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:

• 

  Almost Perfect - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By John Adams - February 23 - 9:10 pm

  I am a small business owner and was using an Odyssey for hauling and an Accord for personal running. Been looking for something doing both. Finally decided to buy a 4 cylinder Highlander with 118,000 miles. And I have never been so happy in my life on making a car buying choice like this one. Great gas mileage, can do the loading as good as in my Odyssey. Great Car like smooth ride, and great gas mileage. Yes, being a 4 cylinder it does not have that V6 feel but who cares, it has good enough power to hold its own. Recommended 200% to all those who need good gas mileage, need bigger space, wanna drive SUV like looks and dont care if the vehicle does not make 0-60 miles in 6 seconds.

• 

  Keeps going - 2002 Toyota Highlander
  By mdr000069 - February 23 - 10:04 am

  I purchased this car with 72,000 miles on it. I have 130,000 with no major problems. Get around 23 MPG over all. Runs good for only having a 4 cyl. I would buy another.

• 

  Time Machine - 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
  By dickiedenn - February 23 - 10:00 am

  You wont go wrong with this car. Looked at other sports cars in the MS2 class to feed my midlife crisis, nothing touches it for spirited driving and ease of ownership. Cant keep the rest of the family away from the car. Still get looks wherever I go.

• 

  Matrix is great! - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By BKO - February 23 - 10:00 am

  We purchased the Matrix as our third car but drive it every day. It handles well, is extremely comfortable, and uses interior space very efficiently.

• 

  xrs - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By matrix xrs - February 23 - 10:00 am

  the matrix xrs is a wonderful wagon. it is affordable has lots of headroom and sporty. i am 62" and space was an issue but not with the matix. i spent 19000 plus tax. the engine in the matrix xrs has plenty of horses to pass on freeways and accelerate on the shortest on ramps. the matrix is a great little wagon

• 

  Disappointed - 2004 Toyota Matrix
  By G James - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Poor Performance. Steering is very sluggish

• 

  Phils 2003 Corolla - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Philip in CA - February 23 - 10:00 am

  I now have 17,600 miles on the car (8 months). Fuel mileage took a spike up after 12,000 accumulated. If I keep the speed between 60-70 mph, I can get 41 mpg fairly often. The automatic transmission has a "grade logic" feature that senses when you have crested a hill and are gaining speed down the other side with the throttle closed. The transmission will downshift to 3rd to assist braking when certain conditions have been met. Passing performance is quite good... so long as you have the engine above 3,500 rpm.

• 

  Outstanding vehicle! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By sledge - February 23 - 10:00 am

  The Camry V6 XLE is just awesome. Bought it with the anti-skid traction control system and curtain airbags.

• 

  Should have bought the odessy - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Soccer mom - February 23 - 10:00 am

  I am not that pleased with my sienna I should have spent the extra $$$ and went with a honda. The ride isnt as car like as the odessy was.

• 

  Toyota city of Japan - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By andycindy8288 - February 23 - 9:37 am

  Since my wife and I purchased the 2012 Camry LE; I was blown away about how the interior of the car looked. Toyota really came a long way in turing the camry into a more mature grown up car, rather than having it look like your grand pappy owns it. Driving this car feels so good in such a manner that it wants to play rather than go to the grocery store and back home. Gas is much better than our older 09 Camry, though if you drive it rough with the 4 Cylinder, you will get terrible gas millage. I give Toyota credit; Their really changing the future with adding the technicalities within the car and yet offering its customers great prices.