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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  The car that you really want - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By mdkid127 - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I knew Toyota makes reliable cars but I always wanted something more youthful and attractive so I checked out the Camry SE. While in the showroom the Matrix caught my eye. I test drove the XR fully loaded and loved it. The appearance of the car made me think it would have a rough ride, but it didnt. I loved the way it looked and the interior with the red dash lights is awesome. Plus, the car is practical without giving this aspect away by the way it looks (sporty). The mpg isnt bad. Its roomy for 5 people too. I like the stock stereo system and plug-in outlet, which is cool to plug in my laptop.

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  Love Hate Relationship - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Hitman & Speedy - November 29 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I love this car as much as we hate it. We love the look of the gauges at night...HATE gauges during the day because they are near impossible to see and forget trying to read the odometer (even with the windows being tinted). We love its sporty looks...HATE the low chin spoiler that scraps on the lowest of curbs, ramps, drifted snow, you name it. We love the transmission...HATE the clutch, which has the operation of a common light switch (i.e., its either on or it off...no give). We love the storage...HATE the cup holders.

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  Great Ride - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By MesaDweller - November 29 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. I have driven many different cars and none can compare to the Avalons smooth, quiet and comfortable ride. Combined with Toyota reliability, it cant be beat.

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  RAV 4 - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By chasby16 - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Have not had any problems so far and the RAV4 was bought in November and already has about 10,000 miles.

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  Very comfortable SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By vladimir - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I checked a few SUVs and ended up buying a 4 Runner. It is very comfortable and pleasant to drive. My only concern is about reliability on a long run. I hope that my Toyota will hold up to the Toyota name. There is plenty of room to store my tools, dog or any stuff I need to move. Also Edmunds reviews helped me in shaping my choice but the test drives of different SUVs finalized it. Mileage p.gallon city/highway combination 18.2 - 18.9.

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  LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT!!!! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Lanette - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I have drooled over the 4Runner for years, but I thought it was just out of reach. My husband bought this truck for me after my sweet little 2002 Jetta went ka-put. The new stying is great. It handles like a dream, power is awsome, and interior is luxurious- mmmm. I am the envy of all at work...my baby loves me! He bought me the most awsome ride around!!

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  Awesome little car! - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By wellingtoncowboy - November 29 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car for my wife to drive to work because of her long commute. The great gas mileage is what caught our attention as well as the body style of the "S" model. We purchased the 5 speed and were pleasantly surprised by its power. Its not a sports car by any means but it has good acceleration and reasonable handeling for a car in this price range. It is also very roomy and well built. Im 64" and have plenty of room in any seat. I would recommend this car highly to anyone looking looking for a good all around small sedan. Buy the 5 speed and you will be very satisfied with this little jewel.

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  Ive been converted... - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By KSJayhawk - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I had a lot of time to buy a car, and Im loyal to Japan, Honda in particular because Id had an 88 Civic that was frugally equipped but loads of fun to drive and extremely reliable. Disappointed with some Honda test drives, I looked more closely at Subaru and Toyota, and noticed that the ever- conservative Corolla was redesigned and affordable for me. Did lots of research, which led to a test drive and purchase. Im not easily impressed, but this car has impressed me, and of all the cars I test drove, it was the only one I felt really comfortable in.

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  woot woot!!! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By CHong - November 29 - 10:00 am

  overall its a pretty good car. a problem in the camry was that whenever i accelerated or lowered the speed, there are small jerks. the transmission isnt as smooth as my 1987 Volvo 240 DL. the brake discs grooves were too deep after a month of use, signifying the deteriorating quality of it as you use the car. Star Toyota in NYC stinks!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Hudson Toyota - 2005 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Gio - November 29 - 8:46 am

  Good quality...nice bang for the bucks...a few bugs...getting a little moisture in car after rain...tire pressure light goes on for no apparent reason