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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  All around hit - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By Afield - November 2 - 12:10 am

  This is my first new car purchase since 1994! I love my Matrix!! I never thought Id be able to afford the car I wanted but the Matrix was both affordable and comfortable. Its a great car for tailgating and for all my gardening adventures because it just wipes clean.

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  2010 Camry - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Rick - November 1 - 11:06 pm

  After driving a 2009 Honda Accord EX-L and the new Camry, I just made a deal on my 2010 Camry LE a few days ago. I love the new styling and with the added leather seats, sunroof, small spoiler and metallic gray color...it really looks great. The ride and engine are both silky smooth and the new upgraded stereo system with satellite radio and bluetooth works great. The new 2.5 4- cyl really adds some spunk and provides strong smooth acceleration. Only complaint is a bit of hunting on the part of the transmission in low speed driving...but seems to be improving as the car is getting broken in. I am keeping my fingers crossed there are not transmission issues as in some earlier Camry models...

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  Great Truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By yurets - November 1 - 6:10 pm

  Love my truck. Looks good and drives great. Hauls trailers and whatever else needed.

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  Love my Corolla - 1994 Toyota Corolla
  By Balaya - November 1 - 12:23 pm

  My Corolla "Lexi" Ive nick named her is the best... Shes coming upon 160,000 miles. The only issues I had was the starter/alternator. Shes been so reliable.. This is my first (and only) car Im coming on 7 years I couldnt be happier with the cars performance. I am setting my sights on a new vehicle .. I am staying with Toyota.

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  4 month unpdate - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By boeserkritiker - October 30 - 9:00 am

  previously mentioned Bluetooth connectivity issues had to do with the phone, not the car. I basically want to give a mpg update. it really does not seem to make a whole lot of a difference trying to specifically drive in a max. saving manner or just go with the flow. I tried both and you get somewhere around +/-54mpg per computer in mixed driving. just dont have a heavy foot. trying to squeeze out one or two more mpgs really makes you the slowest on the road. the two best tips I have is leave as much as possible to the cruise control. the computer seems to do the most efficient choices. and forget the eco mode button. i drive a lot in slightly hilly areas and the small engine really

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  couldnt wait - 2005 Toyota Avalon
  By Bob Hayes - October 30 - 12:10 am

  There are some things that were standard on the 2000 model that are no longer on the 2005 model. There is no day and date, the location of the compass on the rear view mirror instead of the dashboard display, the seats dont seem as comfortable, smaller trunk and of course the premium gas requirement. There is no coin holder, the cell phone charger connection doesnt allow the phone to be left in the ready to answer position with the door closed. These may seem petty to some but when you pay as much as they want for this vehicle they are not minor issues to us. With the exception of the above mentioned items I enjoy the vehicle and am not disappointed with the purchase.

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  Great investment - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By inkman 1 - October 29 - 2:10 am

  My 2 sons both competitive Van in 1999 and 2000. Comparing ride, comfort and problems , The Toyota is head and Shoulders above Ford and Chevy Vans. Comfort and ease a driving along with its, NOT TOO BIG SIZE, is the key to all around use. Toyota gets a 10 in my book. In fact we also have a Lexus RX300 and We enjoy the Van equally.

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  the best - 2000 Toyota Echo
  By zaatsy - October 28 - 11:13 pm

  My Echo is best car I have ever owned. Totally reliable. 6 years and 192000 miles driven & all I have had to replace is a thermostat. I do keep on top of the maintenance. The inside is so roomy I dont feel I am in a small car until I see another Echo. The sound system is excellent. I would have preferred a little more body style and would have loved it if I could ever have achieved the milage of 43 mpg mentioned on the sticker. Small cars usually have no "get up and go" but the peppiness of the Echo is incredibly impressive. I love my car so much I wanted to purchase another. I was devastated when I found them dropped from the line.

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  Spongy Brakes - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Steve - October 28 - 3:00 am

  We have owned this Camry since March 2003. We traded a 96 Camry in and it was a much better vehicle. The 96 was superior in almost everyway. We have had numerous problems. Squeaky belt, wind noise, water pump failed at 37K miles. The paint is thin and can be seen through. Toyota should be ashamed to sell a vehicle with such poor brakes. They are spongy and offer no feel, almost as if they are too small for the car. The car does not have ABS and perhaps that would offer some additonal confidence.

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  Nice car but - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Eugine - October 27 - 11:46 pm

  Just used the car about a month and never had a Camry before. What I like: V6 engine which is quiet and powerful enough for the regular driver; comfortable seats; nice looking interior and good radio. What I do not like: the electronic transmission performance (unpredictable when driving), car feels every bump on the rough road; noisy tires on highway. Overall,however I like the car more than Accord and Altima.