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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  Love my little S - 2008 Toyota Corolla
  By cc - September 16 - 11:23 pm

  I got 35 mpg for this little car, I am wondering if because I am a tiny woman or the added sporty package gives me extra miles. Anyways, I am so attached to this car. I wish a little bit extra storage inside of the car like my husbands RAV. I have put 22000 miles on the car so far, never have any problem. Car still performs like new one. The state I live in has speed limit of 65 on the freeway, so I cannot say much about the power. But I do know it accelerates slower on the ramp. But it does get a little fishtailed in the strong wind gust.

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  2007 Matrix - 2007 Toyota Matrix
  By Brianb - September 16 - 6:26 pm

  Bought this car because of Toyota reliability reputation and mileage. Use it mostly for running kids around town. It seems a little cheap inside for the cost but Im used to nicer cars (Volvo/BMW).

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  door and seatbelt chime - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By autofan101 - September 16 - 4:07 pm

  its a nice looking car but toyota should bring back the old ding chime instead of the beep

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  Corolla manual trans. - 2006 Toyota Corolla
  By JKD - September 16 - 4:33 am

  I really like this car. I didnt know they made cars this high in quality! I bought the CE with power windows and locks but thats all the option I wanted. I just placed 1300 miles on the engine and I am starting to see the high MPG. That will be really nice this summer when gas hits $3.30 a gallon.

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  Love My New 4LE Cam - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Edith Gipson - September 16 - 1:26 am

  I read several reviews, some mixed. But as for me, I love my new 09 4LE Camry. I stepped up from the Corolla of which I have owned 2. My first was wrecked by an 18 wheeler and the 2nd took me through 12 years of safe and low maintenance driving. My son has that one now. My new Camry gets great mileage on the highway, the ride is smoother than glass. Interior may need a little jazzing up, but it is functional and works for my purpose. Black with leather interior really makes this a handsome vehicle. I love this car, great value and hope it is a warrior like my last Corolla. Toyota is the best.

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  Fallen In Love - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By DNBTOY - September 16 - 1:06 am

  Ive owned 36 new vehicles including Toyota so Im not surprised that the Prius is a top quality piece of machinery. I love the room it has, the ride, the handling and of course the outstanding gas mileage. I grin from ear to ear when filling up and figuring my gas mileage. Ive been getting 52 MPG in 70% highway 30% city driving. I dont feel nearly as raped by the oil companies. I highly recommend the Prius. Theres no reason this car couldnt be satisfactory for 80% of the population.

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  LOVED it - but watch for SAFETY ratings - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By Kathi - September 16 - 12:10 am

  I had my Matrix XR for almost a year. I loved it and had only two minor problems that needed fixing (plastic piece on underside broke and my key would sometimes stick in the ignition). However, my car was recently totaled in a low impact (only about 15 mph) accident at a four-way stop intersection where the other car (a Jeep Wrangler) decided to proceed into the intersection after I was already halfway through. He hit my passenger side at a relatively low speed. However the damage to the side of my car was pretty extensive, mostly in the front passenger seat. I thank God my kiddos werent in the car! Just watch the ratings and get side impact airbags if at all possible.

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  Not sure - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By dbail - September 15 - 10:53 pm

  I bought this on Halloween because I had read all the great reviews. Im looking forward to the reliability that everyone raves about but I do have some issues with it. The seats are extremely uncomfortable. There is a lumbar support bar that sits in the middle of my back and causes my legs to cramp. I had to pull it out during a long trip. Also, the cruise control is awkward over 70 miles an hour. If there is even the slightest hill the rpm sky rocket in order to keep the speed. Not a smooth transition. I love the automatic rear window for groceries and its a 4WD machine. The antenna has already broken but not worried about it. Differential lock a huge plus. Great vehicle horrible seats.

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  Nice Ride - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Charlie - September 15 - 10:36 pm

  I just purchased this vehicle a couple months ago and Im very happy with it, especially on long trips. I was lucky enough to add leather interior and 20 inch wheels from a Tundra Pickup, complements of Power Toyota & Arizona Sun tops. It is very powerful and handles very well for its size, it is very quiet on the highway and the JBL system sounds quite well for a factory system. There is plenty of space for my music equipment and is also relatively easy to park due to its short turning ratio.

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  Front Seats - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By Jim - September 15 - 9:00 pm

  The front seats are most uncomfortable. It feels like a metal rail is in the middle of the seat that presses upward toward the tail bone. Outside wind noise is somewhat abated from earlier models but should be much better since the car has been re-engineered. The JVCs 12-speaker sound system is fair. My 4-year old GM cars sound system puts this to shame.