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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  2004 highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By piner - April 17 - 2:00 am

  great ride, and looks great inside with the leather package. We have the extra 3rd row and it has come in handy. You can turn it on dime, and the ride is extremely smooth. Love all the little info that it gives, such as mpg, temperature, miles gone, and such. love the sunroof and window.

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  Love My Highlander - 2004 Toyota Highlander
  By Marni - April 17 - 2:00 am

  We bought a 2002 and upgraded to a 2004 4WD this year. Simply love this car and didnt give a thought to any other SUV on the market. It rides and handles beautifully. Its very easy to get in and out of and is quite comfortable for my bad back [had several surgeries]. We cant believe how much cargo it can carry. And, its a very classy vehicle to go out in. Couldnt recommend it enough.

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  The best minivan ever - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By tehvishal - April 17 - 2:00 am

  used to have a 92 previa lasted 12 years then got into an accident. Bought the new LE trim 04 sienna and i love it. 32 avg mpg. rear seat audio system. 5 speed automatic. I love it. Ride is smooth too. Oh and the windows roll down on the 2nd row.

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  6 months and 15,000miles later - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By Fire Dad - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Great design interior. Has become the family fav with the DVD player and great sound system. Van has been to the shop 3 times for DVD problems took a month to fix. 3 times for Check engine light for a bad spark plug and replaced fuel injectors. Still has to go back because problem was not fixed. Have had fun in the rentals though. And in shop for a recalled fuel tank.

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  Really Fun Pickup - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By R. Jones - April 17 - 12:26 am

  Have had the truck for three months. Great handling truck on mountain roads. Great sense of stability. Plenty of power to pass when there is little room in which to pass. Great rear seat accomodation for grandchildren.

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  Highly Recommend the Matrix - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By Brian - April 17 - 12:20 am

  We got this as a combination commuter and cargo hauler (for small jobs for catering & food business, deliveries). We use it in place of the van when appropriate. The back seats fold down COMPLETELY flat, allowing for secure storage w/o spilling sauces, etc. There is an incredible amount of interior space, especially given its relatively small exterior size. The car (base model 1.8L) has plenty of power. No need to get the larger engine unless you like to really zip around. We get around 28 mpg (city/hwy. combined), much better than 14 mpg for the van.

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  Great Balance - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Willy - April 17 - 12:20 am

  We traded in our 2002 Monte Carlo SS two weeks ago for this Corolla S. My main motivation was gas mileage. I didnt expect to find a car that can get 35 mpg and zip up the mountains where I live. I carpool with my wife to work 35 miles each way and it is a comfortable, quiet ride. The car has enough power to climb the hills and handles great through the back roads. I thought I would be sorry letting the Monte Carlo go, but with the S I can still "play" when the mood hits. Oh, my wife almost got a speeding ticket... over 100 mph! Thank goodness the highway patrol was busy with someone else! If this car lives up to the Toyota name over the next 7 years, as I expect, Ill be very happy.

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  Just Drive It and Decide - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By AC - April 16 - 1:56 pm

  Ive had the XLE V6 since Nov 06 (15,000 miles) and want to throw in my comments. Most of all I want to address the hesitation issue so many people are whining about. There is definitely a hesitation when stepping down on the gas. It doesnt exist when using the shifter and seems to be part of the Camry "feel". I dont consider it a defect, but Im sure my driving style has adjusted slightly from my Mazda3 days. If you keep in mind that the Camry is a comfort car, you may even enjoy the experience. I havent seen any Camrys causing accidents on TV. Have you? Bottom line: If you want a race car, dont get a Camry. Go test drive the car and decide for yourself.

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  Swagger wagon - 2012 Toyota Sienna
  By Frank - April 16 - 8:47 am

  Great for families

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  Great car - 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By Matilda - April 16 - 6:06 am

  Great midsize hybrid. I test drove the Accord and the Camry and the Camry seats much nicer and looks better too. It rides well, handles easily, comfortable inside (my father in law is 63" and sits well). It took some practice to learn to drive it optimally, but I do get an average of 41 mpg on the freeway at 70 mph. If the traffic is bad, I get up to 55 mpg in bumper-to-bumper traffic! I drive it 40 miles a day on the freeway and is definitely worth the money. If you want a comfortable midsize hybrid, this is definitely worth a test drive. I would buy it again.