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 Family Car - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By AutobahnSHO - October 2 - 8:43 am

  We replaced our 1999 Grand Caravan with the 2004 Sienna this month. It drives great and the "utility" level, with the disappearing rear bench, deep wells behind that rear bench, and 8th seat, is Fantastic!!

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  orthless - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By B Howard - October 2 - 3:50 am

  Bought it initially due to high travel. The cheap wheels slipped on wet pavement and were jittery. Although I have had no mechanical issues with the vehicle, now that Toyota reputation has gone down the crapper, I have a useless piece of crap to trade in or sell. I will not buy another Toyota based on the loss of value at trade-in. And that includes the Toyota dealerships. You are better served to look at other brands. Plain and simple, dont do it!

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  Shouldve gotten the Yaris instead - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Ex-Toyotafan - October 2 - 3:03 am

  I went to the dealership to get a Prius and ended up with a Corolla. Bad decision. If I was looking at fuel efficiency and fun to drive and style in a Toyota, I shouldve listened to my gut feeling and picked up the Yaris hatchback instead. Its far more pleasing to the eye. The Corolla only excels in build quality and fuel efficiency. These are major things for most people and most people seem to definitely go past the looks and driving dynamics of this awkward-looking refrigerator. The interior is not bad except it looks more like the Korean cars of yesteryear, the floaty ride is good if I am the passenger and 4-speed auto is to dated, so as the drum rear brakes.

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  My first Toyota - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By LB - October 1 - 9:40 pm

  We traded in my 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited V8(loaded). I loved, no, cherished, that car, but due to a long commute, we grudgingly began looking at Civic, Elantra, Focus, Fit and Yaris. After 2 months of test driving, comparisons and negotiations, decided on the Corolla S. I fully expected to feel disappointed driving it, but you know, its actually fun to drive! And its a great looking car too! We got the under and rear spoilers, alloy wheels and the sporty dark charcoal interior with blue accents (MUCH more attractive than the standard ash or beige velour) We are getting 38.5 MPG average (60% hwy/40% city) I dont even miss my Jeep! Happy with our choice!

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  No need to even look at the 09 - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Cignal - October 1 - 8:23 pm

  I have the original 03 XR, loaded, nav, sunroof, 18 inch wheels. Looks great. But the best thing is the mileage. Consistently well over 30 mpg. On a trip to San Diego from Huntington Beach, all freeway, all cruise control, very flat-land trip, right lane, 52 mph, this beauty gave me 41.3 mpg. Not typical, but true. Came w/ factory navigation + 6 CD changer; still cost just over 19K. Great for making service calls and hauling Home Depot stuff. A little weak on HP; Id rather have the MPG anyway. Had to replace a faulty nav, sunroof motor, both under warranty. No reason to even look at the 09s. Only neg is the inst panel: hard to read in bright sunlight; remedy is to replace all gauges.

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  A Great Sedan - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By t. wagner - October 1 - 4:20 pm

  My Avalon looks and drives very well. It has many "creature features" and I feel good driving it. I was looking for a fresh style in the largest, most dependable sedan I could find. I also wanted performance. The new Avalon fit my criteria and price point. Cost of ownership and value also impacted my decision. Acceleration is strong and smooth, with a bit of torque steer on harder acceleration. The control panel covers give the dash a futuristic appearance, and I feel the controls are easy to use I have experienced some rattles the first two months of owership that have caused the vehicle to be out of service for a few days. Other than that this vehicle has been problem free.

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  Love it~ - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By CmryLvr2004 - October 1 - 3:33 pm

  I have had my Camry for over a year now and I love it. It drives great and is an extremly comfortable car. I had a 2004 Honda Civic and traded it in to buy this car. The Camry is far superior to the Civic. It drives better, is more comfortable and reliable. I had many problems with my brand new Civic and none with my Camry over the same time period. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone in the market for a stylish, reliable and fun to drive.

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  So far so good... - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By sb - October 1 - 7:56 am

  I had this car for about 1 week, No problems runs smooth. Fuel Economy is closer to 48 mpg way below the 60 reported by the EPA. That was disappointing. However the freeway consistently topped at 51. Fun car to drive...

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  I Love This Car - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By bearsmom - October 1 - 2:20 am

  This is my 6th Toyota. I love the comfort and handling, plus good gas mileage I get with my Solara. I have had nothing but positive experiences with it. I have 50k miles now and have replaced the tires. I have had no problems at all.

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  TRD Off-Road 6M - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By TRD OffRoad 6M - September 30 - 9:10 pm

  I waited nearly two months to have the truck built with the 6speed manual...well worth the wait! Good power, good room inside, good storage behind and under rear seats. Rides very smooth. 6 speed is fun to drive.