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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  Fast - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By wu - July 5 - 10:53 am

  We have had this Camry about two years now, and it is not a boring car but it is smooth, comfortable and has good road manner, and overall it is a good car.

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  1999 Toyota Sienna CE 4 Dr Van - 1999 Toyota Sienna
  By Jblieu - July 4 - 11:20 pm

  This has been a very reliable vehicle. We bought this van used with 34000 miles on it. Although it is a CE it has many upgrades such as tinted windows, an upgraded CD system, etc. It currently has around 182000 on it and we have had no problems. It is a smaller van, which I happen to like, but it is laid out well inside. You can fit a surprising amount of luggage or groceries in the back, and you can stow things under the seats. The two sliding doors are great - no worrying about climbing and reaching car seats. If you are looking for a low maintenance reliable mini-van I highly recommend the 99 Sienna.

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  a little rocket - 2006 Toyota Matrix
  By jacob - July 4 - 9:53 pm

  i can beat many expesive cars on acceleration. Its a great fun to drive car. roomy interior, which surprises guests. the only things that bothers me it taking a coin from the coin slot under the handbrake is difficult and the digital readout on the dash of milease is too dim and too small. The outside body looks as if someone hit it when you approach it from certain angles. otherwise its a bargain.

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  M next car will be again a Higlinder - 2007 Toyota Highlander
  By Olga MA - July 4 - 9:10 pm

  I got my Highlander pre- owned/certified and drove it 40.000 in 1.5 year. It gives about 24-25 MPG. This is my first Toyota. I used to own only American cars but none of them lasted more than 100.000. LOVE this car. ItÂ’s comfortable drive, super reliable. I have over 65.000 miles on this car and she sounds like new. I love the space, I love I have a small sailboat and I can put it on top and howl it to the beach, I love it has a hatchback (not a swing out back-door as Rav4). What I donÂ’t love: The radio. Its cheap. The interior fabric is cheap/poor quality. The arm supports are short. I barely can rest my elbow & I am normal height. The cars outside its thin.

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  Car is great, but sucks too - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By slick_willie - July 4 - 7:50 pm

  Attention. The manual is crappy in 1-2 or 2-3. It just is a bad combination to have the wallowy suspension and clutch be not smooth. The only way it is decent is if you are trying to use it like a racecar, but most people dont drive to 4000 rpm and then shift. Cupholders.. This car is TERRIBLE. If you take a trip and have a cooler,, forget it. You drink a can of coke for you and your passenger. When you want another one? Where can you put it? NOWHERE. on my honda, I can put 4 cans under the radio (zero for the camry) I can also put 6 cans in the door. ZERO for the camry. The door storage is worthless except for a paperback book. in 3rd -6th gear.. I love it.

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  One of the best cars ever - 2002 Toyota Avalon
  By Spudo - July 4 - 8:26 am

  I bought this car when it was 4 years old and already had 114,000 miles on it. It has been a great car, even 50,000 miles later. Runs like new. Love the power, MPG, comfort and reliability. Have had to do normal maintenance, tires, battery, brakes, fluid changes. The only mechanical issue was occasionally the throttle body will get gummed up and the car will start but not idle. Simple fix, remove the idle air regulator and clean it good with a q tip and carb cleaner. Did this myself in about an hour, no problems since. Great gas mileage, will get 31 mpg on flat highway at 55 miles her hour. Closer to 28-29 at 65-70. City around 21. Get the XLS, as it adds all the luxuries such as heated seats.

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  Tansmission Problems! - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By rflinster - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive had numerous minor problems until summer of 2000 whereby the O2 sensor went & required the entire manifold to be replaced. Then the transmission started making a "klunking" noise around 60,000 miles. Dealer unable to diagnose the problem. Last week it broke down -- whole transmission needs to be replaced -- even worse, I dont even tow anything or haul heavy items in the bed. This is all normal driving usage.

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  Kudos to Crossovers - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By runinbob - July 4 - 2:00 am

  The Matrix combines the best of looks, function and economy with bullet-proof Toyota reliability. i have downsized from a truck and find the flexibility of the cargo hold perfect for my needs which includes camping, home improvement chores and daily commuting. Interior space is deceiving based on the vehicles exterior dimensions. I have owned the car for 4 weeks and have gotten 30 mpg, right in the middle of the estimated city/highway mpg. All in all a great buy and a solid drivng experience. The only downside is a lack of power. It didnt make sense however to ante up for the bigger engine with only 5 lb-ft more torque at such ridiculous RPMs.

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  Just plain fun - 2003 Toyota Matrix
  By rigor01 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I used to rent cars for a living and have driven many different makes and models, so I knew what to get and not to get. I had my heart on the XRS when I went to the dealership but just couldnt swing the payments. Just before I left, I test drove the XR and bought it on the spot. Its fun to drive, has Toyotas reliability to back it, and because theres not a lot of them out where I live, it turns heads and makes people ask what it is. It has that young, sporty look and the interior gauges pretty cool. It has a lot of headroom, decent interior space, and enough standard features to fulfill almost all of my needs. All for well under $20,000.

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  WOW - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By dixzoo - July 4 - 2:00 am

  This truck is like none other in industry, I looked at them all! You really have to go and drive it to appriecitate it. Once you drive it you get over the cladding on the outside. The dealership I purchased at has free oil changes, What more can you ask for????????