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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  malfunction indicator came on twice - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By mingsterca - June 23 - 10:00 am

  The malfunction indicator light came on 3 days after I bought it - only 100 miles. The manual says - send the truck to dealership. This is very bad error message. Then a bit more details in the manual describes the possible cause by loose fuel cap. Sent it to the dealership next day, and have them check the computer codes in the truck. They says the same thing. Reset the error codes and have the mechanics tighten the cap for me. The next day driving to work, the indicator came on again. A lemon?

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  Very Impressed - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By MINB - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Evaluated all of the US and foreign mid and full-sized SUVs in this price range. With the 4.7L V8, this was the vehicle to beat. Smooth, powerful Lexus designed drivetrain, extremely quiet, great ride, great looks, lots of room, and averaging between 18 and 20 mpg. The quality of this vehicle is superb.

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  Great Car - 2003 Toyota Corolla
  By Jim12345 - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for nine months and made two cross country trips - it is great. Gas mileage is outstanding and it will run with the crowd at speed on the interstate with no problem at all. Car was perfect at delivery and zero problems. I could wish that the materials in the interior were a little better, but for the price I dont think it can be beat. It is probably the best overall quality car Ive had, including some which were much more expensive.

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  2003 Camry SE V-6 late model year - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By skydoch - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Thought about the LE, but didnt like the mushy ride. Went with the SE with the V-6. Glad I did. The strut tower brace and stiffer springs and performance tires, make this car a joy to drive. Waited for the new 210 Horsepower engine in the late model 03 models. What a difference in power and fuel economy. Getting 23city, 30Highway, Not bad! Only thing I dont care for is the rear spoiler. Sporty but not functional and makes backing up difficult. Overall Im satisfied with my first Toyota so far.

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  Yaris fun - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Skip - June 23 - 7:26 am

  Great price, great fun to drive, great MPG worst I have gotten 33 best 46. spartan interior could use a little upgrade there on base model missing pop out back windows on 2 door hatch back. I love the absolutely red "Scarlet" Yaris

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  Great car - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By KWS - June 23 - 4:33 am

  I just purchased this car a week ago and first tank of gas got me over 400+ miles averaging 38mpg. Only miss cruise control of which I will probably have dealership install. Im 61" and the leg room needs a hair more for me but other than that this is a great car.

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  My Avalon - Best car Ive ever owned - 2006 Toyota Avalon
  By RICHARD - June 22 - 11:50 pm

  We are very pleased with the car. The Avalon is definitely a "geezer" car, but thats okay since we geezers have more sense about the important aspects of car ownership. The interior is about as roomy as a large car and just as comfortable. The cars engine is quite responsive and quiet and economical to run. I would recommend the car to anyone looking for a car of this variety.

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  Problems with the seats - 2009 Toyota Matrix
  By annemarie - June 22 - 9:53 pm

  2009 Toyota matrix ....Grey interior ....problem with seat staining from getting wet, seats replaced 2 times front and back still having the same problems ....3 water leaks.....replaced the carpets....car still smells mildew...Is this Toyota quality???? Toyota needs to do something!!!!!!! I had a 2005 matrix - good little car, shouldnt have ever traded in.

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  A Little More Engineering! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Mike - June 22 - 12:36 pm

  Love the design. Classic Toyota attention to detail. This is the 6th Toyota I purchased since 1989. You just cant be the quality and dependability of a Toyota. Also like the amount of interior room, very spacious. I am 6-4" and have no trouble getting comfortable in any seat.

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  #2 sequoia owner - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By tim d - June 22 - 5:00 am

  excellent vehicle. One of the most comfy big SUVs.