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 Little Truck - 2003 Toyota Highlander
  By Nick - September 13 - 6:50 pm

  I currently have 68k miles. No problems at all. I have only changed the oil and tires. I am on my second set of tires. Factory tires where Goodyears are very soft. I get around 22-25 hwy mileage. Would buy another one in a minute. Waiting for the redo in 06. Plenty of space, drove to the Keys last year with family, fully loaded, got over 23 mpg. Would get the 4WD next time. ECT snow switch has gotten me out of some tough spots.

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  Needs Improvement - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Unhappy_Camry - September 13 - 6:46 pm

  I have my Camry since 3 months and I am already unhappy with it and planning to sell it. I am getting a very low MPG, around 20 Mpg which is making me very unhappy. The acceleration response is pretty bad and I am surprised how Toyota released such a product.

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  Best new car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By towerlane - September 13 - 6:23 pm

  2007 with Option 2, aftermarket leather seats installed by dealer. Car drives extremely well. Absolutely no problems. Acceleration more than adequate getting on Northern California freeways. Love the direct input to stereo system. Climate control very well done. Purchased aftermarket leather supplied by dealer - much better than Toyota leather and did not have to buy Option 6 to get leather. Bought the Prius for my commute (48 miles each way) but my wife commandeered it for her commute (20 miles each way heavy city driving). I have a 2001 Accord V-6 and plan to trade it in and buy my own Prius.

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  2000 tundra - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By john schmidt - September 13 - 10:00 am

  no breakdowns no significant repairs smooth carlike ride fair gas mileage

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  My 04 RAV rocks! - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By Brittik - September 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the second RAV4 Ive owned; the first was an 01. I have had nothing but good experiences with both cars. The first had 40,000 miles on it when I traded it - all without any major mechanical issues or problems with build quality. I think the RAV4 is the best-looking mini-SUV on the market, and the 04 model offered such significant improvements in power, handling, ride and interior sound deadening, I had to trade up.

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  GREAT Car! Fun, Sporty & not too pricey - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By crystalc - September 13 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car, but I LOVE it already! This car is awesome. I love the way it looks. Its stylish, fun to drive, and pretty affordable. The Matrix offers a lot of interior room despite its "small-car" status. I love that I sit up higher on the road than some other cars. The windshield is very wide, so I can see the road better. The car isnt "small", but its not intimidatingly huge either. Its just perfect for me. Acceleration is nice, and the ride is pretty smooth. The cargo space inside is really roomy and great for those who like to carry cargo/tow a lot of stuff. The seats are actually more comfy than I would have imagined. Overall...GREAT car!

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  Awesome - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Elphaba - September 13 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I just replaced my 90 Corolla with the Matrix, and I am so impressed with this ride. Its so high and comfortable and has plenty of pep.

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  Living it up in my Solara - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By AlphaIce - September 13 - 10:00 am

  I really like it. I too had a tire problem, but my dealer was prompt about resetting it, and told me how as well, fun to drive. I still havent finished getting compliments from friends and strangers, people love the intertior lights too, and i like the halogens!! I havent decided if night driving is better than daytime. Handles awesome with sport suspension, car is stable and easily to control around corners, before i bought it testing it, i drove a matrix, and then i drove this, there was such a huge difference in handling and acceleration, i would recommend a 6 cylinder, but 4 isnt bad

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  Toyota Parts Unavailable Over 8 Weeks - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Jim Schmidt - September 13 - 10:00 am

  I was in an accident on 7/21/04 and since then I have been waiting for the drivers seat/airbag from Toyota. In the meantime, I am having to pay for a rental car. I called Toyota Customer Service and they promised to look into the matter and call me back. When they didnt call me back, I called them and they told me the same thing the auto-body shop told me.....that the part wouldnt be avail. until 9/13/04. That time frame is simply unacceptable and reflects very poor customer service on Toyotas part.

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  Toyota - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Pasco - September 13 - 10:00 am

  The only addition I would really like is a steering wheel with the radio controls.I had that option in my Honda and really miss it.It drives like a dream.