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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  4 years in LA traffic... - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By hermesc - May 26 - 3:59 pm

  Ive owned this car for almost 11 years (bought it brand new) and drove it for 4 years in stop and go traffic in LA before moving out of California. Its a great vehicle, very reliable, comfortable, and good gas mileage. Even at almost 170k miles, not much to complain about. I make sure to take it in regularly for its maintenance at a certified Toyota dealership (its well worth the slightly higher prices). Hoping to keep the car well past 250k, and there are no signs suggesting otherwise.

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  Bigger but not Better - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By 3lakeswi - May 26 - 2:06 pm

  The Toyota is far bigger than any before it, but is by no means better. A goofy and unavoidable traction control system that actually governs the engine, exterior pieces that mysteriously disappear, and other problems plague our Sequoia. The engine and driveline (excluding the traction control) deliver good power and reliability with decent mileage. The interior styling is blah and the newness wears off of this vehicle rapidly.

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  Toyota Does It Again! - 2010 Toyota Matrix
  By Kibbles00 - May 26 - 1:53 pm

  Toyota has done it again! Awesome solid car. Tried the Honda Fit Sport which is a piece of junk. Thought I should switch due to all the problems Toyota was having. What a HUGE mistake. Returned the Honda and bought the Toyota Matrix S with cruise for only $14,988.

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  New Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Debotis - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I knew I would like this car but I had no idea how much I would love it. This car is so fun to drive. Great pick-up, seamless transmission, great gas mileage! And much roomier than it looks from the outside. Very peppy and quite comfortable to drive. Well worth the hasssle of a waiting list.

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  My 2004 Rav-4 4WD SUV - 2004 Toyota RAV4
  By NH Real Estate lady - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my little "Jitney"..!! This is the greatest car; economical to run, reliable, good looking and handles beautifully, on a dime. I am a Realtor, and it goes right out there with the best of them !!!! They can have their "Volvos" !!! cbennett :) Buy a 2004 Rav-4, youll just love it. PS: No need to get the "L" package.

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  1998 camry - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By aseawood - May 26 - 10:00 am

  my exprience with this vehicle have been a pleasure, I purchased this car with hopes that I would not have any problems and I have not.

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  Good Deal. - 2005 Toyota Matrix
  By bicdaddy - May 26 - 10:00 am

  We purchased a Matrix after owning four long lived Toyotas. For 05, the tail light design is sportier and the ground effects incorporate the fog lamps. The Matrix has plenty of room for two kids. The front seating position is very comfortable. Most small cars in this category make me feel like I am sitting in a hole. So far so excellent. Not one complaint. Then again, it is Toyota.

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  Best of the Best - 2004 Toyota Avalon
  By JJM - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I have never owned a better car in my life. In 16,000 miles, I have visited a dealership twice, both times for oil changes. This is an exceptionally well built vehicle, comfortable and quiet. Gas mileage is beyond belief. Toyota is well known for its reliability and they have proven it with this car. The room in the rear seats makes my old Lincoln a compact by comparison. Buy one of these and youll never own anything else.

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  Great light duty truck! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By ImAPoet - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2001; its done everything I asked, including pulling a travel trailer over the highest passes in Colorado. But the engine performance is still marginal, and gas mileage is hard to tolerate (16-18mpg). All in all, though, Ill most likely look at a new Tundra when the time comes for another truck. I dont believe the American manufacturers can match the overall quality and reliability of Toyota.

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  Wonderful small truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By JimiDGreek - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Tacoma last year and I love it! Great on gas,I average 28mpg. Good ride,drives nice. A/C is ice cold. Cab is a little tight for me,Im 5`10. No problems at all with it. I would buy another for sure. Next time Im getting an extra cab. I feel its a better value than a Ranger or S-10.