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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  going practable S - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By philip lenz - March 26 - 2:00 am

  for the money corolla is built to last and fun to drive. the S model adds a bit of style and sportyness

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  Gracie - my Camry - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Connie14K - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Two weeks after purchasing my car, it was back at the dealership for a tranmission problem. The transmission was defective, and since my car was manufactured in Japan, they had to order a transmission from Japan - took 3 weeks. After I got my car back, the transmission was better, but I still have some questions about the slight hestitation between 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears. Also, there is a minor problem with the turn signal lever - it works fine when signalling for a left turn, but when pushing it up for a right turn, it does not hold in that position, I have to "wiggle" it slightly to make it stay up.

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  2004 XLE Limited in Canada - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By earthforce_1 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Only serious complaint - I wish the GPS navigation system was available in Canada. This is almost a must have feature in a high end vehicle. Laser cruise control is awesome, makes cruise control practical even off the highway. Sound system is fantastic, wish the DVD player had a larger screen, but this is nit-picking. I dont know why people complain about the unusual stick shift placement, I would rather see it where they placed it than tripping over it on the floor.

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  XLE - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By kevin47842 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This car runs very smoothly and quiet. nice sound system. PLenty of room, too. All the bells and whisltes I need. Really a great car.

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  Convinced! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By satisfied - March 25 - 5:33 pm

  Drive a lot and couldnt be happier with the mileage. Lots of space, headroom, love the bluetooth. Traded my sports car for the Prius and thought I was compromising the power but was happily surprised. Love the car and will buy another. We use the car for all our driving whenever possible.

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  SUVs Step Aside! - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Jim thomson - March 25 - 12:30 pm

  I just purchased a 2005 Matrix XR with option package #2 in silver streak. All I can say is WOW! This car is unbelievably stylish, sophisticated, sporty and practical. The ride is smooth and the XR provides plenty of horsepower with relative ease for my long commutes and city driving. Who would think you could have your cake and est it too in a car? I do and I love it! Mileage is super! Toyota has a solid "10" on this one. Check it out... youll never drive a suv again (unless you have nothing else to do with your gas money)!

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  Rav4 Limited - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By NL - March 25 - 11:40 am

  The Rav is about 4 months old now, and were about ready to take it in for some warranty work. The low tire gage light will not go out, even though weve check them all inc. spare. The engine and interior vibrates when stopped and in gear. The car is pretty fragile, also. The rear bumper is damaged from a 2mph bump while backing the car out of the garage.

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  Misleading MPG sticker/poor battery - 2005 Toyota Sienna
  By wyomingmom - March 25 - 9:10 am

  We reviewed this car very carefully before before buying and were very impressed. After purchasing though, we found 2 major problems. 1st the battery is not capable of running all of the computer components such as the door open sensor, and still have enough charge to start the car. In the first month we jumped it at least 15 times. Cant leave door open for more than 20 min. or open several times. Service dept. says battery tests fine! 2nd. after 4000 miles we have never gotten better than 16.7 in the best conditions. Averaging less than 15.9. Toyota replies that the sticker is a little misleading, sorry bout that! We will be trading in!

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  My Toyo Toy - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Heriberto Sifre - March 24 - 11:46 pm

  It was my dream to get a sport car when I reach 45s. I was looking the pony but the Solara Convertible SLE was very comfortable and fun to drive. An the resale value is better. HST

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  Its cheap and reliable transportation - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Steve - March 24 - 11:26 pm

  This is a typical Corolla... plain, boring, reliable. Its a great appliance for getting from point A to point B. There is nothing that makes me smile while driving this car, other than knowing it is much more reliable than my GM cars and truck and gets excellent mileage per gallon. If you want a car that does the job without a lot of fuss, one that doesnt draw attention, negatively or positively, then this might be the car for you. If youre looking for a thrilling driving experience, this is not it. We got exactly what we wanted with this car- no hassles and reliability. After being a GM owner, those are wonderful things to have in a car!