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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  Very Good - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By MJ - October 16 - 2:06 pm

  I like my Matrix, however, I would like it even more if it came with a cruise control. It was the only 2006 on the lot, and at the time did not think it would matter. After owning one, I find that it does matter. Because it drives so smooth on the highway that before realizing it, I catch myself speeding. It would also be nice if it had an interrior dome light. All the other things it comes with are awesome! But without the cruise control and the interrior lights, Im thinking about trading it in for one that has it. But looking around, its amazing how having those two features jacks-up the price of the car way too much.

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  Two people and a Dog Love Prius c - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Metalalic mario - October 15 - 1:34 pm

  There are usually two of us and a dog in the car so it works out fine. I plan on keeping this car for a long time. It gets very good gas mileage. there is no reason to pay too much $ for a car of any type. I would rather be spending my money on a trip. Compared to other cars in the same price range this car is the best for the money. I wanted to buy the 1 only, but I wanted cruise control for longer drives so opted for the 2. I like simplicity so I didnt want all the extras that I can buy myself later. The mileage is phenomenal. Its a perfect car for the 3 of us.

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  Two people and a Dog Love Prius c - 2015 Toyota Prius c
  By Metalalic mario - October 15 - 1:34 pm

  There are usually two of us and a dog in the car so it works out fine. I plan on keeping this car for a long time. It gets very good gas mileage. there is no reason to pay too much $ for a car of any type. I would rather be spending my money on a trip. Compared to other cars in the same price range this car is the best for the money. I wanted to buy the 1 only, but I wanted cruise control for longer drives so opted for the 2. I like simplicity so I didnt want all the extras that I can buy myself later. The mileage is phenomenal. Its a perfect car for the 3 of us.

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  Tough Monkey - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By tom - October 15 - 12:53 am

  We bought our Toyota new in 1997. Except for a few relatively minor problems we have driven her through 10 Maine winters without a complaint. 152,000 miles and still going strong. She is starting to show her age a bit. Rear bumper is rusting, which I have noticed on a few others in this model year. I think the design of the rear bumper allows water to intrude and settle. We have had a problem with some locks and latches. And, the if I had to do it over Id swap the electric retracting antenna for a fixed. We replaced the first one and the second is now starting to stick. But none of these problems would prevent me from owning another 4runner. They will take you anywhere!

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  Pocket Saver ( saved my truck ) - 1998 Toyota Corolla
  By Dadjimmit - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Drove this car last year 1600 miles per week for about 4 months. We were moving and this car saved us hundreds of dollars in fuel. Did very little maintenance during that time period ( I was living in it ) We still travel a good bit. Car now has 110,000 miles all we have done is oil changes, plugs, wires, belt. Now needs struts. Usual wear and tear items. Hard to let go just need a bigger more comfortable travel vehicle.

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  Problems - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By start22 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Seems some Solaras have a problem. 1. on some, the tire pressure light wont go off, and the service depts dont know how to fix it. On some, the car pulls to the left, and even after 3 alignments, they cant fix it. And on some, the dashboard rattles after a few hundred miles. I got all 3 problems, and am waiting for arbitration to get my money back! :(

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  Solara, my story... - 2000 Toyota Camry Solara
  By Webguyster - October 13 - 10:46 pm

  This car is a mystery. Hasnt let me down yet, but has had a few minor flaws, like improper fitted carpet, rocking chairs, and delicate paint, and a love to go left. Suspension is quirky over rough surfaces. Never broke down, but have build quality issues. Quick, and stops on a dime. Transmission a bit rough for a Toyota. Looks nice, pleasant on the eye! Starting to get to many Solaras that look the same!

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  REVIEW - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By steve - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Overrated. Molding and interior is separating from vehicle. 4 cyl is not adequate for a vehicle of this size.

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  Great value for pre-owned car. - 2012 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jennifer Zackary - October 12 - 9:08 pm

  Like new.

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  One Year Later - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By slyonEI - October 11 - 9:36 pm

  Ive had my truck one year now. Some marks have dropped a bit I am sure. The 4 cyl w/ the 4x4 and extended cab is adequate most of the time. The only time I notice it bogging out is on the highway going up a big hill. If youre going 70 mph prepare to drop to fourth to maintain 60 mph. Mixed feelings on the traction control; it, along with the abs seem to do more harm than good. Dont be afraid to turn it off (in the right circumstances that can be a lot of fun). Fuel economy is pretty good (~23 mpg. Lot of city driving). Excellent in the 50-60 mph range (keep the revs under 2k). My Buddy just bought a ranger, Im shaking my head at the "deal" he got vs what hell spend in gas. Shes a tank.