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:

• 

  Great Matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Toyota Matrix XRS - April 8 - 2:33 pm

  I think it has great get up and go. The handling is very nice. The design inside and out is also great. It looks and feels very sporty. Perfect for a modern mom and cool enough for my husband to commute to work in. It handles hills & mountainous roads very well (and very fun). I have a baby and a toddler and the car seats fit fine (even with my husband in the front seat... hes 65".) Our full size stroller fits great in the back cargo area with room to spare... NO COMPLAINTS!

• 

  For the young too... =) - 2011 Toyota Venza
  By aughasangel - April 8 - 4:06 am

  I am a mother, of two very active children. So i have a sporting good store in the back of my car most of the time. I was a previous owner of a durango and was looking for a car with the room of an Suv and gad mileage and feel of a car.I must say this is everything i could as for and MORE. The back seat is so big it will grow with my children into and well beyond their teen years. The seats are comfortable, the ride is smooth and the panoramic roof has been a big hit with my family. I get the drive and "zippiness" of a car (just like i wanted) and the room of a full size suv .I dont know why all the commercial are geared to the older crowed.I LOVE THIS CAR very sleek

• 

  2005 Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bassman17SC - April 8 - 12:26 am

  I replaced a Pathfinder with this truck and boy, what a difference!! The V6 is powerful enough to tow my bass boat with ease. The accelaration is excellent; the braking is good. Even with the off-road package, it is not that bumpy. We drove it to Destin; my wife and I were completely comfortable in the bucket seats. I HIGHLY recommend this truck.

• 

  Incredible Toyota does it again - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By skrotofil - April 7 - 6:10 pm

  Its an optical illusion from the outside-it appears that the seating would be "low" --instead The seats are spring/cushy and sit high.(Before I had a Subaru Outback, the seats sit just as high.) Wonderful ride, handling and Fun to drive. The best part MPG. My first ank of gas was a combinaton of Houston traffic and highway miles 30.8 with my AUTOMATIC

• 

  Gas mileage is still same as like 2013 - 2016 Toyota RAV4
  By Janga Rai - April 7 - 12:08 pm

  They must check gas mileage which is 22 by 29 like 2013 and features of a car.

• 

  Best car to drive - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By mohemmed - April 7 - 2:06 am

  Dream car enjoy to drive perfect handling

• 

  Nice car. - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By buyer - April 6 - 10:43 pm

  This car is nice. We bought the XLS model 2001, and very happy w/ it. People keep on comparing this car to the Lexus model, however, I think for the price it maybe a better buy.

• 

  Best full size SUV out there - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Shash - April 6 - 8:56 pm

  Pros: This is a great family vehicle. We sacrificed the bells and whistles bundled with the other vehicles we saw, like DVD, heated seats, power folding rear seat, stearing wheel radio controls, etc. The quality of this vehicle far surpasses any other SUV in its class. The driver and passenger comfort is very good. Surprisingly, the vehicle handles more likee a car than a big truck. Cons: Pricier than most other SUVs its size. Wish it had a GPS system.

• 

  Overall, we love our Sequoia! - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By Taylor - April 6 - 8:26 pm

  In 2 years of ownership, we have had no major problems. It carries our family of 5 plus a ton of luggage w/o breaking a sweat. We love the huge moonroof, the 6 CD in-dash changer, the power of the 4.7 L V-8. We have taken it down dusty desert trails to visit ghost towns and up mountain paths w/o so much as a hiccup. There are a few gripes, however - the tail gate refused to open not long after we bought it and we could hear broken parts rattling around inside. The transmission sometimes clunks when were at a stoplight and it feels like weve been bumped from behind. Both rear passenger doors refuse to stay open on even the slightest incline, and the rear cubby hatch cover pops open.

• 

  A good car overall - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By vogtsa - April 6 - 3:06 pm

  I like my Camry. I think the best thing about it was the first time I stepped in it to test drive it, it felt like there was nothing to get used to. You could just get in it and go. Interior quality is about what I would expect on an entry-level midsize car but is better than my Mazda 6s was. Its rattle free. At least there are a couple of bits of metal trim vs. none on the Honda Accord. Its excellent on gas. The engine has a decent amount of power for a 4-cyl, especially on the highway. The driving experience isnt an exciting one but it doesnt feel like driving a boat. The suspension soaks up road imperfections nicely. Overall, a car I can live with for a number of years to come.