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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  Fuel Mileage Not as Represented - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Bill Reynolds - August 11 - 12:06 pm

  I now have 2K miles on the FJ and one of my beefs is the very poor gas mileage. It is no where close to 21 mpg on the highway. Im getting closer to 16 mpg on the highway and much less in town. The other beef is these are made in Japan - I took off a part of the bumper in an accident and the dealership said it will take 2-3 months to get the part shipped here from Japan - have to put it on a boat! My rear tire cover was ripped off by a bunch of kids - be sure and lock yours down. Other than that, I am enjoying the vehicle.

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  Reasons to stay with a Toyota. - 2002 Toyota Sienna
  By Greg Gunnell - August 11 - 10:00 am

  We have always owned Toyotas. We needed a mini-van with young children. We made a huge mistake - bought new Dodge Mini-van on impulse. Nothing but problems. We went to the Sienna and are very happy. The quality is unmatched in every category. We will never buy anything except Toyota again. Ride, resale, reliability can not be beat especially by a Dodge.

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  True love.... - 2003 Toyota Sienna
  By psacampora - August 11 - 10:00 am

  We love our Sienna! We purchased the XLE!" impressive, considering that my husband is known as the ultimate miser! After research, and shopping around, we found just the vehicle. As for the miser, well he says its the best money weve ever spent! Weve had really good reliability with Toyotas, as have our family members (15yrs+) I mentioned miser! We took our first Sunday drive in 12 years just because we enjoy riding in such comfort. The quiet and gentle ride makes conversation enjoyable. Back seat climate control makes kids comfy, and the video entertainment (with cordless headphones....not too expensive either,and well worth the few dollars)keeps the trip pleasent!

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  2002 4X4 4.7LITER TUNDRA EXTRACAB - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By GREG - August 11 - 10:00 am

  I TRADED IN A 1999 Z71 CHEVY SILVERADO EXTRA CAB ON THIS TUNDRA IN LATE 2001. IN MY EXPERIENCE THE CHEVY HAD A SMOOTHER RIDE AND MORE ROOM (MUCH NICER BACK SEAT) BUT IT WOULD NOT FIT IN MY GARAGE. THE TUNDRA IS SOMEWHAT SMALLER ALL AROUND WHICH IS AN ADVANTAGE FOR CITY DRIVING AND IT IS EASIER TO PARK THAN THE CHEVY. BOTH ARE/WERE FUN TO DRIVE.I ALSO AM MORE COMFORTABLE WITH TOYOTAS RELIABILITY (THIS IS MY 5TH TOYOTA)THAN CHEVY. TUNDRA COULD USE A LITTLE MORE ROOM IN THE BACK AND BETTER SPEAKERS BUT OTHER THAN THESE MINOR ISSUES I AM VERY SATISFIED WITH THE TUNDRA AND EXPECT GOOD RELIABILITY/DEPENDABILITY.

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  GREAT BUY!! - 2003 Toyota Avalon
  By Morris - August 11 - 10:00 am

  smooth as silk. Ulta comfortable. Beats the price of Lexus.

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  A Year in Review ... - 2002 Toyota RAV4
  By chas215 - August 11 - 10:00 am

  RAV4 is fun to drive. Like it alot but am disappointed with persistent rattle in sunroof (has been replaced but is still there) and other rattles in rear. Gas mileage is a huge disappointment , as well. But overall, it looks great and has a nice ride and adequate power for my purposes. No car/SUV is perfect. Just look at consumer discussions of luxury cars/SUVs. This one has many positives that allow me to accept the few negatives.

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  Satisfied - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Michael T. - August 11 - 10:00 am

  So far, this car has lived up to its billing. I am getting 33+ mpg and love having 4 doors. It is relatively comfortable and I like the styling.

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  Happy with Matrix - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By pammleigh - August 11 - 9:03 am

  I purchased the 5 speed matrix. I am very happy with it. The handling is very responsive. The sound system is enjoyable. My only complaint - the shifter makes kind of a cheap clicking sound when you shift. Also - all of the beeping for everything makes me crazy - but I guess this is true with all new cars. I am convinced I got the best car available in its class for the least amount of money - a bonus - my teenage son thinks the car "is cool."

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  A nice small hatchback. - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Anthony in Charlotte - August 11 - 8:40 am

  I needed an economical, affordable, and reliable car for around town and to commute to work in. The Matrix fits what I need exactly, its big enough for a child seat in the back seat, has the versatility of a "mini" SUV, is pretty stylish, and is actually fun (enough) to drive every day. The 1.8L with 5 speed wont win any races, but is surprisingly smooth and refined, especially on the highway. I know a lot of reviews on the new Matrix are filled with critics, but I really think its a great little car for what it tries to be. Our other car is a Lexus, and our 3rd Lexus - the Matrix gauges have the same feel of the new IS, really. Give the Matrix a shot, Im glad I didnt buy a Civic.

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  Reliable and Safe - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Silvercam - August 11 - 8:03 am

  Just purchased my new Camry about 3wks ago. Seems to be a very nice, comfortable, and a well built car all around. I traded from a midsize suv to this, and so far the slightly smaller space has not been a problem. The 4 cyl seems to have a lot of power, 158 hp is what it says, and thats pretty decent considering my suv was a V6 and only had 165 hp. This is my first Toyota, and I hope it lasts as long as they say they do. Go check one out if your considering a new car, its very nice, and its no wonder you see so many on the road!