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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  Awesome Car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Speedykiwi - November 27 - 10:00 am

  There isnt much to say other than Toyota is the best and the 2002 Corolla is just part of its great family of cars.

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  Awsome FJ - 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Bill G - November 27 - 3:06 am

  I have owned a Jeep Wrangler for years, but am amazed at the FJ Cruiser, when I see a hill worthy of climbing I do it with no problems. It is amazing how it climbs, almost like theres a computer telling each wheel when to pull. It tracks perfect and makes what seems impossible a breeze. It has a very cool look. Thinking about adding the TRD exhaust to improve mileage at some point. I installed a chrome exhaust tip making it look cooler.

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  Great Truck - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By KeithK - November 26 - 12:23 pm

  I bought this truck used with 31k and currently have 99k - tires, water pump, frt, brakes and shocks/struts are all that I have in it. Power from v6 is good but thrashy at WOT, good gas mileage for 4x4 - 20 mpg, but I have gotten as good as 22 on highway at 65 mph for 3 hours. Interior is utilitarian but showing absolutely no wear, 5 spd is a little whiney in 1st and 2nd - no problem with power on highway - very rarely have to take it out of 5th to pass. Trailering is good provided you have draw tight hitch. Payload is one thing that concerns me - leaf springs seem to be fatigued even when not fully loaded weight wise - new shocks did not help - still rides well though -A/C works well in Tx heat,

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  A Pleasant Suprise - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By Tom - November 26 - 9:50 am

  We purchased a 2009 Corolla LE about 8 weeks ago and have been very happy with the purchase. The car came with many features, like automatic headlights and programmable door locks, that we would have expected with a much more expensive vehicle. The car is used mainly for running around town and short trips. While the car is comfortable for short trips, I am not sure I would take it on trips of more than 2 hours one way because the seats seem uncomfortable after driving for extended periods of time. We have been making fewer stops at the gas station as we are averaging just over 36 mpg. Overall, I would definitely recommend this car to anyone considering a small fuel efficient vehicle.

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  Great little truck - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By RCR - November 26 - 7:50 am

  We really like the truck - it does great pulling our 2-horse aluminum trailer and weve not been stuck in the snow on our steep driveway. It gets fantastic gas mileage compared the the durango we traded in for it. On the downside, the steering wheel does not pull out far enough for someone with long legs, making the driver Rather uncomfortable. We pulled out the center console in the back for more space (it was easy). The automatic transmission doesnt shift well from almost stop to go - it cant seem to figure out which gear to be in.

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  First Month - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By Fr4nk1yn - November 25 - 6:03 pm

  With gas prices threatening to be higher than last year I decided I needed my highly modified Oldsmobile Cutlass to NOT be my daily driver. A fully loaded Yaris is a rarity, but a loaded Matrix M-Theory is not. Compared to others the options to price seem very good. The best mileage so far has been 28 mpg of combo driving. That was with the dealers complimentary tank, which leads me to believe it was over filled slightly. 25 mpg is the norm. Performance is anything but. The engine is NOT performance oriented at all. If you want something quick this isnt it. However it does handle quite well. Ride is firm, sometimes harsh, but still comfortable. For looks and features Id recommend it.

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  A Great Truck. - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By fdm - November 25 - 4:03 pm

  Excellent reliable vehicle. Would buy again.

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  Poor Matrix - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By shane - November 25 - 11:23 am

  I love this car, it fit all my needs, even trips to Home Depot and Lowes for the occasional building material. I owned it for two years before I wrecked on I495. Now I am going to go buy another one in a different color.

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  One of the best! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Rickey Lee - November 25 - 10:13 am

  We bought our 2002 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4x4 New and have been all over the US threw a snow storm on I40 from Flagstaff AZ to Texas and never-never slipped a wheel and Fords-Chev-Cad- SUVs tried to follow me and ended up stuck on the side of the road ! Believe me the snow was deep and the interstate was closed! This is by far the best and safest SUV on the road! Thank you TOYOTA from the Amerson family,

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  No Regrets - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Suzanne - November 25 - 9:43 am

  Being the kind of person who looks for a good balance of performance, reliability, styling and luxury for a reasonable price, I settled on the Avalon. From day one of owning this car, there has never had a doubt in my mind that it was the right vehicle to achieve that balance. This has not been the case in prior vehicle purchases, and certainly not with the 300M I came from. No comparison. I selected the Touring trim, as I couldnt justify paying a lot more a few extra features (push-button start, rain-sensing wipers) that I really dont need. I miss the heated seats in Minnesota, but the car is black, so it works. This is a car that I know I will keep for many years to come.