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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  good at the pump - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Goldpreme - February 1 - 7:16 pm

  Just got my Prius, and its fun to drive and easy at the gas pump. Getting 51 miles a gal. on my drive to work, thats just great.

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  Customer Satisfaction - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By David Fernandez - February 1 - 2:13 pm

  Best priced pick up in the market for its exterior and interior design, reliability and performance on the road. It will become the number# 1 selling truck in America!

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  Great Cool Car - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Go Big Blue - January 31 - 4:46 pm

  Bought car based on styling, comfort, economy, and reputation. Im not disappointed in any area. Regularly gets mid-thirties on the highway at 70-75 mph, and mid twenties in town with a lot of traffic lights. That is with me in the throttle pretty hard, because this is no sports car. Very comfortable ride for a small car. Love the sunroof. Has 44,000 miles and all Ive done is changed the oil and put on a pair of tires because I cut a sidewall. Goodyear triple-treads have cut down on front wheel spin on wet roads.

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  2004 Matrix is my Best Buy choice - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By Will - January 31 - 4:06 pm

  After one year of owning this car, I can only say that my love for it has grown stronger. From the comfort, to the styling, performance and utility, this car excels in every aspect. Every time someone rides with me, they always say, "thats so cool!" or, "wow, I did not know a car so cheap would have so many features!". This is the best car I have ever owned.

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  Fun to drive, easy to impress - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By David Beil - January 31 - 10:40 am

  The Toyota Prius is a great car. It drives very easily, and its fun trying new driving techniques to improve mileage. There is plenty of room for passengers and cargo. Everyone is impressed with its new technology and efficiency. The only notable drawback is in its blind spots. The shape of the car may be ideal for aerodynamics, but one needs to drive more cautiously to doublecheck blind spots. I highly recommend this vehicle for those who feel the need to be a part of the solution rather than a part of the problem...its a great feeling to fill up the tank after 550 miles. An online chat forum promotes open conversation between Prius owners.

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  Greaat Sports Coupe - 2002 Toyota Celica
  By Jen - January 31 - 7:13 am

  I have had this car since it was brand new and it now has almost 150,000 miles. The only things I have had to replace besides the scheduled maintenance is the mass air flow and the catalytic converter. It still has the original brakes and battery! It is nice to have such a reliable car.

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  Very good car. - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Christian - January 31 - 1:10 am

  I used to drive a 1991 Firebird which got 16 mpg at best. It got totaled and I went hunting for a new car in hopes for a Civic. The same day, I drove home in my Yaris. From my studies, I severely underestimated this car. I love it to death. I get more than double the gas mileage and Im hoping that the reliability will be on par with my grandmothers 96 Camry, which has NEVER been in shop for anything but wear and tear. Fun to drive and I love the storage. My buddy bought a 2008 Focus and he says, "I shoulda bought a Yaris" I dont regret the purchase and I cant wait to get it paid off.

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  Best SUV you can buy. - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By dominic16 - January 31 - 12:28 am

  Best SUV, really dependable, the V8 is were its at. Since its a toyota.... you wont need to replace alot of things till 200,000 miles.

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  Best SUV Money Can Buy - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By G - January 30 - 7:33 pm

  This vehicle is the best one I have ever owned. I have owned many SUVs. To list a few I have had a 1994 GMC Yukon, 2006 Ford F150, 1997 Toyota 4runner. All around this is the best from the snow to mountain driving. I drive many kilometers per day, average 225 km a day and this is the most fun, comfortable vehicle out there.

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  Why Lexus when you can have an Avalon? - 2009 Toyota Avalon
  By CB - January 30 - 4:20 pm

  This car should be getting more attention by industry pundits. My 09 Avalon is a lot more car than I ever expected. The standard options are generous for a car costing under 34K. The ride and handling is responsive and not at all "Buick like". The Avalon V6 with the 6 speed transmission is quick and the tap shift adds a bit of fun. Why buy a small hybrid when you can drive a large luxury sedan with +30 MPG!