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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  Great small wagon - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By cafeaulait71 - March 10 - 10:00 am

  I am very satisfied with my silver Matrix. Ive had this car for six weeks and have driven over 3200 miles!!! The Matrix is no sports car, but its handling is very responsive. The engine is a bit sluggish, but hey, what can you expect for a compact car...The 35 mpg that I got on recent road trip more than makes up for that. I also love that car is deceptively spacious - several friends and family members have commented on how roomy it is...Overall, I highly recommend this car.

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  American car Gliches? - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Driver48 - March 10 - 10:00 am

  16 years of toyotas and they seem to be finally be leaning toward the American needs and wants. Conveinances are much better and exciting for and old truck. Nothing carries over from the old 4runner to the new exept the quality and the dependiblty. Proud to drive althought they are still dealinging with 1st year bugs they cannot fix. Yes the 6cyl engine pully and belt rattle and sqeak at warm up and the manual drivers seat will loosen its play till it throws you out of it. But these are minor fixes to the great 4runner badge.

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  My FIrst new car - 2005 Toyota Highlander
  By spindry - March 8 - 5:23 pm

  Well, it is not a car, and not an SUV. Its fuel is 16 NY city, 22 HW (best). Seems I need to go to the dealer for even a simple oil change to avoid problems... that really stinks... no more 30 min oil changes, now its 2-4 hours at a dealer. Some minor assembly defects (e.g., some wires are too short and plastic in rear left wheel well deformed), it came with a spare that has a melted sidewall, impossible so far to find so called tow prewire in rear... toyota itself was no help when I called and asked about it.

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  OK camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By ok camry - March 7 - 4:43 pm

  I have had it for almost two years now. Overall its a nice car to own. Reliability is excellent, but there are several annoying small problems. First, the car sways at any speed, making the driver and passenger move left and right. Second, the interior designer should be fired. You cant reach the window switch--its hidden behind the armrest. Third, the gear shifting handle become loose a little even in the driving gear. Fourth, the coin tray makes noise (not by the coins). Fifth, bad acceleration

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  Poor mileage - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By SI,NY - March 7 - 2:46 pm

  I have been very disappointed with the mileage. After 3000 miles it still averages 14 -17 MPG city & 24-26 highway. It has a comfortable ride& good pick up for a 4 cylinder. The stereo has good sound but the IPOD jack is in a difficult to reach location. The climate control in not near as good as the Buick Park Ave I previously owned. I cant believe it didnt come with automatic windshield washers. Dont waste your time with the GPS for $200 buy a Garmin- much easier to use.

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  Ugly but practical, and economical - 2001 Toyota Echo
  By autooracle - March 6 - 9:56 pm

  Uglier than a Pontiac Aztec. But reliable, economical and fun to drive. The best use of space from any manufacturer of any small car.

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  TALL WITH REAL BAD BACK - 2016 Toyota Highlander
  By JM - March 6 - 4:13 pm

  I have a really bad back and am six feet two inches tall. This vehicle is very comfortable for me.

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  Great MPG but small. - 2007 Toyota Corolla
  By DnA - March 6 - 2:20 pm

  We purchased this car as a downsize from an SUV because of gas mileage and gas prices. The Corolla has great gas mileage, we average between 32 and 35. Handles well and looks good. It is so small though. The door pockets are not large enough to put much in. There needs to be a trunk release on the keypad. It would also be nice if the direction and temperature indicator was on the rearview mirror instead of the dash. The front drivers seat can be raised... it would be nice if the passenger seat raised as well. The map lights on the rearview mirror are nice. The passenger can have it on tp read a map or whatever without it disturbing the driver.

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  Never again! - 2008 Toyota Highlander
  By aksecurity7035 - March 6 - 6:18 am

  I owned highlander 2005 3.3 and loved it, power, economy, comfort, and reliability were 5 stars paid 26k for brand new. In 2008 new model looked really nice and I thought its time for an upgrade, wrong I was. Turned out to be down grade all around except the looks. 30k for a sport model with lots of features but economy is down the drain, comfort is down the drain, and reliability as well down the drain. Focus of maker was to make a cool looking suv with lots of features.

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  XLE - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By grande - March 5 - 4:40 pm

  I think that this car is really good & cool...It has many great features such as, rear sensors (4 pcs), multi information display screen, 6 CD changer, tape, auto seats with leather, power windows, bluetooth & more