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:

• 

  Matrix XR - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By Kla - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Good car for the money. Its not for racing, but for everyday drive is comfortable.

• 

  Toyota Solara Converttible - 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
  By john r. Perkins - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this newly designed Solara Convertible on the basis of my Lexus and it is (Along with my Lexus) the best convetible Ive ever had, which includes Mercedes, mustangs and sebrings.Fun to drive, but I also enjoy the numererous comments I get.

• 

  I Love My Sienna! - 2004 Toyota Sienna
  By prettyjae2 - March 26 - 10:00 am

  The Sienna is great on gas. The build is made with quality products. Very reliabe!

• 

  Best car for the money - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Warrencheek - March 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is fantastic.The car gives a beautiful ride & is extremely comfortable. It is very quiet & feels like its built solid. Comes with with plenty of standard features like AC, push button windows, remote mirrors & electric door locks. Also comes standard with cruise control & AM/FM cassette, CD stereo. I have the 4 cylinder & its more than enough for me. I added the ABS brakes which also includes the electric drivers seat.

• 

  Great Car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Louis - March 26 - 6:50 am

  Well worth the 8 mos wait. I love the MPG and keep challanging myself to improve it. I only have 2300 miles and I expect it to improve after the breakin period. Presently getting 45 MPG. Using the the cruise control helps in managing the mpg. I set the cruse and then decelerate 1mph at a time as I go up hill. Going downhill increase it 1 mph. Trip to Atlantic City I avg 57.3mpg. Also using a higher grade fuel helps to improve mpg. The few extra cents is well worth it since Im spending less than half the amount then on my escort.

• 

  GAS HOG and high insurance rating - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By willysworker - March 26 - 6:16 am

  Bought my Tacoma PreRunner new with 2.7 L motor and automatic transmission. It has 97,000 miles and has been a gas hog. Never gotten over 22 MPG. Loaded and doing 65 MPH on interstate it averages near 18 MPG. It also has a higher than normal insurance rating even with my excellent driving record.

• 

  Solid and reliable - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By jtb - March 26 - 3:20 am

  I love Toyotas and will always own at least one. 100% reliable is why they get my business. However, this truck is weak and a total gas hog. Not made for pulling anything heavier than a jon boat. Look for to owning a full size Tundra.

• 

  Hybrid Highlander - 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
  By mechman2020 - March 25 - 9:16 pm

  Very sweet drive. Serious guts, and 30mpg... although not at the same time. Drove to Vegas and back at 85mph and averaged 25mpg. Regular freeway driving 30mpg... If you do lots of short trips you are looking at 27mpg.

• 

  Gets the Job Done Right - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By joe - March 25 - 5:40 pm

  Even after driving v6 camrys, Im sold on the I4 engine. Although not as much throttle as the v6, it does give enough acceleration for hwy merging and driving up on the SoCal hills, credit the 5 speed auto and torque. Plus its easy on the petrol. One thing to get used to though is the car is sensitive to driver demand; when passing, only have to press the pedal slightly to invoke a downshift for more passing power. Some harder and engine is running 4k+ rpm. Since the engine bay is dampened, there isnt much audible feedback as to engine speed, but its a trade-off for a quiet cabin. Other than that, interior controls are top notch, lots of storage cubbies, and comfy seats. Bright headlights.

• 

  Best Car Ever - 2004 Toyota Corolla
  By Kristy - March 25 - 2:53 pm

  Buying a Toyota Corolla was by far one of the best choices I have made. I needed a fuel efficient car that also had a good look and feel to it. Thats exactly what I got in return.