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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  Best Car I ever owned!! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By kornklan - July 24 - 4:20 am

  I waited a year for the car and Im glad I did. Its fun to drive and handles extremely well in town and on the highway. Its quiet with little road noise. Ive averaged about 50 MPG so far (7000 miles). I think Toyota has established the Prius as the car other manufactures will have catch up to. So far all Ive done is oil changes and kept it clean. I expect to keep this car a long time.

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  Excellent reliability, some cost cutting evident - 2009 Toyota RAV4
  By mattwc1 - July 24 - 2:17 am

  I purchased a 2009 Base 2.5L/AWD Rav4. First and foremost, I really like the Rav4. I have had it for about 10 months now and average between 25-28mpg (mostly highway driven). Interior is laid out well with great room for drivers and passengers. Rear passenger seats move fore and aft and recline. Sightlines are very good and all instruments are well laid out. Toyota revised the base engine for more horsepower/torque and smoother running and it is apparent. The engine is smooth and revs freely. Fuel economy is very good for a CUV. behind the rear seats provide ample storage with under floor storage bins and handy remore release levers to lower rear seats from the hatch.

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  OUTSTANDING - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By BOGS - July 24 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT RELIABILITY THE BEST HANDLING IVE EVER DRIVIN. COMFORTABLE TO DRIVE AND VERY QUIET IN THE FREEWAY.

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  Prius in the northland - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By rhubarp - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I wish all cars were made with this technology. Excellent design and quality for the price.

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  Wouldnt Recommend - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Turner - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Dont trust everything you read in Conumer reports about this SUV. I purchase my 1997 4runner in August 2002. Vehicle had 57,000 miles and was a Toyota "Certified" Used Vehicle. Two months later I noticed a heavy shimmy when I applied the brakes between 40 and 50 MPH. Then on cold mornings the transmission wouldnt shift into drive until the engine warmed up. Took it to my dealer, $800...!! to replace front rotors and rear brake drum which had cracked (still under Certified warranty but brake parts not covered). Tech couldnt figure out why the transmission wont shift when cold...

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  Excellent Safety poor emergency handling - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Alfomega - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Got hit in the drivers side by a Camry going 60mph. Camry folded; I came out unscathed and walked two miles home. Inspite of ABS, vehicle skidded on wet street on a medium grade curve at 40mph. It was near impossible to move in direction of skid due to road surface and body weight of vehicle. It also performed poorly on icy roads. Ill buy a Tundra again with limited slip differential and 4WD, as its a life-saver. But I wont be lulled into complacency by its smooth engine and quiet interior.

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  Thumbs up! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By MM - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Excellent outlook and interior design. Fine performance.

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  Good enough but still can improve better - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By Matrix Girl - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive been waiting for this style for a long time. I bought the Matrix XR 2WD in last year July. Although its expensive for me because I bought this in last year for this 2003 new model, I still love it so much! I paid about $20,300 for the total outdoor prices included some XRS options that Ive added. The interior and exterior design are also cool~~Esp. I like the Matrix interior feel!~~ Also, the performance is fine...although sometimes it has ratting noise, i believe no cars are perfect. This is a brand new style in Toyota. I like it very much and it has great cargo space. Its trendy and suitable and affordable for the ages around 18-30. Good!

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  very pleased - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By owensdad - July 24 - 2:00 am

  have had this car for 6 months. once you get used to how the car shifts and when you need to kick it down, the power issue goes away. you want to swallow your fillings leaving a traffic light, buy a ferrari. if you want a reliable, sure-footed, roomy car for $20k, buy this car. i traded a mitsu galant that didnt have ABS or AWD or a sunroof or killer stereo or as much room like this car and i paid $18k for that sled. this car is much more car for the price than anything out there.

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  Thumbs up! - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By mm - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Excellent outlook and interior design. Fine performance.