only problem I have is with the wife wanting to drive the Rava instead of the Buick.

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  Not just a wagon...A mini SUV! - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By jazzyinny - April 20 - 10:00 am

  What a fun car! I dont need a step ladder to get in and Im sitting eyelevel with some SUVs but with much better gas mileage and the ability to park just about anywhere. The AWD holds the road especially well in rain. I find the sensors really useful to let me know if a passenger is not properly belted in.

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  Excellence comes Standard - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Katzrat - April 20 - 10:00 am

  This ismy first car ever!Now I dont know what I am going to do in a few years when it is time to get a new one because I love this car so much.For anyone that is thinking of purchasing a mid- sized suv this really is the perfect one.I looked at almost every mid- sized suv on the market with in about a $40,000 and this is the one to get.My family is an SUV family!My mom drives a Lexus RX330 and my dad drives the new 2005 Porsha SUV although we havent received it cause it is being build.So I would like to think I know a thing or two about how these type cars run, and believe you me this is a great one.For the money both my parents are thinking of selling th

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  camry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By joflores - April 20 - 10:00 am

  It looks good and drives good and a graet car to have